Tribe to receive Leo Reano Memorial Award

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe announced Monday that it has been chosen to receive the National Education Association's Leo Reano Memorial Award because of its contributions to the education of Indian and non-Indian youth in North Idaho and eastern Washington. The award ceremony will take place July 2 during NEA's annual Representative Assembly, being held this year in Denver.

In 1992, the Tribe signed a compact to have gaming on its reservation in which the Tribe voluntarily committed at least 5 percent of the net gaming revenues to financial support of education. This has resulted in $21.4 million invested in educational programs to date from pre-kindergarten to college. These programs include Head Start, child care, dual enrollment programs that count college courses for both high school and college credit and tutoring in early grades for children who fall behind.

"Sixty years after the Brown v. Board of Education landmark decision, we still see dramatic inequities and disparities in resources, programs and opportunities for students across America," said NEA president Dennis Van Roekel. "The work of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe is even more important each year those inequities persist. We must continue to shed a light on their work as they guide and inspire us all."

The Plummer-Worley Joint School District No. 44 on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation had a graduation rate of 34 percent 10 years ago and is 90 percent today. The district's Superintendent Judi Sharrett credits the Tribe. The Tribe not only donates resources and funds but tracks all children to ensure no one falls through the cracks.

"When it comes to making a difference in someone's life, we believe there is nothing that can have a greater impact than an education," said Chairman Chief Allan of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. "We are proud to support the efforts of the teachers and schools in the region who work every day to give all kids, native and non-native, a hand up and the tools to succeed in life."

The NEA will thank and honor the outstanding work of a dozen of America's human and civil rights heroes at its annual Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner on July 2 in Denver. This year's theme, "Tonight We Celebrate, Tomorrow We Organize," will recognize those who fought and continue to fight for social justice. Award recipients will also include the past and present, with former U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) and iconic civil rights leader Coretta Scott King being recognized.