Memorial honors veterans

PABLO - The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' veterans committee dedicated a new monument last Wednesday, four years in the making. Eagle Circle: Ksanka, Selis, Qlispe, Warrior/Veterans Wall of Remembrance honors the tribes' boldest and bravest, those who have given their lives for the security of their nation.

A large crowd gathered in front of the tribal complex in Pablo where the monument stands tall and proud above the surrounding buildings. The ceremony featured speakers, stories and a procession of tribal veterans around the monument. Archers Francis Cahoon and Francis Kenmille shot three ceremonial arrows into a cloudless sky. The hand-made arrows were collected and given to some of the tribes' oldest veterans; Matt Michel, Vic Matt and Francis Stranger as an appreciation of their service.

"It was specific to our tribe, but also certainly a thank you to all veterans," the monument's artist, Corky Clairmont, said of the procession. "What was said during the dedication was important. We're all brothers when we go to battle. We're side by side in conflict and we are supporting one another, so we become very close."

The largest veteran's monument in the Northwest, Eagle Circle consists of 21 carved granite slabs and 11 65-foot tepee poles that rise above it. Etched into the granite, this living monument documents the names of 1,200 veteran Indians from the Flathead Reservation who served in the U.S. military, dating back to 1877. There is room for 1,000 more.

Clairmont hopes this monument will serve as not only a memorial honoring veterans, but also as a place of healing and great power for those who have served.

"It was done to make a statement to let them know that we care," he said. "Many times, veterans aren't given credit for their service and they are forgotten. This is now a constant reminder that we owe them a great debt. They now have a place that they can go and realize that ‘welcome home' and ‘thank you' from our tribal community."

Clairmont's sketches tell a thousand-year-old story and are rich with symbolism tied to Native American culture. Located in the center panel, the bald eagle is its most powerful symbol.

"It is considered our most sacred bird," Clairmont said. "He is our protector and helper and he watches over us."

The eagle's wings, which wrap around the monument, symbolize that protection, but also serve as a gesture of embrace, welcoming home the warriors and telling them "thank you." The eagle's expression is stern, so as to warn invaders that he will do what he must, at any cost, in order to protect his people.

On the opposite side, a coyote with four pups represents Native American stories from the beginning of time until now, and into the future. Coyote stories are an integral part of each tribe's past, communicating morals and values.

"He is the one that brings us our important lessons and tells us how we are supposed to be as humans," Clairmont said.

Interestingly enough, for a warrior/veterans' monument, there are no tanks, missiles, guns or battle ships depicted in the granite. There are no weapons at all.

Two figures, one man and one woman, represent the strength of the nation without the use of force. The man carries an eagle staff, which represents the tribal flag. This iconic staff tells outsiders that the man is willing to do what is necessary to preserve and protect his people and his homeland.

"You don't need a gun to say that," Clairmont said. "You see that staff and it tells you everything."

While many women warriors went to war and fought along side of the men, many also stayed behind to protect the tribe when the men were gone. The woman on horseback carries a child in her arms. The child has an eagle fan in his arms, telling the importance of the family and of the home.

The backside of the monument has images of the Flathead Indian Reservation, including the entire Mission Mountain range and important areas, like Chief Cliff, Flathead Lake, Wild Horse Island and images of the Flathead River. A Salish and Kootenai village represent each tribes' ancestors. This side speaks about the homeland and why it is sometimes necessary go to war in order to protect those things.

The tepee poles, which encircle the stone monument, are the symbol of "home" for Native American people. The granite wall, itself, actually acts as an abstract tepee liner that drops down from the poles, Clairmont said.

"Everything has a purpose," Clairmont said. "The granite itself is the bones of our mother, the bones of our Earth."