TRIBE: Gratitude, not criticism

I can’t resist reacting to Larry Spencer’s attack on the Coeur d’Alene Tribe (“corruption and disingenuous posturing and self-praise”). Spencer states that “In Idaho, the tribes are required to give 5 percent of their net profit to educational entities, which is one of the weakest compacts in America.” What he fails to mention is that the very origin of this state law stemmed from the leadership of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe insisting — in 1992 when the gaming pact was being hammered out — that 5 percent of gaming revenues go to local education. Gifting revenues was the tribe’s idea and they did not have to do this! Other tribes in Idaho have followed the Coeur d’Alene Tribe’s benevolent example and added similar educational gifting to their gaming compacts.

As of 2014, it was reported that the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has gifted more than $21.4 million to local education. Instead of taking a shot at the tribe, let’s instead say: Thank you, well done! You are great community partners and we appreciate your gifts. And beyond your generous gifts to education, let’s not forget your generous community partnership of other initiatives such as the Kroc Center and Citylink, two examples of many great things we value in North Idaho today that might not exist without the Tribe’s support.

Thank you Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

JON INGALLS

Coeur d’Alene