page_title: Flathead Indian Reservation
section_title: Economy
hierarchical_section_title: Flathead Indian Reservation / Economy
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Hydroelektrische Talsperre "Séliš Ksanka Ql’ispé Dam" (ehemals Kerr Dam) bei, betrieben von der Indianernation Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation in Montana. Wegen der Frühjahr-Schneeschmelze in den Bergen sind alle Schleusentore geöffnet. English: Hydroelectric Séliš Ksanka Ql’ispé Dam (formerly known as Kerr Dam) at Polson, operated by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation in Montana. Due to the spring snow melting in the mountains, all gates of the dam are open.
context_page_description: The Flathead Indian Reservation, located in western Montana on the Flathead River, is home to the Bitterroot Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d'Oreilles tribes – also known as the
  Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation. The reservation was created through the July 16, 1855, Treaty of Hellgate.
  It has land in four of Montana's counties: Lake, Sanders, Missoula, and Flathead, and controls most of Flathead Lake. The Flathead Indian Reservation, west of the Continental Divide, consists of 1,938 square miles of forested mountains and valleys.
context_section_description: The tribes derive income from selling timber and from operating a variety of businesses: 
  Gray Wolf Peak casino in the south of the reservation between Arlee and Evaro,
  KwaTaqNuk ("where the water leaves the lake") resort and casino in Polson,
  S&K Technologies, a defense technology firm with its headquarters in St. Ignatius and five subsidiary companies in the US and Saudi Arabia
  S&K Electronics in Pablo, an electronics manufacturer established in 1984,
  S&K Holding, a leasing and financing firm
  In 2015, the tribes acquired the former Kerr Dam, renaming it as the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam. They are the first tribe to own a hydroelectric dam. It generates hydroelectric power for the region. They had previously worked with and shared revenues with the owner and operator of the dam, but decided to acquire it so they would have sole interest.
  The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation also operate and maintain Mission Valley Power, a federally owned electricity provider.
  Salish Kootenai College, a tribally controlled college, has been established in Pablo. It offers two- and four-year degrees.
caption: Séliš Ksanka Ql’ispé Dam in 2018
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