Idaho legislators could help repair their state’s relationship with its five American Indian tribes by heeding a North Idaho lawmaker’s request.

Before legislators consider matters that would affect state-tribe relations, state Sen. Mike Jorgenson, R-Hayden Lake, asked last week, they should run the issue past the Idaho Council on Indian Affairs. Common sense would dictate that they do. But a sensible approach to Indian issues isn’t a trademark of the Idaho Legislature. Some of the bitterest battles in recent years involve legislative attempts to impose state law on federally protected reservation practices.

As the new chairman of the Indian Affairs council, Jorgenson told this newspaper that the Legislature would have a better grasp on Indian issues if it listened to his council’s experts. The council consists of legislators, representatives from all five tribes, and an official from Gov. Dirk Kempthorne’s office. “Typically,” Jorgenson said, “the council has responded as a fire drill after there has been legislation brought. Frankly, we’re just trying to get a jump on it.”

Idaho legislators are quick to rely on the advice of lobbyists representing business, agriculture, the tobacco industry and the state’s cities and counties. They do so with an eye toward economic development, job creation and increased revenue. Yet they treat the emerging reservation economies as unimportant or threats. Some lawmakers will always treat the tribes shabbily. But legislative leaders should follow Jorgenson’s lead in learning to appreciate them.

Jorgenson hails from Kootenai County, where elected officials understand the importance of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe as an economic, cultural and traditional force. The tribe has shared its prosperity with non-Indians in the form of direct financial contributions to public schools, health and dental services, reservation jobs and a transit system that serves the reservation as well as Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls and Hayden.

Other legislators haven’t been as open-minded, including state Rep. Dick Harwood, R-St. Maries, whose district includes the Coeur d’Alene reservation.

Harwood has made several memorable statements during his three terms in the Legislature, including one as he attempted to explain why he opposed removal of the word “squaw” from Idaho place names: “I don’t think the word is derogatory. It’s the way it’s being said that would make ‘em take it that way.” In this instance, the Indian affairs council had recommended unanimously that lawmakers torpedo the offensive word, which proves the Legislature is capable of a bad decision, even when it receives wise counsel.

House Speaker Bruce Newcomb has also been part of the problem in the past by throwing his weight behind a long-shot effort to tax gasoline sold on Indian reservations. Facing a sure loss in the courts, he shrugged and said it was worth a try.

Idaho’s Indian tribes have become major players. They deserve a voice and consideration. The Indian Affairs council should be respected as one place where that voice can be heard.