The Kootenai River white sturgeon, threatened by dam operations, water quality degradation and loss of habitat, was listed as endangered on September 6, 1994. The adult population has been decreasing at an estimated rate of 9 percent per year. Restoration efforts in recent years have focused on managing Libby Dam to mimic spring flow conditions that are hoped to assist the sturgeon to again successfully reproduce ... Kootenai Tribal Chairperson Jennifer Porter adds that "we're hoping our comprehensive project will lead to a healthy ecosystem and the return of our Kootenai resources."

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is also one of seven bands of the Kootenai Nation, with two in the United States and five in Canada. Under the current agreement, only members of the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho can be issued an ETC.
“We are proud of our partnership with CBP that has led to the issuance of the Kootenai ETC,” said Kootenai Tribal Chairperson Jennifer Porter. “The Kootenai ETC allows our tribal citizens to continue to travel within Kootenai Territory on both sides of the United States-Canada boundary to visit family and practice our culture while helping to secure the border for the greater good of all citizens.”〔

"In the old days, everyone who was born had a purpose, but that belief had faded away some over the years. Now we are working with our kids to re-instill that mindset. We want our future to remain strong and to continue to move forward ..."