The Kutenai are an Indigenous people primarily located in the northwestern United States and southern Canada. They traditionally inhabit areas around the Kootenay River and the Columbia River, with a rich cultural heritage that includes unique languages, crafts, and spiritual beliefs. Historically, the Kutenai relied on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. They are known for their distinctive art forms, including intricate beadwork and basketry. Today, many Kutenai people continue to preserve their traditions while also engaging in modern economic activities and community development efforts.