Salish Indians
The Salish Indians, known for their flatheads, inhabited western Montana, particularly around Flathead Lake, and were part of the Salishan linguistic family. They faced pressures from the Blackfoot, leading to westward migration. Historically, relations with white settlers were generally friendly, facilitated by missionary work from Father De Smet. Following treaties, the Salish ceded their lands, ultimately residing on a designated reservation. Population estimates varied, with census data indicating numbers ranging from 486 in 1910 to over 3,000 in earlier estimates.