Kootenai – Good afternoon my name is Morning Feathers
Kiʔsuʔk Kyukyit Hu Qakⱡik Wiⱡnam ʔa.kinquwa
Hi, I’m Joshua Michel
A tenacious and compassionate examiner looking to help those in need.
Contact me: Josh@TwoFeatherForensics.com or 509.999.5206



Indigenous Roots
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🪶 The Kootenai People of Montana: Guardians of the Land
Origins and Ancestral Lands
The Kootenai, or Ktunaxa (pronounced k-too-NAH-ha), are an Indigenous people whose ancestral territory spans southeastern British Columbia, northern Idaho, and western Montana. In Montana, the Ksanka band of the Kootenai people traditionally inhabited areas along the Kootenai River, including regions near present-day Elmo and the Flathead Lake area .
Resistance and Resilience
Throughout history, the Kootenai people have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of external pressures. Notably, they refused to sign the 1855 Treaty of Hellgate, which aimed to cede vast tracts of Indigenous land to the U.S. government. This act of resistance underscored their commitment to preserving their ancestral lands and way of life .
In 1974, facing continued encroachment and loss of land, the 67 remaining members of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho declared a peaceful war on the United States. This bold move garnered national attention and ultimately led to the tribe being deeded 12.5 acres of land, marking a significant victory in their ongoing struggle for recognition and sovereignty .
Modern Skills
Nationally certified digital forensic examiner with over 13 years of fieldwork, including high-profile casework, courtroom testimony, and tribal justice support. His certifications and technical proficiencies include:
Certifications:
EnCE – EnCase Certified Examiner
CCME – Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner
CCPA – Cellebrite Certified Physical Analyst
CCO – Cellebrite Certified Operator
Key Skills:
Cell Site Location Information (CSLI) analysis and mapping
Mobile device extractions and analysis
Multimedia authentication (audio/video/image)
Drive imaging and data recovery
Metadata and EXIF file analysis
Crypto, blockchain, and cloud-based forensic analysis
Courtroom expert testimony, consultation and cross examination
Notable Trainings:
Hundreds of hours of digital forensic training through Magnet Forensics, Cellebrite, EnCase, and Hawk Analytics
Hands-on conference experience at Enfuse, CEIC, and Magnet Summits (2013–2025)
Impact:
Contributed to hundreds of cases leading to evidence suppression, case dismissals, and convictions
Assisted law enforcement and tribal governments in digital crime investigation
Public speaker and educator in digital literacy and forensic evidence interpretation
Cases worked
300+
Testimony Given
50+
Countries visited for work
6
I am grateful to have the opportunity to travel the world while supporting international casework. While I may not always have the chance to see all the areas I visit, I believe experiencing each unique culture is a valuable opportunity for growth and I make every effort to do so.