The Kalispels' Food - Camas
Root gathering was of chief importance.
Camas root found in abundance
- Vast prairies around Calispel Lake, Usk and Cusick.
- These camas fields were the largest in the area.
- The major Kalispel villages were found in this area.
Archeological evidence shows the area has been continuously occupied > 3,500 years.
Camas is important, perhaps more important than salmon, in leading to a more settled life (Thoms).
The Kalispels were surviving by hunting, fishing, and gathering food before European & American encroachment and the founding of St. Ignatius in 1844.