Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs
"Working toward economic, social, legal and political equality for Hispanics in Idaho"An Equal Opportunity Employer
ICHA History
Idaho Statutes
Title 67 State Government and State Affairs
Chapter 72 Commission on Hispanic Affairs
The Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs was established in 1987 by the first Regular Session of the 49th Idaho Legislature as an independent entity of state government.
Idaho statutes set out the duties and responsibilities of the Commission:- To gather and disseminate information and conduct hearings, conferences, investigations, and special studies on problems and programs concerning Hispanic people.
- To stimulate public awareness of the problems of Hispanic people by conducting a program of public education.
- To develop, coordinate, and assist other public and private organizations that serve Hispanic people, including the conducting of training programs for community leadership.
- To advise the governor, legislature and state departments and agencies of the nature, magnitude, and priorities of the problems of Hispanic people.
- To advise the governor, legislature and state departments and agencies on, and assist in the development and implementation of, comprehensive and coordinated policies, programs and procedures focusing on the special problems and needs of Hispanic people, fields of education, and employment.
- To propose new programs concerning Hispanic people to public and private agencies and evaluate for such agencies existing programs or prospective legislation concerning Hispanic people.
- To establish advisory committees on special subjects or projects.
- To apply for and accept federal funds granted by congress or executive order for all or any of the purposes of this chapter as well as gifts and donations from individuals, corporations, private organizations or foundations, and to accept volunteer clerical or staff work.
- To cooperate or contract with individuals and state local and other agencies, both public and private, Including agencies of the federal government and of other states.
- To meet and exercise its powers at any place within the state.
- To make by-laws for its own governance and procedure not inconsistent with the laws of this state.
Are we "Spanish", "Hispanic", "Latino", "Chicano", or "Mexican"?
These terms are used interchangeably. Some of us identify with all five terms while others may identify with only one of these terms.
- The term "Spanish" is used frequently in the United States to refer indiscriminately to any person that speaks Spanish. This term is the proper name for the native people of Spain.
- The term "Hispanic" is often used to refer collectively to all Spanish-speakers. However, as many people who speak Spanish are not of true Spanish descent, and millions live in Latin America. This term is incorrect as a collective name for all Spanish-speakers, and may actually be cause for offense.
- The term "Latino" are those who originate from, or have a heritage related to, Latin America (in recognition of the fact that this set of people is actually a superset of many nationalities). This term is widely accepted by most.
- The term "Chicano" are those who categorize themselves amongst the era of the Chicano "brown power" movement of the 60's and 70' in the US Southwest. The term was appropriated by Mexican-American activists who took part in the movement. The word "Chicano" is traced to the 1930 and 40's period, when poor rural Mexicans, often native Americans, were imported to the US to provide cheap field labor, under an agreement of the governments of both countries. The term seems to have come into first use in the fields of California.
- The term "Mexican" are those specifically who were born in Mexico. Therefore, the term is used appropriately for Mexican citizens.