About the Camas Foundation

The Camas Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, is devoted to advancing wellness, sustainability, and opportunity for the Kalispel Tribe and neighboring communities. Our mission is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Kalispel people, blending traditional wisdom with modern solutions to foster holistic health—physical, mental, spiritual, social, and environmental—for current and future generations.

Guided by the core values of community, collaboration, and resilience, the Camas Foundation invests in impactful programs that:

Enhance access to education and lifelong learning opportunities.
Protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations.
Promote comprehensive wellness to strengthen individuals and communities.

Our work reflects the Kalispel belief in the interconnectedness of all things. We recognize the importance of creating and sustaining connections—between people, the land, and the shared values that shape a brighter future.

By honoring our past, addressing today’s challenges, and preparing for tomorrow, the Camas Foundation is building a legacy of hope, equity, and sustainability. Together, we can cultivate thriving communities and ensure a healthier, more harmonious world for generations to come.

Our Vision

The Camas Foundation intends to promote wellness for the Kalispel people and their neighbors. We want to improve the health—physical, mental, spiritual and social—of our Tribe and the communities in which we live.

Partnerships

We have been able to create a model for language and culture preservation through education. By building on these successes, the Camas Foundation has worked to expand its nationally-recognized Salish program to serve as a model for other tribes and communities of language. The Salish Language Immersion School now serves children in our community kindergarten through fifth grade, the goal is to increase our student base. The vision of the school is to restore the Kalispel language as a principle means of communication, learning and cultural transmission.

Kalispel Immersion School JR Bluff, Language Director

The Tree of Healing is a premiere behavioral health and Native American cultural conference. Presenters are renowned local, national and international speakers on topics that are timely and targeted towards your learning experience and professional development. Each attendee can earn up to 24 CEU hours including a cultural competency component. This year participants will also have an opportunity to attend a six hour law and ethics course. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be served for those registered for the conference.

Tree of Healing Conference Ali Desautel, Health Care Adminstrator

Camas Foundation

P.O. Box 299
Usk, Washington 99180
(509) 447-7432
tmacarthur@kalispeltribe.com