Between 1954 and 1963, Lurie worked frequently as a researcher and expert witness for tribal petitioners in cases brought before the U. S. Indian Claims Commission, including Lower Kutenai (Ktunaxa), Lower Kalispe l(Kalispel), Quileute, Sac and Fox Nation, Winnebago (aka Ho-Chunk), Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Eastern Potawatomi; after 1963 she appeared as an expert witness in regard to the Wisconsin Chippewa and Menominee in federal courts.
Kalispel is thought to mean "camas people", referring to the roots that provided their primary food.
Western Montana was originally inhabited by the Salish, Kootenai, Shoshone, Flathead, and Kalispel people.