Non-Indians Seeking Protection

A Kamiah businessman and Lewis County commissioner say the state’s help is needed to protect the rights of non-Indians living on and around or even passing through the Nez Perce Indian Reservation.

They contend in a petition that legislative or legal action by the state is needed to resolve jurisdictional conflicts between the tribe and non-Indians over water, property, employment, taxes, law enforcement, hunting and fishing, the Idaho Lottery and tribal court.

Two months ago, Nez Perce leaders branded the petition drive a childish tactic aimed at fomenting ill feelings and called for those who launched it to publicly identify themselves.

Kamiah businessman Jim Emmert said Monday that the petitions carry about 1,300 signatures from 60 cities in Idaho, Eastern Washington and Montana, and 37 of those towns are in north-central Idaho.

He said Lilian Konrad and Julie Hershey of Kamiah distributed and gathered the petitions.

“Gov. Batt has agreed to talk to myself and (Lewis County Commissioner) Harold Clonninger and accept the petitions,” Emmert said. “We are hoping to get a commitment that the state will take any legal and legislative action necessary to retain jurisdiction for non-Indians living on or passing thorough a reservation.”

An aide to Gov. Phil Batt confirmed he would meet with Emmert and Clonninger.

The petition drive was launched three months ago after local government officials objected to the Nez Perce Tribe’s attempt to oversee water quality inside the reservation. Tribal leaders subsequently placed their bid on hold because of the outcry of north-central Idaho officials.

U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, has scheduled a May 25 congressional hearing about a property dispute involving Nez Perce Indian heirs who want their land back in the Kamiah area. Non-Indians who claim eight acres of disputed property contend they bought the land in good faith and want compensation if it’s taken.