According to a study by a University of Idaho economist, the five Native American tribes in Idaho have a combined economic impact of $1.45 billion.
Steven Peterson, a University of Idaho research economist who served as the study’s principal investigator, said the tribes contribute heavily to the economy, agriculture, tourism, recreation and hospitality industries and support more than 12,500 jobs across the state.
Peterson explained that 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, because their economic impact is that big and substantial.
The study, “The Economic Impacts of the Five Tribes of Idaho on Idaho’s Economy,” was conducted in 2023.
Peterson presented a report about the study on Monday during the Idaho Council on Indian Affairs’ meeting at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.
