Coeur d'Alene Tribe swears in newly elected officials
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 2 days, 7 hours AGO
Coeur d'Alene Tribe's newly elected officials, front row from left: Margaret SiJohn, Chief Allan and Gene Hemene James. Back row from left: Caj Matheson, Charlotte Wolfe-Nilson, Sam Harding and Donald Sczenski.
Incumbent Caj Matheson was re-elected while Sam Harding was elected to a second seat in the Coeur d’Alene Tribe Tribal Council election Saturday at the Tribal Headquarters in Plummer.
The new council unanimously re-elected Chief J. Allan as chairman and elected Gene Hemene James as vice chairman and Margaret SiJohn as secretary treasurer. Chief Allan has served as chairman since 2005.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Rose Creek Longhouse in Worley on Monday.
In remarks to the Tribal membership, leadership emphasized the importance of continued strength, unity and service to the people of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, a press release said.
Harding succeeded council member Ernie Stensgar, who served the Tribe for 45 years
The Tribal Council also honored Ernie Stensgar for his dedicated service. During the ceremony, Stensgar reflected on the many leaders he worked alongside over the years and the growth he has witnessed within the Tribe.
He spoke about a time when the Tribe was much smaller and shared pride in seeing how far it has come, noting the strength and progress of the Tribe today. He also expressed appreciation for the next generation stepping forward to lead.
Chief Allan said Stensgar played key roles in mentoring and shaping leadership within the Tribe.
“Ernie has been a leader not just through his work, but through the way he guided others,” Allan said. “He helped shape me into the leader I am today, and his knowledge, dedication and commitment to our people will always be a part of this Tribe moving forward.”