Coeur d'Alene Tribal School

In the early days the Schitsu umsh were known as strong runners. Wherever they wish to go, they ran. They ran from village to village to visit friends and relatives, they ran to deliver messages, they ran to hunt for food; as they did not have horses in those days.

There was a man named Louis Antelope or better known as Whus-tas-ta-ayn who was known as a great runner. He was shot in the hip during the Steptoe Battle and knocked off of his horse. Khwist ha st(in (Walks like an Antelope) healed from his injury, but was not able to run anymore. It was then that he became known as “Walking Antelope”.

We honor Khwist ha st(in and all Coeurd’Alene runners at the Coeur d’Alene Tribal School each year by running the thirty miles to the top of Steptoe Butte. We also honor our people and ourselves by performing this event.

The purpose of the Antelope Run is to recapture this spirit of understanding and knowing of the strength and endurance of our people. Also this event is to bind and build the unity and closeness of Schitsu umsh. We run to gain strength of our minds and bodies and to know the hearts and lives of our people.