Cda Tribe Rejects Judge Miles; Search Begins For Successor

Coeur d’Alene Tribal Judge Wanda Miles is out of a job, after losing a tribal “vote of confidence” 143 to 104.

“I really don’t know what the tribal members’ personal issues with her were. But nobody’s ever going to be 100 percent happy with a judge,” said tribal communications director Donna Matheson. “If they have to go before her, they’re not going to say ‘Thank you for that six months.”’

It was the first test of a year-old tribal law requiring a referendum on new judges after one year. In essence, judges are on probation and tribal members have a chance to pass judgment on them.

Miles couldn’t be reached for comment. Her term will now expire at the end of the month.

There has been rapid turnover among Coeur d’Alene tribal judges since the mid-‘80s, when Judge Mildred Prentice stepped down after approximately 25 years in office. The tribe, Matheson said, is seeking someone who generates strong community support and respect.

The tribe will advertise for a new judge immediately. Although Miles is a Nez Perce, Matheson said, tribal judges don’t have to be Indian.

The tribal court handles Indian cases involving misdemeanors, juvenile crime and civil cases, including divorces. Felony crimes are handled in federal court.

Tribal members also voted nearly two-to-one to restrict inheritance or sale of Indian land to Coeur d’Alene tribal members.