Tribe swears in council; Chief Allan named chairman

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe held its annual Tribal Council election on Saturday at Tribal Headquarters in Plummer for two seats.

Ernest (Ernie) Stensgar was re-elected and CarylDene Swan was elected for the first time, both to three-year terms. The new council unanimously elected Chief J. Allan as chairman, Donald Szcenski as vice chairman and Hemene James as secretary treasurer.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Tribal Headquarters in front of a virtual audience via live streaming with limited staff in attendance due to COVID-19 precautions.

The Tribal Council honored and thanked Christopher Luke for his service for one three-year term, and presented a Pendleton blanket in recognition.

CarylDene Swan won the seat previously held by Luke. She is the program manager for the tribe’s Older Americans Program, providing services for elders in the community.

“This is a beautiful day for all of us,” Swan said. “I am very fortunate and blessed to have this opportunity to stand here with you today.”

Stensgar, who served as chairman for many years and most recently from 2018-present, reminded those in attendance and watching virtually that the tribe has faced challenges and uncertainly in the past but persevered and thrived.

“Through it all, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has had strong leaders and I am proud to see that tradition continue today,” he said.

Chief Allan previously served as chairman from 2005-2018. He called attention to the present challenge the Tribe faces in COVID-19.

“At the end of the day we are one family, and I am proud that we can have an election with such awesome participation and debate,” said Allan. “Now we can get back to the business at hand, keeping our people safe and preparing for the future when it is uncertain what will come.”