Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Conference Promotes Cultural Exchange and Rail Development

CSKT Tribal Council representatives Mike Dolson and Martin Charlo attended last month's BSPRA Annual Conference. Dolson gave the welcoming address at the banquet on Friday evening and shared the complicated history of the railroad and its impact on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes throughout history. Over 140 years later, tribal leaders are optimistic about the possibilities of a passenger railroad line that crosses the same strip of land previous leaders fought so hard against building on the reservation. The proposed passenger rail will travel north from Missoula through Arlee, Ravalli, and Dixon, then west to Spokane.

“I am glad to hear of their push to put passenger trains back on the southern route. Martin Charlo is the fellow who has great knowledge of their entire effort,” said Dolson. Read more.