Welcome to the Flathead Reservation! Home to the Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai People

Published: 2019
By Brenda Richey

For more than 20 years the Flathead Reservation Extension Office (FREO), a part of Montana State University Extension, has served the people of the Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai tribes (CSKT). With over 1.317 million acres reaching into four counties, program staff work to bring research-based information to reservation communities. The office is grant-funded and offers a number of opportunities in positive youth development, food and nutrition, security and safety. Current community offerings are in Master Gardening, Master Food Preservation, ServSafe classes, Pesticide Applicator Training, Soil Sampling, Hay/Forage analysis, and Pest/Disease Identification and Management. Youth education offerings include in-school/after school 4-H activities, a youth mentoring program and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) project focused on connecting youth to agriculture using technology. A youth mental health program has been introduced into local high schools. A strong SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Education) program delivers healthy lifestyle lessons to more than 1,000 youth and adults each year. FREO recognizes the importance of promoting cultural awareness and diversity. Staff work to incorporate cultural activities that honor and support CSKT traditions. Quality programing is successful due to the support of our local community members, partners and tribal support. Thank You!