Tribal leaders take oaths of office

Four new Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council members took their oaths of office on Friday, Jan. 6 during the first quarterly meeting of the year.

The meeting was standing room only for much of the all-day event, which was highlighted by the swearing in ceremony and by a tribute to lifelong Salish scholar, Felicite “Jim” Sapiye Pierre McDonald. Last year’s CSKT Vice Chairman, Joe Durglo, was voted in as the council’s new chairman, while the council’s longest-standing member, Carole Lankford, was named vice chair. 

Durglo, Lankford, Reuben Mathias (secretary), Ron Trahan (treasurer), Steve Lozar, Terry L. Pitts, Jim Malatare, Leonard Gray, James “Bing” Matt and Lloyd Irvine will make up this year’s council.