Book examines Salish political, economic strategies
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PABLO — A new book by local historian and author Bob Bigart argues that the Salish Indians deserve far more credit for diplomacy and survival strategies that they normally get.
In “Getting Good Crops: Economic And Diplomatic Survival Strategies Of The Montana Bitterroot Salish Indians, 1870–1891,” Bigart examines a historical period of great turmoil and hardship for the Salish and shows how tribal leaders kept their people safe and secure. During this period, the Salish faced wars with other tribes, difficulties dealing with the whites, economic depression and the disappearance of the buffalo. By staying out of other tribes’ conflicts and becoming farmers — learning how to “grow good crops” — the Salish were able to survive into the 20th century, Bigart explained.
“I think it’s important to look at it and realize that the tribes had strategies,” Bigart said. “(The book) makes the point that Indians, although they were victimized, weren’t just victims; they were actors as well … This (book) is the evidence that I’ve been able to find that they did have (economic and political) strategies.”
Bigart, an Arlee native, retired from his position as Salish Kootenai College Library director in the early 1990s, but remained as part-time director of the college’s press. He’s put out several books during his tenure there, but “Getting Good Crops” is a personal project published by the University of Oklahoma press. Bigart has studied the history of the Salish and Kootenai tribes since the 1960s, and said the information in his new book is part of the result of his research.
“I will be interested in hearing people’s responses to the argument,” he said.
“Getting Good Crops” is available to borrow at the SKC Library and for purchase online at www.oupress.com.
The University of Oklahoma describes the book as an inspiring story of survival.
“Raised on the Flathead Reservation himself, the author is seeking to convey the Salish story from their perspective, despite the paucity of written Salish testimony. What emerges is a picture — both inspiring and heartbreaking — of a people maintaining autonomy against all odds.”
