Abraham elected to Cd'A Tribal Council

PLUMMER - Ernie Stensgar and John Abraham each earned three-year terms in Saturday's tribal council election.

Coeur d'Alene Tribe Chairman Chief Allan, who has been chairman since 2005, was unanimously reappointed Monday morning by the seven-person council.

"I love the Coeur d'Alene people, and I am proud to continue serving them," Allan said. "It's going to be an awesome year. Just because we finished the casino expansion, it doesn't mean we're going to sit back. We're moving forward with more projects."

Ernie Stensgar was reappointed vice chairman on Monday. He has served on the tribal council for 30 years.

"I am really excited to be back on the council and to serve the people," Stensgar said. "There's a lot of important work to be done."

Abraham, who is a member of the Tribe's Warrior's Society, is the tribe's land services manager. He received his master's of business administration this year. A longtime employee of the tribe, he has received a bachelor's degree in management from Lewis-Clark State College.

"On Mother's Day, I went to the cemetery to ask my mother to 'Please continue to help and guide me to become the man deserving of your pride," Abraham said.

Abraham replaces Roberta Juneau, who did not seek re-election.

Norma Jean "Jeanie" Louie remains secretary/treasurer. Tribal Council seats are staggered three-year terms. The council votes annually to select a chairman, vice chairman and secretary/treasurer.