Coeur d’Alene Tribe celebrates the renaming of Camp Larson to ch ułts’e’l

WORLEY —  The Coeur d’Alene Tribe recently gathered to celebrate the renaming of Camp Larson to ch ułts’e’l’l, meaning “we have returned.”

The celebration honored the Tribe’s deep connection to the land, the lake and its ancestors. The name ch ułts’e’l’l was originally spoken by Felix Aripa, a respected Coeur d’Alene Tribal elder and Coeur d’Alene Tribal language speaker. He was an expert witness in the Tribe’s legal battle to regain ownership of the southern third of Lake Coeur d’Alene. 

"His vision and words now live on in this powerful name change," a press release said.

The event brought together tribal members of all ages for a day of culture, reflection and celebration. Activities included canoe races, traditional stick games, cultural workshops and a traditional pit-bake feast featuring elk and camas. 

“This is who we are. We are lake people,” said Coeur d'Alene Tribal Chairman Chief Allan. “Our connection to this land and this water runs through us. We stand proudly on our ground, celebrating not just a name, but our identity and the generations who fought to protect it.” 

The event also paid tribute to the late Ray Givens, whose legal advocacy led to the Tribe’s landmark victory in the U.S. Supreme Court — securing Tribal ownership of the southern third of Lake Coeur d’Alene. 

"This historic ruling remains a cornerstone of Tribal sovereignty and environmental justice," the release said.

Honoring both Ray and his late wife, Jeanne Givens, their daughter, Maria Givens, delivered an emotional tribute. Jeanne Givens, a former Idaho state representative and an advocate for the Coeur d’Alene people, had been scheduled to speak before her passing. 

Maria’s words honored her parents’ legacy and their enduring love for the lake and its people. 

Frank Sijohn also spoke on behalf of his late father, Henry Sijohn, who stood alongside Ray Givens during the fight to reclaim Tribal rights to the lake, reminding attendees of the leadership and strength that carried this vision forward. 

Caj Matheson, director of Natural Resources, reflected on the significance of the name change.

“Hopefully we can reflect and honor our elders in renaming this in a way that’s meaningful for our Tribe and our people," he said. 

"The name ch ułts’e’l’l — 'we have returned,' marks the continuation of the Coeur d’Alene people’s journey home to the lands and waters that have always been theirs," the release said.

    Canoe races were part of The Coeur d’Alene Tribe's celebration of the renaming of Camp Larson to ch ułts’e’l’l, meaning “We Have Returned.”