Tribe unveils longhouse today

DeSMET - The Coeur d'Alene Tribe will dedicate a new longhouse in DeSmet at 11:30 a.m. today.

The 8,000 square foot longhouse, which features views of the Palouse, will be used for a variety of purposes, including celebration dinners, weddings, funerals and community meetings.

"A long time ago, the Coeur d'Alenes lived in longhouses during the rough North Idaho winters. They would rely on each other to survive," said Coeur d'Alene Tribe Chairman Chief Allan. "While we're not using longhouses as a place for people to live, the concept is the same. We come together as one tribe, one family."

The building showcases an original mural by the late Lawrence Aripa, a revered elder, and includes a kitchen and has multi-media capabilities.

There will be a blessing and dedication by Vice Chairman Ernie Stensgar. Afterward, there will be a meal. The community is welcome to attend.

Directions: Take U.S. 95 south past Plummer. Continue for another 13 miles to DeSmet. Take a right on DeSmet Road, then take the first left. Go past the Coeur d'Alene Tribal School. Then take a left on Byrne Road, go about four blocks and the new longhouse is on the right.

Key landmarks - when you're traveling on U.S. 95 you will go through a small town of Tensed and then look for the old Tribal School. It is a large brick building on a hill. Then watch for DeSmet Road.