The Kalispels' Religion
[Spokan Garry Sohon drawing]
Next, I will briefly discuss the Kalispel predisposition to introduction of the new Catholic faith.
It can be interpreted that the Kalispel religion had some common elements with the Catholic religion, like Great Spirit, good luck charms, rituals.
Shining Shirt, Yureerachen or Circling Raven, legend predicted men with fair skins and long black robes would come. Other fair skins would overrun the country.
Spokan Garry, educated by whites, brought Christianity to the Indians.
Another thought to consider for looking at the Kalispel predisposition to accept a new religion is the white encroachment stress.
- Sociologist Rodney Stark, In response to 'failures' of their traditional faiths, societies evolve or adopt new faiths.
Most likely, Indians wanted power to defend themselves and to defeat their enemies.