The five Native American tribes in Idaho have a combined economic impact of $1.45 billion, according to a study by a University of Idaho economist.
The tribes contribute heavily to the economy, agriculture, tourism, recreation and hospitality industries and support more than 12,500 jobs across the state, said Steven Peterson, a University of Idaho research economist who served as the study’s principal investigator.
“Their footprint is large enough that if you waved a wand and their activities disappeared, the state of Idaho would likely be thrown into a recession,” Peterson said. “Their economic impact is that big and substantial.”
The five Native American tribes in Idaho include:
Coeur d’Alene Tribe, 2,599 members.
Nez Perce Tribe, 3,526 members.
Kootenai Tribe, 168 members.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, 6,075 members.
Shoshone-Paiute Tribes, 2,203 members.
