PLUMMER — Ernie Stensgar, vice chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, received an award this week for his work on behalf of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and more.

The John F. Kieffer Sovereignty Award is presented at the National Indian Gaming Association’s Mid-Year Conference each year. The award is named in honor of former Spokane Tribe Vice-Chairman John Kieffer, who was known nationally for his work on Indian gaming issues and was a founding member of the National Indian Gaming Association.

The award recognizes a selfless dedication to advancing the lives of Indian peoples socially and economically, building self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises, and being an advocate for Indian self-determination.

“Ernie has been a tireless advocate for economic development for not just the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, but for all of Indian Country. His efforts have created so many economic opportunities for our tribal people; we are incredibly proud of him. This award is a fitting tribute to his work. We are all better off today because of Ernie’s commitment to the tribes,” said Chairman Chief Allan.

Stensgar is the current vice chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council, a position he has held for more than a decade. He previously served as the chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for 20 years and was instrumental in bringing gaming to Idaho’s Indian reservations, according to a press release from the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

Stensgar has served on the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council since 1984. Stensgar has served on board of the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians as both president and second president and as vice-chairman of the National Congress of American Indians.