Idaho Tribal leaders unite to discuss issues
Representatives from the Idaho Five Tribes.
By ECHO MARSHALL
Public Affairs Manager
BOISE – On March 2, Idaho Tribal leaders met in Boise to share information and discuss current issues being discussed at the Idaho Legislative session, and reaffirm tribal sovereignty.
The Idaho Five Tribes Summit is an opportunity for Tribal leaders from Idaho tribes to come together to provide updates on issues affecting tribes, share strategies to overcome challenges, and unite to support each other. The main point was that Idaho tribes must work together. Tribal representatives from all of Idaho tribes attended including the Shoshone-Paiute, Nez Perce, Kootenai, Coeur d’Alene and Shoshone-Bannock. The Summit was hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and facilitated by CDA Chairman, Chief Allan.
Fort Hall Business Council (FHBC) Chairman Nathan Small discussed priorities of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, including the Environmental Protection Agency and Superfund sites located on the Fort Hall Reservation; the Tribes opposition to mines and the 1872 Mining Law; the impacts of elk wintering on the reservation and economic development projects. The Tribes have serious concerns on Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases and are recommending that Idaho clerks and judges need additional training on federal Indian law. In addition, the Tribes are continuing to follow the Herrera case and buffalo updates.
FHBC Sgt-at-Arms Gaylen Edmo shared the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes continue to have Indian Child Welfare Act issues. “There are many times that we have to send our tribal attorney’s over to get involved to send a reminder when it is an ICWA case.” He added the Tribes are always following the Herrera case and staying on top of the buffalo updates.
Coeur d’Alene Chairman Allan spoke of the importance of higher education for tribal students, and especially of law school. “That will change the game for us,” he said. “I try to tell all of our kids to go to Law School. Sports are great, but the next step is school.” He also spoke about the housing shortages on their reservation and their tribe’s initiatives to buy their land back. The Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year. He reminded everyone of the difficulties that Idaho tribes encountered to fight for Indian gaming in Idaho. “We need to continue to stand together, there is a power in numbers.”
Samuel Penney, Nez Perce Tribal Chairman, reported on their agriculture issues, and the increasing U.S. need for critical minerals and that tribes will have to fight them. Forest plans are being revised now and he advised that all tribes need to have input. A new interchange is being constructed on the east side of their casino, and they are also working on getting property in Clarkston at the Redwood Golf Course into trust. Chairman Penney said, “Our top priorities are very similar to what other tribes are experiencing. It is so important that we come together and be strong.”
Shoshone-Paiute Vice-Chairman Arnold Thomas spoke about unity and his views on how greed and money have separated many people. “We need to stay united,” he said. “I am glad to see the discussions occurring here with our leaders.” Thomas spoke about the Columbia River Treaty negotiations and the 1872 Mining Law. He also spoke about the importance of having a voice in the Governor’s office. He reminded the group of the unratified treaties in the Boise area including the Treaty of Boise Valley, Treaty of Bruneau Valley and the Long Tom Treaty. “If there is ever going to be true peace, some of these unratified treaties need to be ratified,” concluded Thomas.
The University of Law School provided an overview of their program. The College of Law offers in-state tuition to any enrolled member of a federally recognized Tribe of a western state. The Coeur d’Alene Tribe gifted each student with a $2,500 scholarship. Tribal leaders offered support for the Law program, and agreed that all law students should attend a Native American Law class. Graduates of the law program are placed in clerkships throughout the west, and alumni actively contribute to the School. Alumni Gaylen Edmo provides new student orientation to emphasize the importance of tribal sovereignty and federal Indian law.
A general discussion on ICWA and the problems of combating drug abuse in tribal communities is a common problem on all reservations. Chairman Allan believes that ICWA and the drug problems are all connected. “Parents get caught up in it, kids get taken away. We are really getting fed up with our own people selling to our people,” he said.
Chairman Small also voiced his concerns with the drug problem and emphasize the need for a drug detoxification facility.
“This was the first Idaho Five Tribes Summit that I have had the opportunity to attend,” said Roland Marshall, Fort Hall Business Council Treasurer. I felt it was highly effective and I look forward to further conversations that need to carry out some of the ideas that were to brought to light from our meeting. One of those ideas being an Idaho Five Tribes Treatment Rehabilitation Center to help all Idaho Tribes in their fight against the drug problems tearing apart our communities.”
A follow up to the March 2 meeting is being scheduled to occur within the next couple of months to continue these discussions.
