PABLO - Flags are flying at half-staff on the Flathead Reservation following the death of a well-known Tribal elder.
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council has announced that Selis Qlispe elder Tony Incashola Senior has passed away.
'Please take a moment to pray for the Incashola family and reflect on the major contributions that Tony has made to our community and Selis Qlispe language and culture," a social media post reads.
Incashola passed away on June 7. He served as the Director of the Selis Qlispe Culture Committee since 1995. Incashola also served on the Culture Committee, beginning in 1975.
Incashola was born in Saint Ignatius. He served in the U.S. Army and was sent to Vietnam. He later returned to the Flathead Reservation.
In a biographical article, he writes how he turned the pain of racism into a lifelong pursuit to preserve Salish culture and give future generations a sense of pride in who they are as a people.
"Tony will forever be remembered for his tireless work and dedication to preserve, protect, and perpetuate the culture, history, and language of our Selis Qlispe people," a news release states.
An announcement about services for Incashola will be made at a later date.
- information from Jill Valley included in this report
