Good afternoon, readers. Last week, after years of litigation, the state’s water court issued a final decree on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ (CSKT) Water Compact. The announcement confirmed years of the Tribes’ efforts to establish water rights in Montana that began, well, a long time ago.

Water rights had long been disputed with the United States’ installation of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project in the early 1900s.

In the 1980s, tribal officials launched a detailed water measurement program when the Montana Legislature established the Water Rights Compact Commission to negotiate settlements with tribes claiming federally reserved water rights. Data gathered from the rigorous program, the story of which is told in the 20-minute documentary The Water Keepers, provided a scientific foundation for the Tribes as they pursued their rights.

The commission approved the CSKT-Montana Water Compact followed by approval from the Legislature in 2015, the Montana Supreme Court in 2017 and Congress in 2020. On May 12, Chief Water Judge Stephen Brown issued a final decree in the state’s water court for the compact, formally concluding the years of negotiation and litigation.  

“The substance of the Compact reflects the balance and sense of justice the parties recognized as necessary to reach resolution,” Brown wrote. “The Water Court also emphasizes that the government-to-government negotiations resulting in ratification of the Compact by the Montana Legislature, and subsequently by the United States Congress, pursuant to the Montana Water Rights Protection Act, demonstrate the compacting process is consistent with the overall public interest.”

The decree also dismisses all remaining objections to the CSKT-Montana Water Compact, after finding that some parties’ protests against the compact did not provide substantive proof of injury from the compact’s approval.

For tribal leadership, the compact represents an extended effort to protect natural resources that CSKT Tribal Council Chairman Mike Dolson said the Tribes have relied on for longer than recorded history.

“Our water has always been our water, but now with the authority of the court, any questions or contests concerning our water should be answered summarily from this time forward,” Dolson said. “Thank you to everyone who has made this happen.”

Tribal cultural leaders from the Kootenai Culture Committee and Séliš-Ql̓ispé Culture Committee also pointed to the compact as a recognition of water rights and continued relationship with land and water.

“Our elders often remind us, our sovereignty untimely rests upon our cultural continuance, continuing to respect and care for the land and water in the way we know, in the way we always have,” Sadie Peone-Stops, director of the Séliš-Ql̓ispé Culture Committee, said.  “The land and water have always provided sustenance; we now have the ability in other ways to reciprocate and do our best despite generations of sacrifice and comprise. We hold close in our heart’s gratitude to the many years of advocacy by our elders who showed up at the countless meetings and fiercely articulated our rights and responsibilities as Séliš-Ql̓ispé people and to the CSKT water rights team for working hard to protect and honor the water.”

I’m Zoë Buhrmaster, here to take you through today’s roundup.

Join the Humane Society of Northwest Montana for a heartwarming day of fun, community, and compassion at the annual Summer Shindig & Fundraiser, “Paws in Paradise,” happening Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 100 Adopt A Pet Way in Kalispell. This free, family friendly event invites the entire Flathead Valley to come together in support of animals in need.

The Shindig is more than just a celebration — it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Guests can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including a silent auction, raffle basket drawings, and the final day to enter the exciting 50/50 raffle. Live music from local favorite Stevendebi will set the tone from noon to 3 p.m., creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.

Families will love the kid-friendly area featuring a bouncy house and games, while pet lovers can participate in fun contests designed for both people and their four-legged companions. Local vendors will be on-site showcasing unique goods, and delicious offerings from food trucks—including BBQ and refreshing treats—will keep everyone energized throughout the day.

Every moment spent at the Summer Shindig helps support the Humane Society’s mission to care for, protect, and find loving homes for shelter animals. Bring your friends, bring your well-behaved dogs, and experience a joyful day dedicated to a great cause. Together, we can give more animals the second chance they deserve.