Finley is new tribal chairman

Lake County Leader

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Tribal Council placed a new Chair into power last week.

 Vernon Finley agreed 12 months ago to split the typical two-year with out-going tribal chair Ronald Trahan. The decision to divide the term came after Council remained deadlocked in deciding who would serve as the new Chair. Trahan and Finley agreed to serve one-year of the standard two-year term. A Council Chair is selected every two years by the 10-members of Council.

 Key issues for council in the next 12 months pertain to the successful acquisition of the Kerr Dam hydroelectric facility and compact between the state and tribes, spokesman Rob McDonald said. Language, culture, and natural resource management will also be key areas of focus, according to McDonald.