On Tuesday, Ernie Stensgar, Vice Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe was recognized by the National Indian Gaming Association when he received the John F. Kieffer Sovereignty Award for his lifetime of work on behalf of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and all of Indian Country. “Ernie has been a tireless advocate for economic development for not just the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, but for all of Indian Country. His efforts have created so many economic opportunities for our tribal people; we are incredibly proud of him. This award is a fitting tribute to his work. We are all better off today because of Ernie’s commitment to Tribes,” said Chairman Chief Allan.

Stensgar is the current Vice Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council, a position he has held for more than a decade. He previously served as the Chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe for 20 years and was instrumental in bringing gaming to Idaho’s Indian reservations. Stensgar has served on the Coeur d’Alene Tribal Council since 1984. Stensgar has served on board of the Affiliated Tribes of the Northwest Indians (ATNI) as both President and 2nd President and as Vice-Chairman of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI).

The John Kieffer award is presented at NIGA’s Mid-Year Conference each year.  The award is named in honor of former Spokane Tribes Vice-Chairman John Kieffer who was known nationally for his work on Indian gaming issues and was a founding member of the National Indian Gaming Association. The award recognizes a selfless dedication to advancing the lives of Indian peoples socially and economically, building self-sufficiency through gaming enterprises, and being an advocate for Indian self-determination/Heather Keen of the Coeur d'Alene Indian Tribe.