Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mike Enzi. The unexpected challenge will be a topic of conversation among pundits to be
sure, and perhaps a bit of a head-scratcher for the Republican Party in the state.
The Wind River Indian Reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Govern-
ment, a sovereign government that operates under its own constitution. The Business Coun-
cil of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe consists of a chair, vice-chair, and four additional council
members who are elected by the tribe members. The Tribal Council Chair is the adminis-
trative head of the tribe and serves a two-year term with the vice-chairman and the other
members of the council. Both the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho are represented.
The Native American population plays an important role in both Montana and Wyoming
government and politics. Tribal law prevails within reservation boundaries, and Indian re-
servations are federally recognized as independent political units with their own structure
and legislation. As sovereign nations, tribes can have their own school systems, constitu-
tions, police and court systems, and legislative councils. They can also regulate transport
and trade within reservation boundaries. The state can't tax land or transactions that occur
on reservations.
What does this mean to the visitor? Essentially, some state laws may not apply on reser-
vations. Goods and services—mainly gasoline and tobacco—can be much cheaper on the
reservations since there are no state taxes enforced. Not all land may be open to the public,
and there may be additional fees for recreation, including hunting and fishing. It's best to
inquire at a local store or gas station if you are traveling on reservation land in Montana or
Wyoming.
Montana was founded on rural traditions and industries: farming, ranching, mining, and
forestry. To a large extent, these industries are still dominant. Agriculture is the state's lead-
ing industry, with large-scale farming and ranching operations responsible for more than
$2.5 billion in income on upwards of 29,000 farms and ranches. Montana is the third-largest
wheat-producing state in the country. Other top crops include barley, honey, oilseeds, sugar
beets, hay, cherries, and seed potatoes. Beef cattle dominate the ranching sector, although
hogs, sheep, dairy cattle, llamas, and horses are also raised. It should be noted that there are
