The Coeur d'Alene Tribe

http://www.cdatribe-nsn.gov/

The Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribes are located across north Idaho, eastern Washington and western Montana, and have described themselves as 'the sum of uncounted centuries of untold generations.' In the tribe's language they are called 'Schitus'umsh', which means "Those who were found here" or "The discovered People". One of the most appealing aspects about the website is the amount of pictures that can be found when exploring, from images of the landscape to, presumably, past members of the tribe -perhaps important figures that existed within the tribe. In addition to this, the website also provides national Native news on Indian affairs as well as tribal community news. The website has a specific page concerning the tribal council, whereby they state that the chairman or council member deals directly with the President of the United States, leaders of congress or members of the President's cabinet to address and resolve tribal issues. From browsing the website, it is evident that the Coeur d'Alene tribe are particularly concerned over the environment, and how the struggle of ownership of land has caused 'terrible environmental damage'. As a result of this, the tribe founded the 'Coeur d' Alene Basin Restoration Project' to restore their land, although it is not stated whether they have successfully restored their land and lakes.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe also employs about 1000 people in 16 departments of government or in tribal enterprises, which include the Cour d'Alene Casino and Hotel which can be found in North Idaho. The website states that the tribal gaming 'employs about 500 and generates about $20 million in profits annually, funding programs and creating economic development and diversity'. In addition to this, the tribe also has its own tribal school, which opened in 1997. The fact that they have their own school shows the importance of educating their children in terms of their own culture and the importance of their legacy and history.

In terms of sovereignty, the tribe has sovereign authority on a reservation that covers 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, timber and farmland, spanning the western edge of the northern Rocky Mountains. The tribe argues that the sovereignty of any Indian tribe exists because they have inherited it. Despite the fact that many other tribes relocated from their original homelands in the United States, due to the numerous disputes over land ownership and wars, the Coeur d' Alene tribe have always stayed true to their origins. They argue that they are therefore the 'truly original Idaho', maintaining jurisdictional and sovereign authority over their land.

"Tribes were here many thousands of years before there was a United States or an Idaho. Tribes were here and took part in the development and protection of the United States and Idaho. Tribes will be here even if the day comes when there is neither a United States nor an Idaho. "

From exploring the Coeur d'Alene Tribe website, it is clear to see the importance that they hold for their origins and for their community. The existence of their homeland, the restoration of the landscape and maintaining their sovereignty are important aspects which are held strong within the tribe, as well as their legacy of leadership. As stated on the homepage of their website,

"The Coeur d'Alenes are who they always were and who they will always be."