Benewah Human Rights Group Forms

A fledgling human rights organization in Benewah County has formed with a goal of promoting better relations between members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and nontribal residents. “If you live on the west side (of Benewah County), you see the benefits of the (tribal) medical facilities, the free transportation and the employment that they provide both tribal and nontribal members,” said Christina Crawford, pictured, president of the Benewah Human Rights Coalition, and a former county commissioner. “If you see the good parts and the positive aspects, you perhaps have a different attitude than if you don’t ever see them. Our hope is to be able to bridge the gap of inadequate information.” The tribe is not involved with the coalition, said tribal spokesman Marc Stewart, but applauds its formation and its effort to promote human rights/ Alison Boggs , SR. More here.

Question: What will the Benewah coalition have to do to help reduce tension between governing officials in the St. Maries area and the dominant Coeur d’Alene Indian Tribe in the western part?