Changing of the guard
Durglo voted CSKT chairman
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Several new and some not-so-new faces joined the ranks of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council for the new year.
Four out of the five incumbents up for re-election were voted out during tribal council elections in December.
Joe Durglo of St. Ignatius was elected unanimously as chairman during the winter quarterly meeting on Jan. 6. Durglo replaces E.T. “Bud” Moran, who lost his seat to Lloyd Irvine of Pablo. Moran had 593 votes compared to Irvine’s 679. Irvine, along with Ron Trahan, who ousted Charles Morigeau, was a former council member voted out in 2007.
Also losing their spots along with Moran and Morigeau were James Steele Jr. and Michel Kenmille.
Terry Pitts of Dixon was the only council member re-elected. Pitts defeated challenger Anita Orr Matt 659 to 626.
Challengers James V. “Bing” Matt of Arlee, Leonard Gray of Hot Springs, Trahan of St. Ignatius and Irvine of Pablo were sworn in on Friday before a packed room and join Carole Lankford of Ronan, the only woman on council; Reuben Mathias of Elmo, Steve Lozar of Polson, and Jim Malatare of Arlee. Lankford was selected as vice chairman; Mathias as secretary; and Trahan will serve as treasurer.
“I’m very honored to be sitting up here. We have issues we have to face, especially with Kerr Dam,” Mathias said after the swearing-in ceremony.
“I’m glad to see a full house today,” Irvine added. “We’re going to give it our best shot … This position is an honorary position and must be treated as one.”
“I congratulate Joe (Durglo) and Carole (Lankford). You have a big role to fill and I pray and hope we do the right thing for you,” Matt said to the crowd. “I want to work, and that’s what I’m here to do for you.”
