“These Indian and non-Indian communities really rise and fall together economically and socially,” he said.

Samuel N. Penney, chair of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, said the memorandum will be especially helpful with coordination of law enforcement and public safety, as the residents of rural north central Idaho expect an influx of visitors over the next few years to celebrate the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark’s expedition.

Penney also said that other Native American tribes across the country have learned of the memorandum and might look to apply the framework to their own conflicts.

Although all parties hail the agreement as a step forward, they also acknowledge that challenges lie ahead.

“The real work is about to begin,” said Laam, the Orofino city administrator. “I suspect we’re going to have a lot of disagreements—professionally, though, and that’s progress in and of itself.”

—Staff writer Alexander J. Blenkinsopp can be reached at blenkins@fas.harvard.edu.