Theses and Dissertations Collection

The purpose of this study is to address unresolved and ongoing disputes concerning Coeur d’Alene Lake between the Coeur d’Alene Tribal community and the non-Tribal lakeshore communities. Specifically, this study posed two research questions: (1) How do the Tribal and non-Tribal communities surrounding Coeur d’Alene Lake view their relationship to the Lake itself? (2) Given the Tribal and non-Tribal communities’ unique relationships to the Lake, are there opportunities for collaboration on Lake issues in the future?

An ethnographic interviewing process, transcribing and data reduction revealed themed responses to the research questions. The findings and conclusions support the idea that an examination of the history, worldviews and perspectives of a perceived opposing party in a dispute may lead to either the identification of impediments to collaboration or the facilitation of collaboration through the revelation of understanding, common ground and respect.