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 lived in the territory that would eventually become Idaho. We owe much of our heritage to those who came before us. 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.