The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho went to "war" against the federal government in 1974, a story that is the subject of a new documentary.

"Idaho's Forgotten War" explores how the 67 remaining members of the tribe protested their treatment by the United States. They were pushed off their ancestral territory and were living in poor conditions near Bonners Ferry.

The tribe erected a blockade and charged drivers 10 cents to get across. That led to a tense situation with then Gov. Cecil Andrus (D) -- later to become Secretary of the Interior during the Carter administration -- who sent state troopers to the area before the federal government stepped in and created a reservation for the tribe.

"Idaho's Forgotten War" is set to be finalized in the fall.

Get the Story:
Remember the Kootenai Tribe's struggle against the feds in 1974? (The Idaho Statesman 5/22)