Tribal council voted to make Allan chief of Coeur d’Alenes

The Coeur d’Alene tribal council voted 4-3 Monday to name Chief Allan tribal chairman, replacing Ernie Stensgar.

Based on misinformation from Allan, The Spokesman-Review reported on Tuesday that Stensgar had stepped down as leader of the seven-member council. In reality, Stensgar, who had been chairman since 1986, was voted out of the position by a majority of the council, Allan confirmed Tuesday.

Allan would not say on the record why he had told a different version of events on Monday.

Stensgar, who was re-elected to the council two days before losing the chairmanship, could not be reached for comment this week. Other members of the tribal council did not return telephone messages.