Ernie Stensgar and John Abraham (being sworn in above) received the most votes in Saturday’s tribal council election, earning them each three-year terms on the council. Coeur d’Alene Tribe Chairman Chief Allan, who has been Chairman since 2005, was unanimously reappointed Chairman Monday morning by the seven-person council. “I love the Coeur d’Alene people and I am proud to continue serving them,” Allan said. “It’s going to be an awesome year. Just because we finished the casino expansion, it doesn’t mean we’re going to sit back. We’re moving forward with more projects”/Marc Stewart, Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe. More below

Ernie Stensgar was reappointed Vice Chairman on Monday. He has served on the tribal council for 30 years. “I am really excited to be back on the council and to serve the people,” Stensgar said. “There’s a lot important work to be done”

Abraham, who is a member of the Tribe’s Warrior’s Society, is the Tribe’s Land Services Manager. He received his Masters of Business Administration in 2011. A longtime employee of the tribe, he also received a bachelor’s degree in management from Lewis-Clark State College.

 “On Mother’s Day, I went to the cemetery to ask my mother to ‘Please continue to help and guide me to become the man deserving of your pride,” Abraham said.

Abraham has six children, 15 grandchildren and lives in Plummer. Abraham replaces Roberta Juneau, who did not seek re-election.

Norma Jean “Jeanie” Louie remains Secretary/Treasurer. Tribal Council seats are staggered three year terms. The Council votes annually to select a Chairman, Vice Chairman and Secretary/Treasurer.

###