The Creator made this place for everyone
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Editor,
I am an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. I am more white than Indian. I was born and raised in St. Ignatius. In my younger years, I worked on farms and ranches all over Mission Valley and Moiese Valley in the early 1980s. I was a ditch rider out of Charlo. There was an old farmer I used to deliver water to. I believe his name was Bingham. He told me he farmed his homestead all his life. He told me there was more than enough water for farming and ranching. He said it takes hard work and dedication, but any farm or ranch in this valley can be successful.
Cathy Billie’s letter is what this reservation is about: getting along with everyone regardless of color, money, or power. The Creator made this place for everyone. My white blood sees greed, vengeance, ignorance and even hatred (a heavy word but true) towards the natives. My native blood sees beauty in this valley. Thank you, Cathy Billie, for seeing and understanding. Your heart is where everyone’s should be. You are truly part of the solution. God bless you.
P.S. I read there is land for sale in the Bitteroot and Flathead Valleys where the water runs free.
Jack Howlett
Ronan
