05/05/2026
Coeur d’Alene Tribe Swears in Newly Elected Officials -
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe Tribal Council election was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Tribal Headquarters in Plummer, Idaho, for two seats. Incumbent Caj Matheson was re-elected, while Sam Harding was elected to the second seat, succeeding longtime Council member Ernie Stensgar, who served the Tribe for 45 years.
The new Council unanimously re-elected Chief J. Allan as Chairman and elected Gene Hemene James as Vice Chairman and Margaret SiJohn as Secretary Treasurer.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Rose Creek Longhouse in Worley, Idaho, on May 4, 2026, with Tribal membership and staff in attendance.
In remarks to the Tribal membership, leadership emphasized the importance of continued strength, unity, and service to the people of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. The newly seated Council looks forward to building on the Tribe’s progress while addressing future opportunities and challenges.
Chief Allan has served as Chairman since 2005. Caj Matheson continues his service on the Tribal Council, and Sam Harding joins the Council with a commitment to serving the Tribe and its membership.
The Tribal Council also took time to honor Ernie Stensgar for his 45 years of dedicated service. During the ceremony, Stensgar reflected on the many leaders he worked alongside over the years and the growth he has witnessed within the Tribe. He spoke about a time when the Tribe was much smaller and shared pride in seeing how far it has come, noting the strength and progress of the Tribe today. He also expressed appreciation for the next generation stepping forward to lead.
Chairman Chief Allan spoke on Stensgar’s impact, noting the role he played in mentoring and shaping leadership within the Tribe.
“Ernie has been a leader not just through his work, but through the way he guided others,” Allan said.
“He helped shape me into the leader I am today, and his knowledge, dedication, and commitment to our people will always be a part of this Tribe moving forward.”
The Coeur d’Alene Tribe extends its sincere gratitude to Ernie Stensgar for his years of service and lasting contributions to the community.
Following the ceremony, both re-elected Council member Caj Matheson and newly elected Council member Sam Harding shared words of appreciation and commitment to the Tribal membership.
“Thanks to everyone who came out and voted, regardless of who you voted for,” Matheson said. “This is an exciting time for our Tribe and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next three years. I will work diligently with our leadership and tribal membership to bring us as far along as possible. My deepest respects to longtime councilman and former Chairman, Ernie Stensgar. His legacy will go on and we all stand on his shoulders as we keep up the work.”
Harding also expressed his gratitude and readiness to serve. “Thank you to my fellow Coeur d’Alene tribal members for the support and for voting me onto your tribal council. I vow to do my best to serve your interests and to further advance our tribe,” he said.
He continued, “Congratulations to Caj Matheson for winning reelection. To Ernie Stensgar, what a run. After the results came in, I drove over to Plummer and shook his hand and thanked him for his 45 years. Now the work begins. Complacency isn’t how I roll, and I will work to fulfill what the people want. I serve you now, if there’s anything you want to discuss, I always make myself approachable and accessible.”
Harding also noted the historic nature of his election, becoming the first Coeur d’Alene Tribal member to simultaneously serve on both a city council and the Tribal Council, calling it an honor to represent and serve in both roles.
Read more: https://councilfires.com/coeur-dalene-tribe-swears-in-newly-elected-officials/