Coeur d'Alene Tribe swears in newly elected officials

The Coeur d’Alene Tribe Tribal Council election was held Saturday at the Tribal Headquarters in Plummer for the three seats held by Chief J. Allan, Donald Sczenski and Charlotte Nilson.

All three incumbents were successful in their re-election bids.

The new council unanimously re-elected Allan as chairman, with Gene H. James as vice chairman and Donald Szcenski as secretary-treasurer.

The swearing-in ceremony was held Monday at the Rose Creek Long House in Worley with membership and staff in attendance.

In his address to those gathered, Allan spoke about his experience in the last year recovering from the serious accident he suffered in July 2023. 

“That accident changed me," Allan said. "Sitting in the recovery bed for months gave me the chance to realize what is really important in life, and what true leaders must do. The Creator told me he wasn’t done with me and had more in store, and I am here to make sure I make the most of my time for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.”

Allan served as chairman from 2005-2018 and from June 2020-present.

Sczenski was first elected to the Tribal Council in 2012 and has served as secretary-treasurer since 2015.

Nilson was first elected in 2007 and currently serves as the enrollment director for the Tribe.

The original name of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe was Schitsu’umsh, meaning, “Those who were found here” or “The discovered people." This has been the tribe's name since time immemorial. Before U.S. expansion into the area, the Schitsu’umsh traded with French fur traders, who referred to the Schitsu’umsh as Coeur d’Alene’s, meaning “Heart of the Awl.”

"This too is our name and was received due to the sharp and disciplined trading practices of the Schitsu’umsh people," the Tribe states on its website.

Info: cdatribe-nsn.gov