The Coeur d'Alene Tribe believes it was unfairly stung by a Press report published last weekend, then circulated widely by other media. The story detailed how the tribe no longer makes public disclosure of its gifts to educational entities in and around the reservation. According to the story, five local school districts contacted by The Press all indicated they had not received any funding from the tribe since it had decided two years ago not to announce its donations publicly.

The tribe says it has made donations as set forth in its gaming compact with the state of Idaho; a voter-approved agreement that requires the tribe to donate 5 percent of its net income from gambling to educational entities "on or near the reservation."

Exactly when those donations are made, and to whom, is completely up to tribal discretion, according to the tribe's spokesman, Helo Hancock. Hancock added that there was consternation among the tribe over what some felt was an unfair portrayal of the situation, and that insult was added to injury because The Press obviously was not taking tribal and Idaho Lottery officials' word at face value that the disbursements had been appropriately made. More here. Cda Press

Do you think it would be prudent of the tribe to disclose when/who received the required educational disbursements?

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