Inspiring Idaho Women

The 2020 Idaho Legislature, through its Idaho Day legacy program, encourages the recognition of Idaho women. This year is known as “Idaho Women 100 Celebration,” the centennial of the 19th Amendment. The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum will be submitting a series of articles about inspirational women who have contributed to our community, past and present.

“Guardians of the land forever.” “Keepers of the Covenant.” “Preservers of Tribal customs and culture.”

This is the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho’s purpose and promise.

One notable woman in Boundary County Idaho’s story is Amy Trice, a long-time leader and advocate for the Kootenai Tribe. Amy was Chairman of the Tribe when in 1974 this small, quiet, peaceful band finally stood up and spoke out about the plight of its people. Her leadership was instrumental in bringing to national attention her small, diminishing “Mission Hill” community that had never been recognized with a treaty by the U.S. Government. Here is a chapter of her story, but much more can be learned about this influential woman in a 2009 documentary by Sonya Rosario entitled, “Idaho’s Forgotten War.”

Amy grew up in Boundary County in the 1930s, knowing firsthand the conditions by which her people were struggling for survival. During this time, they lived in lodges near the town of Bonners Ferry, unable to engage the Bureau of Indian Affairs to act on their behalf. The Tribe was too small, they were told. The Tribe numbered fewer than 70 members, living in substandard housing, and seeing very little hope in their future.

Even more critical than the housing conditions, Amy witnessed the loss of dignity her people were suffering, and so in 1974 Amy led the Tribe into a declaration of war on the United States. The war was a peaceful one, never intended to become violent. Its goal was to raise awareness and call attention to the situation involving her people. Tribal members established a number of toll booths on local roads, stopping travelers to educate them and enlist support for their cause.

Integral to their “demands” was the loss of their aboriginal lands, being split into several separate bands by the establishment of state and national borders and boundaries, no treaty documentation, and no defined Reservation designation.

The media ran with the story, spreading national attention across the country. Idaho Public Television quickly produced a feature on their program entitled, “Idaho, A Portrait.” Cecil Andrus, Idaho’s Governor during this time sent a contingent of the Idaho State Police, and Senator James McClure and Congressman Steve Symms flew into Bonners Ferry intent upon negotiating with Tribal leaders. While not all the Tribe’s “demands” were fulfilled, “We got our dignity back,” Amy said. “That is what the war accomplished.”

Following the war, Amy Trice became a mentor and a spokesperson not only for the Kootenai Tribe, but for tribes all across the U.S. and into Canada. She traveled frequently and widely, speaking about the importance of dignity and heritage of indigenous cultures. She spread hope for the many accomplishments that can be achieved by speaking boldly, bravely, and respectfully. Amy’s mantra was that one doesn’t just give up, lie down, “and just go away.” Her name was known from border to border and coast to coast for her passionate advocacy and her belief that her voice, along with those of her Tribe, could make life better for her family and for the generations to come.

Amy Trice passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2011. People from across the nation were saddened by her passing, but also encouraged by the undaunted spirit of this woman who fought endlessly to make life better for future generations.