The Coeur d' Alene Tribe (CDAT) is a sovereign government with jurisdictional authority over their lands and equal legal and constitutional status as the State of Idaho when dealing with the Federal Government.  The Indian Reorganization Act points out that tribal Sovereignty is inherent and therefore even farther reaching that the Act itself.
The CDAT has reserved rights in natural resources with regulatory authority and management directives within the ceded boundaries. Directives are based on Tribal policy (resolution), Federal law, and compacts or agreements with State agencies.

In late 2009, the CDAT reviewed the existing relationship with the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Authority (CBFWA) and concluded that its interests locally, and in a Regional context, were better served by CDAT staff and through the Upper Columbia United Tribes organization.

This project is intended to continue the CDATs involvement  in the Regional forum, post-CBFWA and in a Provincial as well as local context. Coordination practices include communication and  collaboration on Regional issues specific to the Northwest Power Act through the interaction with the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)