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WHITES JOIN WITHSELISH INDIANS IN BIG CELEBRATIONANNIVERSARY OP THE SIGNING OF PEACE TREATIES IS OBSERVED BY FLATHEADSTrophies are Hung on the Famous Medicine Tree, The Noted Historic Landmark; A Sacred Custom of The Selish Tribes.The traditions of the Selish of Flathead Indians were recently uphold when they gathered with their white brothers at Medicine Tree, historic landmark of the upper Bitter Root valley, to commemorate the signing of peace treaties in years gone by.Medicine Tree is an ancient yellow pine held in sacred regard by the remnants of the Selish tribe. Just above the tree a ledge of rock stands out in rough outline against the hills. One large rock closely resembles the head of an Indian chief and though it has been carved only by the Great Sculptor, the red men regard is as a medicine man and link it with the old tree in the legends of their tribe.For many years, they followed the custom of hanging trophies on the tree in deference to the medicine man and the powers of the Great Spirit. Beads strung in many patterns, gay blankets and bright feathers were hung on the old tree, making it resemble a primitive Christmas tree in its gavety.The story of the tree as related by Peter Pichette, the historian of the Selish tribe, tells of an ancient battle between a good coyote and a wicked mountain sheep. The boasting ram came to grief when he undertook to show the coyote how his strength excelled. The ram butted the tree with such force that one horn was imbedded in the tree, thereby holding the sheep a prisoner until death relieved him.The horn of the sheep remained in the tree for many years, according to legend until some vandal removed it. Old timers vouch for having seen the horn in the tree yearsPas«ypFfahTPP\ct\IIblt;itT
Newspaper Details
Kevin Review
Kevin, Montana, US
Thu, Sep 25, 1924
Page 2
Full Page
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Utah, USA 24 Jan 2023
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