Tribal leaders in Idaho have asked the governor of the state, C.L. "Butch" Otter, to create a cabinet post dedicated to improving tribal relations, according to an AP article published in the Havre Daily News on Dec. 31.
The previous week, leaders from the Coeur d'Alene, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock and Shoshone Paiute tribes met with Otter, but the governor made no commitment.
Over the last decade, the state and the tribes that call it home have quarreled over such issues as water rights and taxes on reservation gasoline. Although many issues get resolved, some are still outstanding, such as the cross-deputization of tribal and county authorities, the AP reported.
At least 34 states have created similar positions, the article quoted Coeur d'Alene Tribe Chairman Chief Allan as saying.
"Tribal economies in Idaho generate at least a half billion dollars annually, provide thousands of jobs, and pay millions of dollars in Idaho tax revenues that flows into state coffers," Allan said. "It only seems fair for tribes to have a place within Gov. Otter's administration."
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