Tribes elect new leadership

PABLO — Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal

Council will experience a shift in leadership this year after last

month’s general election resulted in four new faces taking seats at

the helm. 

Incumbent Tribal Chair, E.T. “Bud” Moran, was ousted

from his position representing the Pablo District by Lloyd David

Irvine, 679-593. The council’s former chair, James Steele Jr, lost

to James “Bing” Matt in Arlee by almost 200 votes. In Hot Springs,

Leonard Gray beat out incumbent Michel L. Kenmille, 724-554 and, in

the closest race, Ron Trahan of St. Ignatius upset Charles Morigeau

by a mere 10 votes, 640-630.

The only returning council member will be Terry

Pitts, from Dixon, who staved off challenger Anita Orr Matt,

659-626.

The general election was held Dec. 17 and the results

were finalized the evening of Dec. 21. There are 10 members on the

council who will pick a new chair and present the Tribe’s new

leader at its quarterly meeting on Friday at 9 a.m. Council members

serve four-year terms beginning this week.