Native Americans

I am proud of Idaho's vibrant history. Part of what makes up Idaho's culture is that it is home to five Native American Tribes: the Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and Shoshone-Paiute. They contribute to the richness of Idaho's history and are each important to its future.

Thousands of Native Americans were living in the territory that would eventually become Idaho. Although their numbers have declined over the decades, we owe much of our heritage to those who came before us.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I often have the opportunity to collaborate with Idaho Tribal leaders and members on a variety of federal issues and Bureau of Indian Affairs programs. 

In Idaho, the partnership and counsel of Tribal officials is vital to a number of resource and economic issues, ranging from salmon to land use to our environment.  Collaborative work with the Kootenai tribe in areas like the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative has protected endangered sturgeon stocks in Idaho,  The Coeur d’Alene Tribe has set the bar high on health care issues and mining cleanup plans in North Idaho.  The Shoshone-Paiute Tribe was a valued partner on the Owyhee Initiative land management law and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe has worked with me every step of the way to resolve land ownership issues along the Blackfoot River and improve economic opportunities for Tribal and non-tribal members.  The Nez Perce Tribe has been of valuable assistance on issues ranging from water rights to salmon recovery.

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