They are generally divided geographically and culturally in two groupings:[4] and In addition, some Kalispel are enrolled in the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in eastern Washington.

The name Pend d’Oreille (French: [pɑ̃ d‿ɔ.ʁɛj]), which means "hangs from ear", was attributed to them by French-speaking colonists and traders in reference to the large shell earrings worn by these people.

[2] The main part of the Kalispel Reservation is northwest of Newport, Washington, in central Pend Oreille County.

The main reservation is an 18.638 square kilometres (7.196 sq mi) strip of land along the Pend Oreille River, west of the Washington–Idaho border.

The total land area of the Kalispel Indian Reservation, located at 48°21′16″N 117°16′25″W / 48.35444°N 117.27361°W / 48.35444; -117.27361 in Pend Oreille County, is 18.840 square kilometres (7.274 sq mi).

Today a large community building on the Kalispel reservation bears the name “Tule Hut” in reference to this traditional housing.

The Upper Pend d’Oreille of the Flathead Reservation became engaged in a dispute over off-reservation hunting between the tribes and the state of Montana, resulting in the Swan Valley Massacre of 1908.

Since 1975, the Kalispel Tribe has held an annual pow wow at its Usk, Washington, reservation in July or August.