Stensgar named Tribal Leader of the Year

Ernie Stensgar, vice chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, was presented with the Tribal Leader of the Year Award from the Native American Finance Officers Association last week during NAFOA's 34th annual conference.

Stensgar traveled to Arizona for the conference, held at Gila River Indian Community's Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort.

From being awarded a Purple Heart for his service to the country to leading an economic revitalization for his tribe that has an annual economic impact of $330 million, Stensgar has exhibited the utmost candor and sound judgment in every position he has held. Most importantly, Stensgar displays an unwavering courage to champion tribal rights in his more than 30 years in council.

"It is clear that Vice Chairman Stensgar is an exemplary tribal leader," said NAFOA Vice President VaRene Martin. "His commitment to tribal right extends beyond his service to his own tribe."

Stensgar has served as president of the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest and vice chairman of the National Congress of American Indians. He has received a number of awards, including becoming the first tribal leader inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame and the first tribal leader to receive an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Gonzaga University.

"Ernie has played a part of every economic decision this tribe has made for the past 35 years or so," said Chief Allan, chairman of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. "Our ability to provide jobs, healthcare, education and infrastructure on our reservation wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the work that Ernie has done over the course of his lifetime."