Coeur d’Alene Tribe swears in newly elected officials

Caj Matheson, Ernie Stensgar and Charlotte Nilson have filled three seats that were up for election on the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council.

The annual election was Saturday at the Tribal Headquarters in Plummer.

Normally the election would have been for two seats, but a third vacancy resulted when council member Dave Matheson passed away in January.

Caj Matheson ran for office for the first time and garnered strong support, winning a three-year term. He currently serves as the Tribe's natural resource director, previously as cultural protection program manager and as communications specialist for the Lake Management Department.

Ernie Stensgar was re-elected to a 15th three-year term, having served a term from 1975 to 1978 and continuously since 1984, including as previous chairman.

Charlotte Nilson was elected to a one-year term for the remainder of Dave Matheson’s term. She currently serves as the Tribe's Enrollment Department director and has served five prior terms on the Council.

The new Council unanimously re-elected Chief J. Allan as chairman, with Gene H. James as vice chairman and Donald Sczenski as secretary-treasurer.

The swearing in ceremony was held at the Evan Abraham Long House in DeSmet with Tribal membership and staff in attendance.

Council members each spoke about the importance of moving forward and progressing as a Tribe in the face of constantly changing challenges, as well as building upon the legacy of previous leadership.

Chief Allan previously served as Chairman from 2005 to 2018, and from June 2020 to present. He spoke about the need for forward-looking leadership, and what it means to the Tribe.

Allan also addressed the legacy of Dave Matheson: "We cannot talk about the history of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe without talking about what Dave did for our people and this community. And we have more to do to continue building upon those successes we have seen so that our children and their children can continue to prosper.”