Kindne$SisKing '
PF fifth graders share dreams of a better world at MLK event
By DEVIN WEEKS StaffWriter
If Mullan Trail Elementary School fifth grader Tori
Best could h�ve a dream come true, it would be for the world to be rid of drugs and the harm they cause to users and their loved ones.
"Ifyou are a friend, you can help get your friend
into a program or treatment. This can make the world a better place," she said. "Drugs are a thief."
Tori and six other fifth graders representing Post Falls' seven elementary schools courageously took the stage Thursday morning to share their winning essays on how to improve the world around them and how acts of kindness have affected their lives.
C2 I Saturday, January 13, 2024
Ovation Company founder Stu Cabe speaks during the 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. fifth grade program Thursday at Post Falls High School. Below, students react to Cabe's presentation Thursday morning during the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations' annual Martin Luther King Jr. fifth grade program at Post Falls High School.
Idahoans reactto reportedracial incide·nt
COEUR d'ALENE
- Officials and organizations across Idaho reacted Tuesday to the reported racial incident involving the University of Utah women's basketball program in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Here are some of their statements: "Idaho leaders and community members at all levels have been consistent and clear about our values - we fully reject racism in all its forms. There is no place for racism, hate, or bigotry in the great State of Idaho. We condemn bullies who seek to harass and silence others. I will continue the tradition of past governors in supporting our local leaders in their efforts to eradicate hate and bigotry from our communities.
See REACTIONS, A10
Police.seekwitnesses, recordings
By BILL BULEY Staff Writer
COEUR d'ALENE -
Police are investigating a number of possible crimes that may have been committed during a reported racial incident in downtown Coeur d'Alene on Thursday evening. Police Chief Lee White said an Idaho statute regarding malicious harassment and another one regarding disorderly conduct are
being considered.
A federal crime depending on what actually happened that night may also be appropriate, White said.
But as White police have not spoken to victims or witnesses and don't have any video recordings of the incident, White said it's difficult to say with
certainty what laws may have been broken.
According to a Coeur d'Alene police report of the incident, Robert Moyer, a donor for the University of Utah basketball team, told police the team was in Coeur d'Alene for the NCAA tournament in Spokane and had gone to Crafted at Fifth Street and Sherman Avenue for dinner.
See POLICE, A11
SteWart:Racismstillaproblem
Human rights task force takes strong stance, once more, against 'acts of hatred'
By BILL BULEY Staff Writer
For the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, the fight against racism in North Idaho has been
going on for more than 43 years.
It continues today.
Tony Stewart, the task force's secretary, said the racism faced by women basketball players in downtown Coeur d'Alene on Thursday when racial slurs were reportedly shouted at them, "is once again a stain on our community that we have worked so hard to erase since the
early days of the Aryan Nations."
During a press conference Tuesday, Stewart said, "a reliable third party" told the task force that as University of Utah players were walking to dinner on Sherman Avenue when "they encountered a truck displaying a Confederate flag as the driver began
See STEWART, A11
POLICE
from A1
Moyer told police that about 6 p.m. two lifted pickups were revving their engines and speeding by the team as they walked down Sherman Avenue.
"The trucks then ·turned around and came back towards the team and yelled the "N" word at them as many of their players are African American," the report said. "Robert stated the incident caused a well founded fear among the players."
The incident was reported to police about IOp.m
The responding officer reported that he was unable to make contact with the "However,players.Robert told me the team members wanted to press charges
Accordingtothereport, therewas"verylimited information,aseveral hourtimedelayandno suspectdescription."
if the situation happened again," the report said.
According to the report, there was "very limited information, a several hour time delay and no suspect description."
White said Tuesday that police were still seeking to speak with potential victims.
"So far we don't know exactly who that might be," he said.
It was initially reported there were about 100 people in the vicinity of the incident
when it occurred, White said.
He said police were working with the FBI, seeking video footage along Sherman Avenue from Thursday evening and hoping to interview witnesses. Police are also reviewing footage of patrol cars from earlier in the day to see ifit might show the truck in question.
Until then, White said it will be "difficult to determine which state or federal statutes may be most applicable," he said.
:The Press, Sunday,April 21, 2024
EARTH DAY: How a senator's idea more than .. f?Oyearsagogotpeoplefightingfortheirplanet/C6
es
• The 100th anniversary of Adolf Hitler's birthday pril 20, 1989, attracted a eircus here.
On Rimrock Road, orth of Hayden Lake, the nation's media ocked to the old Aryan �ations compound to document the first skinhead conference staged by racist Richard l3utler.
• On the U.S. 95 bike trail, 1,000 protesters, most from out of town, marched for six hours fo inclement weather toward Butler's 20-acre headquarters.
Spreading from downtown Coeur d'Alene, advocates of passive resistance showed their contempt for skinheads
thenandnow
HUCKLEBERRIES
the FBI kept the groups apart.
D.F.Oliveria
by tying 6,500 orange ribbons on automobiles, buildings, signs, streetlights and trees.
For decades, neoNazi Butler orchestrated events that triggered media attention and protests, like his Sherman Avenue parades arid his Aryan Nation World Congresses.
But his 1989 skinhead gathering from April 20-22 had a unique twist: It split the local human rights movement.
The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, which later played a key role in bankrupting the Aryan Nations, refused to acknowledge Butler's
And a phalanx of law officers from Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, the state and events.
e makeheadlines
Photo courtesy of the Coeur d'Alene Press archives
submitted
Daniel Burn ide (left) and Sabrina Burnside (right) are pictured above with their family. The coupl y they have renounced the Neo Nazi lifestyle.
rNationalist Socialism leaders renounce involvement, pledges future inclusion
By Donna LeSchander dleschander@tlogapublishing.com
The exterior of the ramshackle farmhouse in Ulysses still sports Neo Nazi slogans and artwork. The lookout towers still stand hundreds of feet high, looking vaguely like rickety playhouses for kids. A carving reading "NSM Region 2 Director" is 1 still engraved on the large white garage.
But the people in the house say the outside no longer represents the inside.
Former National Socialist Movement leader Daniel Burnside and his wife Sabrina Burnside, herself a key former
leader in the movement, have renounced their ten-year involvement in a movement that espoused racism, antiSemitism and a dogged belief in the superiority of white people.
"When we began, we felt noble," said Daniel of their motivation to become leaders in the NSM. "I say that with shame. Getting involved in something like this comes from how people view their own trauma and problems."
The Burnsides experienced several personal tragedies in the time leading up to their NSM involvement, including the pre-birth loss of a wanted child. They say they had
no close family contact with their families of origin for years before participating in NSM.
They currently have "11 children in 17 years," said Daniel.
The NSM made national news in 2018 after federal investigators charged six members with weapons and drug offenses, claiming that they were planning asuicide bomb attack at an anti-racism rally.
Daniel Burnside has been the public face of the NSM in Pennsylvania and is quoted assaying he was ''a proud racist" and was observed dressing up some· of children in See BURNSIDE on page 1OA
BURNSIDE•••
Continuedfrom Page 1A Nazi uniformsinpublic.
The Burnsides appeared on the podcast Beyond Barriers USA on Friday, Feb. 9. Beyond Bfirriers is a podcast devoted to hope and to moving beyond a dark past. Its creator and host is Jeff Schoep, who is a formerNeoNazihimself.
The podcast broadcasts worldwide and can be viewed on Youtube. The couple said they imediatelv started contacting ·media who has coveredtheminthepast, u_!cluding this newspaper, to spread the word of . their changed view[)ints.
The Burnsides say that Shoep urged them to leave the Neo-Nazi ,lifestyle. Shoep was "floored" when the Burnsides contacted him about their change of heart,Danielsaid.
"Really, I think we both started thinking that (NSM involvement) was wrong for years, but we didn't really say anything to each otherabout
The couple say that the turning point for them was August 26, 2023, whenasmallgroup of NSM members took to the Comm U-Mansfield campus for a protest against what Daniel said was in response to LQBTQ+MUstudents.
"That was the point," said Daniei, whostudied at Mansfield UniversitY. in pursuit of an associate'sdegreeseveralyears ago. "Being back on that campus-thatwasit."
Daniel said that in his heart he never felt hate for blacks, women and minorities and voiced particular offense to the NSM'sstanceonwomen.
"Sabrina had a lot of power, which is unusual," he said. "I was the face of it, but I just carried the powerpoints. The NSM doesn't want women; they think of them asmeat."
The main regret that the Burnsides expressed was damage done to their children.
Their school-age children attend Norther
Potter schools and, although the couple said theirkidshave friends of alldifferentbackgrounds at school, the public face of being the children of very public Neo Nazis is something thatboth parents know have affected them.
"I think they're relieved now," said Sabrina. "They never took to it like we did - they're kids."
"It's not like we sat around watching videos of Hitler all the time," saidDaniel.
Sabrina elaborated on her motivation for becoming involved with the NSM and said that initiallyit was partly out of concern for her children.
"When we got into it, wewerefivekidsin,"she said. "Ididitforthekids. I feltthey weren'tgetting a fair shake. I wanted themto be proud of who they were - minorities get to be proud of who they are, and I wanted them tobeproud."
"Thewholeideaisthat
youhave to besanctimonious for others," said Daniel. "That's (expletive)."
Several of the Burnside children have middle names that can be interpreted as affiliated withtheNeo Nazimovement. Sabrina said she won't mind if the kids change their middle names when they are adults.
The family is artistic. Daniel Burnside is a working artist and their children, the couplesaid, create everything from animation to Youtube channelstotattoos.
"Our youth don't get to be kids long enough," said Daniel. "From here on out, everything is Grated."
A black and white printout of Hitler's face remains tacked to the wall in a room stacked to the ceiling with children's art and family photos. The coupJe h,,s collected many Nnzi:themed books, r,rt· Jnd objects, whiLh thL')' hope to sell or donate to anti-
Public Testimony at Coeur d1Alene City Council: Tony Stewart
July 2, 2024
Mayor Hammond and City Council I am here representing the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Board in support of your proposed hate crime city ordinance. Mayor Hammond thank you for your leadership on this issue.
We recently have experienced an epidemic of vicious verbal abuse of people of color in our city that have included the Utah women's basketball team, young people of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, a high school musical group from southern Idaho, a mother driving into an elementary school to pick up her child and a minority student from an out of state soccer team. This must end!
We are appalled at the suggestion that constitutionally protected hate speech can cross that line to say one can vocally berate, bully, intimidate, harass and demand the victims leave our beautiful city and not return.
Let me be clear this must stop, and this proposed city ordinance will greatly help.
The FBI and the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism both have alarming data of the recent rise in hate crimes especially in America's cities.
Forty-nine states and territories including Idaho have hate crime legislation. Let'sjoin cities across America who are taking a stance against hate with the passage of hate crime city ordinances. For example, fifteen cities in South Carolina have passed such ordinances with Summerville
OPINION: Let's putspotlighton Idahofor right reasons
By ED MORSE Guest Opinion
Idahoonce again madenational headlines forthewrong reasons.
Collegiate athletesfrom theUniversity ofUtah Women'sBasketball Teamexperienced hateandracialslurs fromindividualsin NorthIdaho'-inour community.
Theeventsareastark reminderofthedivisions thatstill plague our area. Thesedivisions andtheextremismthat drivesit mustchange.
Theonlywayforusto startmakingthat change istoensureextremists knowtheyaren'tmore powerfulthantheoftensilentmajority. Andthat meansweneedtovote.
Whenweexclude
peopleandlimitvoter participation, wecreate anenvironmentwhere elitism andpartypower -notvoterpower-are unlimited. Weseethis with unnecessary voter registrationrequirements monthsinadvance, an exclusionary caucus andwiththeRepublican Partyrestrictingvoter access. Theseactionsprovide morepartypower andanenvironment forextremism.
Recentactions bythe Republican Partyto makevoterinitiatives moredifficultfurther insulatesthepartyfrom thepowerandchoiceof thevoters.
Inourrecentcaucus, only6.8% ofIdaho's Republican'sattended tocasttheirvotefor
president.Thatleaves morethan 93°,� of registeredRepublicans withoutavoice, without a vote, andcompletely silent ontheir opinions. Thisis anintentional resultofPartyeffortsto limitvoterparticipation It'santi-democratic andnottheanswer tocreatingastrong party, oravoter-driven politicalagenda.
Forthesereasons,I amastrongsupporterof theIdahoansforOpen Primariesinitiative. It's notjustabout partisanpolitics-it's aboutensuringthat everycitizenhasan opportunitytovote; everyonehasa voice; and everyone hasaseat atthe political table.
Whenweopenup our primaries, weinvite
OPINION: Hate on display
moreparticipation and more diverse Perspectives That has shown tofostermore civility,betterandmore qualifiedcandidates, andgreatervoter engagement.
Simplyput,open Primarieswilltransfer morepower tothe voters,andawayfrom Professionalpoliticians Who nowsetthepolitical agendas. Morepower to thevoters!
I'mproud tosaythat most ofthelegislative districts inIdaho's panhandlehavecollected enough signatures to qualifytheOpen Primaries Initiative to the ballot.It'sa testamenttothestrength ofourcommunity and thepowervotershaveto maketheirvoiceheard
and theirvotesmatter..
Volunteershave worked tirelessly, engaginginmeaningful conversations,and sparkingpolitical discussionswith neighborsandstrangers alike.Theirdedication is inspiring, andit reaffirmsmybelief in thepowerofgrassroots politicalactivism, somethingfeared by Partybosses.
Ourworkisfarfrom over. Itis extremely challengingtoplacea citizen-led initiativeon an Idaho ballot. The volunteergroupfaces deadlines,signature demands,validation checksfromthestate, as wellasoppositiontrying tokeeptheprimaries closed. Withjustafew weekslefttopushthe
initiativeontotheballot, everysignature counts.
Iurgemy fellow Idahoanstojoinme insupportingOpen Primaries. Let'sshow theworldthatNorth Idahocan beaplace thatcreatesthoughtful policies, rejectshatred andengagesin political discourse. I believeOpen Primarieswillchange thepolitical landscape. It willbolstertheIdahowe knowand love-notthe hateful actions reported innationalmedia. Please joinmeinsupporting thisvoter-ledmovement.
EdMorse is a business ownerandreal estate consultant in Hayden. He served as a Republican Idaho State Representative from 2012-2014.
Itseemslike ourgovernments theKootenai County knowwhathappened and, aswiththeNICFire Alarmincident, likelywe neverwill. arepopulatedwith sociopathsthatwould ratherblowup our institutionsand economy thangivepower backto thepeople.
Let'sexaminethe recentallegedincident whereamanin a Brent Regan Common Sense
TaskForce onHuman Relations (KCTFHR) holds apress conference and embellishes thereport byaddinga confederate. flagon
Statisticsshowthat incidentsofracial. "hatecrimes"are increasing.TheCity Council'sstrategyto combatracismistowear T-shirts, printsignsand bumperstickersandcall anyonetheydon'tlike a racist. Councilman Gookinhasrecorded truck assaulted the UniversityofUtah's women'sbasketballteam. "Assault" becausean assaultcanbeverbal ifitinducesfearinthe listener.
Ontheeveningof Thursday,March21 RobertMoyercalled911 toreportthathewas with approximately 100 teammemberswhowent to dinneronSherman Avenue.Moyerdescribes NorthIdahoresidents as "redneck" "hillbilly" and "whitetrash"and thatawhitepickup driver revved his engine and was racing down thestreetyellingracial el)ithets.Mo'je-r also reportsthatthesame individualandothers returnedtwohourslater astheteamwasleaving the bar/restaurantand repeatedthe actions. The911callrecording isavailableonline,and somewhohavelistened toitconclude thatMoyer mayhavehada beeror two. Moyer was interviewedlater that evening outsideThe Coeurd'AleneResortby aCoeurd'Alenepolice officer.Bodycamfootage oftheinterviewisalso availableonline. None oftheother100+ people reported presentcalled 911and noother witness have come forward despitea$10,000reward. Fastforwardfour
thetruck,EvanKoch chairmanoftheKootenai CountyDemocrats
emailsmealengthy statementhewantsthe RepublicanPartyto co-sign;ChristaHazel, theliberalactivistand Bidensupporter, breaks thestoryonX(formerly Twitter), and theNorth IdahoRepublicans(Nffi) issueacondemnation statement;allhappening withinafewhours.So who is coordinatingthis?
On Wednesday afternoon, April 3 the Coeurd'hlenepolice issuedastatement regardingtheirongoing investigationintothe matterwhichincludes, "Someofthesurveillance video/audiocorroborates whatwasreported" whichbegsthequestion: Whatpartsofthereport are "corroborated?" Was itthecrimepartorthe goingouttodinnerpart?
Thereportstates thatthereisanaudio recordingofaracialslur thatmayhaveoccurred morethanonce.ls thereanyindicationof whoutteredtheslur? Couldithavebeenrap musicplayinginthe background?
Thereportmakesno mentionofthewhite truckorConfederate daysto the morningof Tuesday,March26when almostsimultaneously thisstory breaks on ESPN by the coachwho didnotwitnessthe incident, TonyStewartof flag,buttheyarelooking forasilversedan. Bottomline,thisisa disproportionateuseof resourcesbeingdiverted frominvestigating physical crimesagainst citizens.Westilldon't
over100"Rant"videos wherehefrequently callslocalRepublicans
Racists, Theocrats,Nazis andWhiteSupremacists. Whyisn'tthisahate crimetoo?
Itisknownthatif youputalabelona groupofpeopleoften enough,eventuallysome percentageofthosepeople willcometot�lieveyou and actaccoruingly.
The City Council's incompetentand misguidedefforts to co.rnbat racism apparentlyactually create moreincidentsof racism. Itis almost as if they WANT racism to happen sotheycanstrut their moral superiority.
Thequestionremains howtheUniversityof Utah coach,theCoeur d'Alenepolice,Tony Stewart(KCTFHR),the CityCouncil,Democrat ChairmanEvanKoch, ChristaHazelandNIR wereallapparently coordinatedontheir timingandresponse.What wasthecommonnode? Itwouldhaveto besomeonewith connectionstothe university,aformer NICTrusteeperhaps, someonewithdeep ties totheCoeurd'Alene police,maybeaformer offic.er,someonetight withtheKCTFHRand withconnectionsto theCoeurd'Alene City Council,EvanKoch, CristaHazelandNIR
See REGAN, A6
OPINION: Idaho Republicans reclaim roots amid division
By JIM PIERCE Guest Opinion
Asanenthusiastic outdoorsman and proudfourth-generation Idahoan, I'vealways cherishedthefreedom andnaturalbeauty ofourbelovedstate. However,recent developmentswithin our localRepublican Central Committee(KCRCC) haveleftmedeeply concernedaboutthe futureofourcommunity andthevalueswehold dear.
Thedivisionand controversynow affectingourparty reflecta broader strugglehappening acrossthenation, threateningthevery principlesthatmake
KootenaiCountyand Idahogreat.
Asaconservative whovaluesourrugged landscapesandstrong spiritof freedom, I'm notonetositidly by as negativeforcesdisrupt ourRepublicanfamily. It'stimetospeakup oncemore.
Reflectingon concernsIvoicedina column backin2017,it's evident thatwhatwas ahypotheticalthen has becomeourstarkreality now. Afactionwithin ourparty, oftenaligned with far-rightideologies andoriginatingfrom outsideIdaho, hastaken controlofourplatform andagenda, steering usaway from our traditionalRepublican roots.
Thisideological shifthascomeata highcost, endangering ourlocalinstitutions andembroiling dedicatedvolunteers inunnecessarylegal battles.
Atthecoreofthis issueliesafundamental misunderstandingof theroleoftheprecinct centralcommittee. Insteadofunitingbehind ourGOPprimarywinningcandidatesand fosteringcooperation behindthescenes, therehasbeena coordinatedeffortbythe committeetoredefine Republicanism,oftenat theexpenseoftraditional conservative�epublican thoughtand�upport.
See PIERCE, A6
CivilRightsAwardTributetotheCoeurd'AleneTribe
Theannual KCTFHRCivilRightsAwardwillbegivento!heCoeurd'AleneTribe atthecivilrightsorganization's25thhumanrightsbanquetonSeptember28, 2024. TheprestigiousawardhasgonetosuchleadersasformerSouthern Poverty LawCentercivilrightsattorney Morris Deesand Idahophilanthropist GregCarr.
Thefour-pointdetailedcriteriafortheawardcanbesummarizedasdeep commitmenttohumanrights, strongsupportforequality, demonstrating courageandconvictionsinadvancinghumanrightsandneverremainssilent inthefaceofhate.
WeknowofnoonemoredeservingofthisawardthanthepeoplesoftheCoeur d'AleneTribeandtheirCouncil.Herearesomeofthosereasons:
TheCoeurd'AleneTribehasexperiencedhumanrightsviolationsfirsthand fromtheencroachmentofminersintoTribalterritory,tothediseasethat decimatedtheTribalpopulationinthelate1980's,andthe UnitedStates' taking oftheTribe'slandwithoutitsconsent. Despitethoseexperiences, or perhaps becauseofthem,theTribehasfiercelydefendedhumanrights hotonlyfor Tribalmembers butforallpeople.
Thatdefensehasbeenconsistent,steadyandwithouthesitationfromTribal leadershipandfromindividualTribalmembers.Tribalmembershaveserved valiantlyinthemilitarytodefendtherightsofallAmericans, inhigherrates thanthegeneralpopulation.TheCoeurd'AleneTribetookastandagainstthe Aryan Nations,joiningthe KootenaiCountyTaskForceonHumanRelations andothercommunitymemberstoprotecttherightsofallpeopletolivein peace, freefromharassmentandintimidationbasedontheirraceorreligion.
TheTribehasconsistentlyfinanciallysupportedeffortsandgroupsinthe communitytoadvancehumanrights,includingthe KCTFHR,HREI andot�er�.
Theworkisfarfromfinished,aswehaveseenwiththerecentpublicized eventsinvolvingtheUniversityof Utahwomen'sbasketballteamandthenthe harassmentofTribalSchoolchildrenin McEuen Park.TheCoeurd'AleneTribe hasalwaysbeenhereandalwayswillbe,andthe.Tribewillneverbackdownin thefaceofwrongdoing.TheTribeanditsleadershipwillcontinuetoadvocate fortheequal,respectfultreatmentofallmembersofthe community.
·TheCoeurd'AleneTribehasa majorinfluenceontheregion'seconomy employingover1,700individualsaddingmorethan$330million annuallyto Idaho'seconomy.TheTribe's MarimnHealthfacilityhaswonseveralawards foritsfirst-classmedicalservicetotheregion.Wemustalsorecognize themillionsof dollarstheCoeurd'AleneTribegivestotheregioninstudent'' scholarships', transportation, businessesandnon-profitstonamejustafew examples.
The KootenaiCountyTaskForceonHumanRelations Boardinvitesindividuals andorganizationstopurchaseticketstotheKCTFHRbanquetonSeptember 28totakethisrareopportunitytohonor andthanktheCoeurd'AleneTribefor welcoming thefirstsettlers andall thosepeoplewhohavecomehere sincethosedaysandespecially joiningusinhorningthisremarkable sovereign Nation.
KootenaiCountyTaskForceon HumanRelations Board
SATURDAY, September 28, 2024
at The Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway
No Host Bar and Recepetion at 5:30 P.M. and Dinner at 6:30 P.M.
" Program: KCTFHR Presents
0 a C oir It:Sducation: niinnues"
Cheryl Brown Henderson, the keynote speaker, is the daughter of the Lead Plaintiff, Rev. Oliver L. Brown, in Brown V. Board of Education (1954). In the fall of 1950, Rev. Brown along with 12 other parents inTopeka, Kansas, led by attorneys for the NAACP including Thurgood Marshall, filed suit on behalf of their children against the local Board of Education. Their case joined with cases from Delaware, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
�In 1988 Cheryl Brown Henderson founded the Brown Foundation. Since its establishment, theFoundationhasprovided minority scholarships; presentedawardsto local, state and nationalleaders; establishedlibrariesforchildren in lowincomecommunities; developedcurriculumon Brownfor EducatorsacrossAmerica; created traveling exhibits; sponsors programs on diversity and educational issues; and many morefunctions.
Ms. Brown Henderson holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Baker University and a master'sdegree in Guidance and Counseling from Emporia State University. She has also been awarded anHonorary Doctorate of Humane Letters fromWashburn University and anHonorary Doctorateof Educationfrom the University of South Florida.
Shehas been a guest at theWhiteHouse on sevenoccasionsincluding2014 for a reception anddinnermarking key moments in the civil rights movement.
Wewillberecognizingthe 70thanniversary of BrownV. Boardof Educationcourtdecision.
The program will includeawarding the 25th annual KCTFHFR Civil Rights Awardtothe Coeurd'AleneTribeforthenumerouscontributionstheyhaveandcontinuetomaketothe entireregion forthewellbeingof allpeopleandahealthy andsafeenvironment. Joinus inthe celebration ofthisremarkable NativeAmericanpeopleandculture.
Dinner Buffet: Tender golden roasted turkey and oven baked honey ham, mixed green salad, assorted dressings, fresh seasonal fruit array, homemade mashed potatoes and creamy giblet gravy, traditional stuffing, an array of pickled vegetables, sauteed seasonal vegetables, oven fresh rolls and butter, and chiefs' choice of dessert array.
_.UMAN
Anniversary ofthe Kootenai CountyTask Force on Human Relations
KCTFHR Hosted Summer Luncheon Honors Anne Frank
OnWednesday, June 12,2024, at the BestWestern Coeur d'Alene Inn the KCTFHR hosted a luncheon honoringAnne Frank onwhat would have been her 95th birthday as an audienceof 130 people heard keynote speakersDr. Mary Noble (MD) and Dr. Hershel Zellman (MD) fromTemple Beth Shalom in Spokane share the story of this young hero quoting from her diary.They sharedthe longhistory of the persecution of the Jewishpeopleaswell asmillionsof other victimsaround the world.
Noble said: ''We can rememberAnne Frank's own words, "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world ."
KCTFHR presidentJody Hiltenbrand in her welcome toldt he crowd: //Let's keep Anne's spirit in our hearts today as we continue the long works of human rights. 11 Emcee Tony Stewart begin: //Please join me in a warm welcome to a very special gues( Carla Peperzak1 aHolocaust survivor who celebrated her 700th birthday last year. She is joined today by two of her daughters, Yvonne Peperzak-Blake and Marian Cummings. What a special person as she teaches especially young people not only the tragic history ofthe Holocaust but calling on them to cherish and protect democracy. 11
Carla Peperzak has published a memoir, had a school named for her on the Spokane SouthHill, and a documentary that is being filmed at Gonzaga University about her life. Although the documentary will not be released until2025, the previews have already resulted in eight awardsincluding Best DocumentaryFeature, Best BiographicalFilm, Best InspirationalFilm, BestTrue Story, BestWomenFilm, BestJewishFilm, BestFirstTime Director: Clement Lye and BestFirstTime Producer: KristineHoover.
//This event also brings to my mind the late Eva Lassman who did the same meaningful work in our region. Most people do not know that the KCTFHR gave the first$71000 to create the Eva Lassmanendowmentat Gonzaga Universit,1t 11 Stewart stated.
It was aspecialday notonly inCoeurd'Alenebutthroughouttheregionas werecognizedand celebrated the 95th birthday of that extraordinary young lady, AnneFrank, wholeft us a road map on how to live by embracing love, compassion, giving of ourselves for the greater good, courage, and devotion to a world that has respect for all humanity.
//The timing for thisluncheon to remember and shareAnneFrank's brilliant writings could not have been a more appropriate time as we have recently been facing serious challenges in our region from a small minority spewing hatred, bigotry and prejudice. Let us be clear that these perpetrators of hate will fail in their efforts to change our values and who we are as a people,'' Stewart said.
Press Conference on March 26, 2024 KCTFHR Statement
The women's Utah basketball team participating in the regional NCAA tournament in Spokane who were staying at the Coeur d'Alene Resort were walking downtown Coeur d'Alene in the late afternoon on Friday, March 22 to a restaurant for dinner when they encountered an appalling racist incident. After dinner, one or more individuals shouted vile racial slurs using the "N" word at the young women including some who were of a racial minority. The players were so traumatized they rushed back to the hotel and the next morning they and their coaches left Coeur d'Alene.
We condemn in the strongest terms these horrendous acts of hatred and if the perpetrators are identified they must account for their actions. There is no place in our communities or the United States for such horrific acts.
Although we have made progress in race relations especially with changes in Federal and state laws in recent decades, we are far from a Nation free of bigotry, prejudice and hatred. Racism, as well as many other forms of bigotry, are still very much alive in the United States and around the world. This is yet another example to those who incorrectly claim racism is no longer a problem in our country. This is once again a stain on our community that we have worked so hard to erase sinee the days of the Aryan Nations.
We are witnessing a troubling growth of a very toxic environment both nationally and locally by individuals and organized extremist groups to advance many forms of hatred by labeling others as traitors, communists, vermin thus suggesting that some individuals are less than human. These words and actions are creating a serious divide among people. We must speak out against this destructive trend.
Stewart is Panelist atThree Law Schools' Summer Assembly
On June 20, the annualAlliance for Equal Justice Summer Intern Orientation was hosted by the University of Washington, Seattle University and Gonzaga University law schools to provide law student interns in the State of Washington with information and skills to support them in their summer internships in public interest work. This year's topic was: "The Humanity of it All: Client Centered Lawyering." Stewart and two practicing attorneys in the State of Washington were members of the panel entitled 11AdvocatingthroughStorytelling.'' Josiah Lara, StaffAttorney, The Way to Justice; Sally Winn, Director of Legal Services, YWCA Spokane; and Tony Stewart, Retired Political Scientist, Lecturer, Author and CommunityActivist addressed two questions: 1 . Howyougottowhereyouaretoday inalegalprofessional experience? 2. Howdoyouapproachadvocacythroughstorytelling? Stewart addressed civil and human rights through sharing stories of how victims of malicious harassment and hate crimes are often permanently impacted by those experiences. He provided ways in which the law students can understand their clients and help them overcome such horrible experiences.
The Kootenai CountyTask Force on Human Relations Annual Meeting
On January 4, 2024, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Board of Directors held its annual organizational meeting. The first major item on the agenda was the election of the 2024 officers. Jody Hiltenbrand, a Coeur d'Alene 271 school district principal, was elected president; Christie Wood, a Coeur d'Alene City Council member, was chosen vice-president; Scott Kennedy, a third year Gonzaga University law student, was elected treasurer; and Tony Stewart, a retired political science professor, was chosen secretary. The Board approved the budget for 2024 and discussed major projects arid events for the year.
37th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Children's Program
In January 2024, the Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene school districts joined forces with the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations to sponsor the 37th annual fifth grader's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. program.
The Post FalIs 5th graders celebrated the event on January 12 with a performance by nationally known Ovation Company founder Stu Cabe and his story of the 11Big Elephant and the Little Elephant11 sharing the theme of kindness and respect.A fifth grader from each elementary school read their award-winning essay. The students performed with music and dance. The theme was "Kindness Is King."
The Coeur d'Alene children's program was held on January 19. This year's theme was "Legacy of Love" featuring Gonzaga University Professor Kristine Hoover. As Hoover had the students clasp their hands together, she said: Nfake the time to not do what is easy, but to choose to do things differently."
She continued her talk by saying to the children: 11/n some ways, it can be a reminder that we can choose to be more kind, morecaring and more welcoming.''
The students from the first program in the 1980's are now in their 40's.
We believe this may be the longest running Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. kids' proram in the United States. We extend a huge thank you to the educators in both school ·stricts.
Gonzaga University Receives Gifts from Kootenai CountyTask Force on Human Relations and Attorney Norman Gissel
In the Fall of 2023, the Kootenai CountyTask Force on Human Relations Board of Directors gave to the Gonzaga University Foley Library their 43 year collection of documents, letters, video and other items.
This year the KCTFHR provided a $30,000 gift along with an individual's additional $3,000 to hire a part-time archivist at the Gonzaga Foley Library to organize the collection that will then be given to a digital archivist to put the collection on-line to be accessible to colleges and universities around the world as well as the general public. Much of the same collection is on line at the North Idaho College Molstead Library.
In the spring of 2024, former KCTFHR attorney Norman Gissel gifted his large collection of materials from the Keenans V. Aryan Nations civil trial held in 2000 to the Gonzaga University Foley Library and the G U Law School. The Gonzaga University Law School is preparing to organize the two-year preparation materials and evidence used in the Keenans v. Aryan Nations civil trial to instruct law students on methods and procedures in preparing a major civil case. This will possibly be a unique approach in a lesson of hands on for training the students.
Name:
Cost of Tickets & Tables: $55 for individual tickets
Silver Tables: $600 for a table for 8 persons & includes being listed in the program as a Silver Sponsor & a good table location.
Gold Tables: $1,000 for a table for 8 persons & includes being listed in the program as a Gold Sponsor, and a prime location for your table.
Payment must be inby Tuesday, September 24, 2024!
Pleaseclip & returnthis registrationform with your checkormoneyorder.
Make checks payable to:KCTFHR For more info call:208-765-3932
Mail to: Kootenai County TaskForce on Human Relations, P.O. Box 2725, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816
$55 individual tickets:Number of tickets @ $55 per person Total $ _
Address: ------------------------------------------
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$600 table: Name Address:
$1,000 table: Name Address:-----
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honorsCoeurd'Alene Tribeduringannualbanquet
ByHAILEYHILL StaffWriter
COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations held its 25th annual banquet in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday night.
The banquet featured keynote speaker Cheryl Brown Henderson, founder of the Brown Foundation. Henderson gave a presentation titled "Brown v. Board of Education: The Legacy Continues," highlighting the implications of
the landmark Supreme Court case that was named after her father, who was one of many plaintiffs in the case.
"I'm afraid there is a movement afoot to destroy public education," said Henderson, as she spoke on recent controversies over school vouchers, book bans and other topics. Henderson took the time to emphasize the importance of education for all during her speech.
See BANQUET, A2
Keynote speaker Cheryl Brown Henderson speaks at the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations 25th annual banquet in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday night.
HAILEY HILUPress
� Keynote speaker Cheryl Brown Henderson addresses the crowd during the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations 25th annual banquet in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday night.
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from A1
"Our country has had many opportunities for us to not be having this conversation tonight," said Henderson. "Education is the cornerstone of democracy ... and democracy gave birth to the rule of law."
KCTFHR also presented the Coeur d'Alene Tribe with their annual Civil Rights
Award during Saturday's banquet.
The award is given out yearly to organizations or individuals with "deep commitment to human rights, strong support for equality, demonstrates courage and convictions in advancing human rights and never remains silent in the face of hate," wrote KCTFHR.
"The Coeur d'Alene Tribe has always been here and always will be," KCTFHR wrote in
a tribute to the Tribe. "The Tribe will never back down in the face of wrongdoing. The Tribe and its leadership will continue to advocate for the equal, respectful treatment of all members of the community."
The Bill Wassmuth Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Scott Kennedy, who has worked closely with KCTFHR through volunteer work for many years.
HAILEY HILUPress
Banquet Program
Welcome JodyHiltenbrand
KCTFHR, President
Introductionsand TonyStewart
MasterofCeremonies
PledgeofAllegiance
Dinner
KCTFHR,Secretary
JoAnnHarvey
KCTFHR, BoardMember
6:30
Key Note Speaker Ms. Cheryl Brown Henderson
Founder ofthe Brown Foundation "Brown V. Board of Education: The Legacy Continues"
KootenaiCountyTaskForce CivilRightsAward
BillWassmuthMemorial VolunteeroftheyearAward
-ClosingRemarks
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe TonyStewart,presenter
Scott Kennedy Presenters:JodyHiltenbrand, KCTFHRPresident
ChrisiteWood, KCTFHR,Vice President
TonyStewart
2023-2024 North Idaho College Minority Scholarships in honor of former Idaho Governor Phil Batt and former Idaho State Senator Mary Lou Reed Recipients: Ash'Lynn Jackson, Jeremiah Sibley, Mccamy Twitchell and Alycia Lee
The $8,000 annual scholarships are funded by: North Idaho College Foundation and Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations
Please see the back side of this page for details of the Kootenai County Task Force Civil Rights Award of the Year being presented to the Coeurd'Alene Tribe.
Coeurd'AleneTribe Receivesthe 25thAnnual
Kootenai CountyTask Force on Human Relations
Civil Rights Award
JGHTS Tribute
to the Coeur d'AleneTribe (Schitsu'umsh)
The annual KCTFHRCivil Rights Awardisbeing given to the Coeur d'AleneTribe at thecivil rights organization's 25th HumanRights Banquet.The prestigiousaward has gone to such leaders as former Southern Poverty Law Center civilrights attorney Morris Deesand Idahophilanthropist Greg Carr.
The four-pointdetailed criteria for the award can besummarizedas deepcommitment to human rights, strong supportfor equality, demonstratescourage and convictionsin advancing human rights and neverremainssilentin the face of hate.
We knowof no one more deserving ofthis awardthanthe peoples of the Coeur d'AleneTribe and their Council. Here aresome ofthosereasons:
The Coeurd'AleneTribehas experiencedhuman rightsviolations firsthand from the encroachment of minersintoTribalterritory,tothediseasethatdecimatedtheTribalpopulationin thelate 1980's, and the United States'taking oftheTribe'sland without itsconsent. Despite thoseexperiences, or perhapsbecause of them, theTribehasfiercely defended human rightsnot only forTribalmembers but for allpeople.
eThat defensehas been consistent, steady and without hesitation fromTribal leadership and from individualTribal members.Tribal members have served valiantly in the military to defend the rights ofall Americans, in higher rates than the general population.The Coeur d'AleneTribe took a stand against the Aryan Nations,joining the Kootenai CountyTaskForce onHuman Relations and other community members to protect the rights of all people to live in peace, free fromharassment andintimidationbased on their race or religion.TheTribe has consistently financially supported efforts and groups in the community to advance humanrights, including the KCTFHR, HREI and others.
The work is far from finished, as wehave seen with the recent publicized events involving the University of Utah women's basketball team and then theharassment ofTribal School children in McEuen Park.
The Coeurd'Alene Tribehas always beenhereandwillalways be, andthe Tribewillnever backdown in the faceofwrongdoing. The Tribeandits leadershipwillcontinueto advocatefor theequal, respectful treatment ofallmembers ofthecommunity.
The Coeur d'AleneTribe has a major influence on the region's economy employing over 1,700 individuals adding more than $330 million annually to Idaho's economy.TheTribe's MarimnHealth facility has won several awards for its first-class medical service to the region. We must also recognize themillions of dollars the Coeur d'AleneTribe gives to the regionin studentscholarships: transportation, businesses and non-profits to name just a few examples.
The Kootenai CountyTask Force on Human Relations Boardinvites everyone to take this rare opportunity to thank the Coeur d'AleneTribefor welcoming the first settlers and all those people who have come here since those days andjoin us in honoring this remarkable sovereign Nation.
Quitesimply, thereareno betterneighbors
Even the most recent Kootenai County newcomers are likely aware that the Tribe runs a top-notch casino and golf course just south ofCoeur d'Alene. But our neighbors to the south are so much more than tourism magnets.
Roughly 2,200 tribal numbers inhabit the 345,000acre reservation. This proud Native people's land today is less than one-tenth its ancestral home, 3.5 million acres across Montana, northern Idaho and Washington. Mother Earth is revered, and ifthe land is the body, then Lake Coeur d'Alene is the lifegiving soul.
In a landmark U.S. Supreme Court 2001 decision, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe was awarded ownership ofthe lower third ofLake Coeur d'Alene. Some scholars believe that provision actually fell short; that the entire lake should be under tribal control.
But one ofthe hallmarks of good neighbors is working together, especially through complicated and potentially life-altering challenges for all concerned. And that has long been the drum beat to which all ofus newcomers - because in this sense, we are - have danced with our Coeur d'Alene Tribe brothers and sisters.
That kind ofcooperation benefits all. Thirtyone years ago, facing financial hardship, the Tribe opened the Coeur d'Alene Casino. Ten years later, Circling Raven GolfClub began welcoming golfers from around the world.
Many tribal members now have good jobs thanks to these thriving businesses, but so do even more non-tribal citizens. In its various capacities, the Tribe directly employs some 1,700 people. As part of its gaming compact with the state, the Tribe gives millions of dollars to area schools and nonprofits, showing how cooperation can far exceed what disparate entities could accomplish on their own.
We'll remind you about some other great neighbors: The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. While the Tribe is perhaps best known for its guardianship of natural resources, KCTFHR has focused its energy and its intelligence on people ofthis region living, working and playing together safely and for mutual benefit.
Founders ofthe organization, including Tony Stewart, have always understood the essential place our Coeur d'Alene tribal brothers and sisters hold in North Idaho - one that precedes our own by many, many thousands ofyears.
That's why KCTFHR honored the Tribe during the organization's 25th annual gathering last weekend. Ifwe're not going to pay the Tribe rent, the very least we can do is pay them our unwavering respect. 0 -c • :::s • 0 :::s
Her address is titled "Brown v. Board of Education: The Legacy Continues" as we recognize the 70th anniversary of the landmark court decision.
The 25th KCTFHR Civil Rights Award will be presented to the Coeur d'Alene Tribe at a special ceremony during the banquet.
This year's banquet is Saturday, September 28 at the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn on Appleway. Individualtickets are $55, silvertablesare $600 and gold tables are $1,000. Registration deadline is September 24.
The reception will be at 5:30 P.M. and dinner will be at 6:30 P.M. Checks can be mailed to KCTFHR, PO Box 2725, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83816 or call 208-765-3932 for more information.
The KCTFHR is in its 44th year as a human rights organization advancing human rights, opposing discrimination and providing educational presentations throughout the United States.
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
as the Inland Northwest pastor and a very dear friend.·
He gave hope and encouragement to everyone who met him, be it person to person or in a large gathering. He was a giant among people that made our region so much better as he helped people in need and was a healer showing such compassion with a powerful spirit. His legacy will live on in every person he met and the many ways he touched us all.
I cherish every moment I was honored to be with him.
He shared his recitation of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech on many occasions for Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene fifth-grade students in January at our annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Children's Program in Coeur d'Alene.
I know he is at peace and reunited with many of his family and joining the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. as pastors of the message·of justice and r�ghteousness.
Tony Stew�rt Coeur d�lene
Letters policy
The Spokesman-Review invites original letters of no more than 250 words on topics of public interest. Unfortunately, we don't have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge the_ir receipt. We accept no more than one letter a month from the same writer. Please remember to include your daytimephone number and street address. The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and republish any material submitted for publication.
Watkins gave hope to everyone It is.withgreatsadness that I share with you the passing of the Rev. Happy Watkins of Spokane, who I often introduced
Email: editor@spokesman.com
By Mary Stamp
The2025SpokaneAreaJewish Family ServicesJewishFilmFestival, fromJan. 25 toFeb. 2, will bethePacificNorthwestPremiere for the locally produced documentary,"Carla, theRescuer."
Kristine Hooverand Clement Lye ofGonzaga University collaborated with Holocaust survivorand educator CarlaPeperzak of Spokane to co-produce a 90-minute documentary on her life and her work as a Jewish member oftheDutchresistance during WorldWar II.
The documentary is a testament to Carla's commitment to encourage everyoneto embrace toleranceasshecontinuestothis day to give talks to schools and communityorganizations.
"C 1 ' ar a smessageofhoperesonates today,"saidKristine,chair of�emaster'sprograminorganizational leadership in Gonzaga's School ofLeadership Studies.
"As a teen in Amsterdam Carla risked everything to aid fellow Jews, forging ID cards and providing shelter from the brutal Nazi regimeand collaborators,"Kristinesaid."Growing up alongside Margot Frank sister ofAnneFrank, Carla wit� nessedtheharrowingrealitiesof theHolocaust,enduringtheloss ofthree-quartersofherextended family."
andKristineHoovermeetinClement'sstudio at GonzagaUniversity.
From this tragedy, Carla emerged with "an unwavering determination to speak out against injustice"-a mission shecontinuesat 10lyearsofage.
FrommultigenerationalinterviewswithCarlaandherfamily, includingagreat-granddaughter who is now the same age Carla �as during World War II, the documentary captures Carla's enduring message oftolerance andinclusion, Kristinesaid.
Expertinsights shed light on thesignificanceofhernarrative.
"Carla is a living testament to the transformative power of individual action in shaping a brighter future,"Kristine said.
Through the documentary, Carlasharesthegiftofherstory asa :firsthand witness and truthteller,inspiring everyonetofind theirvoiceand make a positive differencein theworld today.
Kristine and Clement are sendingatrailerandsummaryto variousfilmfestivals.Theyhope the documentaryora40-minute videowillbe viewed atschools, community conversations and religious gatherings in the Pa-
ClementLye
Taskforce perseveresin challenginghate
ByTonyStewart
Civil rights leader Cheryl Brown Henderson recently told theKootenaiCountyTaskForce onHumanRelations(KCTFHR.) that publiceducationisthe cornerstone ofdemocracy and the ruleoflaw.
At its 25th annual human rights banquet on Sept. 28 in Coeur d'Alene, the task force alsopresentedcivilrightsawards andraisedfimdsforminoritystudentscholarshipsatNorthIdaho College in partnership with the NorthIdahoCollegeFoundation.
Cherylisthedaughterofthe lead plaintiff, the Rev. Oliver Brown, in the United States Supreme Court landmark case "Brownv.BoardofEducation" (1954)endinglegalizedsegregationinAmerica'spublicschools. Oliver and 12 other parents in Topeka, Kansas, were joined withcasesfromDelaware,South Carolina,VirginiaandWashington,D.C.
In 1988, Cheryl founded the Brown Foundation, which provides student scholarships, presents awards to leaders, establishes libraries for children inlow-incomecommunitiesand many more functions.
Heraddresstracedthehistory ofracial discrimination in the United States and pointed out her concerns on recent acts to attackpubliceducation,such as banningbooksandeffortstoremoveteaching intheclassroom of diversity, equality, equity, inclusionandsocialjustice.Her wordsdrewastandingovation.
TheKCTFHRpresentedits 25thannualcivilrightsawardto the Coeur d'AleneTribe for its longhistoryofsupportingequality and justice for allpeople,as wellasitsmajorfinancialgiftsto so many individuals andgroups intheregion.TheTribeemploys more than 1,700 individuals, adding morethan $330 million toIdaho'seconomyeachyear.
Inacceptingtheaward,Chairman ChiefJ.Allan shared with the audience how the Coeur d'Alene Tribe has historically facedviciousdiscrimination,includingbeinglabeledassavages. Its members were not granted Americancitizenshipuntil1924, although the Coeur d'Alene
people were here for centuries beforewhitesettlerscame.
ScottKennedy,the KCTFHR treasurer, received the annual KCTFHR Bill Wassmuth Memorial Volunteer-of-the-Year Award.Hehasvolunteeredmany yearswiththetaskforce.
The Kootenai..County Task ForceonHumanRelationsisin its 44th year as a human rights organization promoting human rights,whilecombatingdiscrimination, malicious harassment andhatecrimes.
It works across America helping communities combat hateintheircommunities.
For40years,taskforcemembers have traveled across the United States from coast to coast,visiting communities,cities,colleges,universities,places of worship, chambers, businessesand communityevents.
To tell the story ofthe KCTFHR,in2020,KristineHoover, who was then director ofGon- 1 zaga University ffi:Stituteforthe StudyofHate,revieweddataand writtenmaterials(inmy filesas oneofthe founders).She wrote abookcalled"CounteringHate: Leaderships Cases for Nonviolent Action," published by KendallHuntPublishing.
She includedreports on the task force work with several communitiesaroundtheU.S.
Individual chapters discuss our work in various communities, which include three cities inIdaho,Pulaski,Tenn.,Sanders County,Mont.,Asheville,N.C., John Day, Ore., Grand Forks, N.D., Stevens County, Wash:1 and multiple cities inWyoming
TonyStewart
