Issue Position: Cultural Diversity

Issue Position

Issue Position: Cultural Diversity

"Whenever a people or an institution forget its hard beginnings, it is beginning to decay." Carl Sandburg

Kootenai, Coeur d'Alene, Dubois, Nez Perce, Ahsaska, Indian Valley, Payette, Shoshone. These are just some of the location names of Idaho that point to a fascinating and diverse past. Much of Idaho's history begins with Native American tribes; many of the names of our cities and counties have Indian origins. Our state also have historical ties to the Basques and Asian emigrations. Nowadays Idaho has a small but vibrant and growing African American community. The Hispanic population in Idaho is one of the fastest growing in the country. All of these cultures combine to give Idaho a unique character.

Idaho's rich cultural heritage makes it one of the most desirable places to live and helps explain why it is the third-fastest growing state in the union. From wandering fur-trappers to courageous pioneers and farmers to those seeking the pristine air and water, settlers in Idaho come from many areas. In addition to migrants from East of the Mississippi and Europe, Idaho has enjoyed settlers from Canada, Asia, Central and South America who have helped enrich the fabric that is Idaho.

I am proud of the rich texture that defines Idaho and her people. I hope you find the information in this section to be interesting and thought-provoking.

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