How a sovereign state behaves toward its neighbors is a sign of its maturity. A sovereign nation would, one would think, prefer to make decisions in a way that reflects its status as a true sovereign nation, dealing with other nations respectfully, as equals.

So we're discouraged by the Northern Arapaho tribe’s decision last month to formally suspend its involvement with the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Joint Business Council, a move that effectively dissolves the body. The business council, as a body that makes decisions about matters of joint interest on the reservation, is a key component of the tribes' efforts to improve lives and business opportunities.

Granted, the council hasn't always functioned well. But it's a critical body for tribal relations with federal agencies and others outside the reservation, and it has served an important role as a place where leaders from both tribes sit down and get business done together.