Honors former longtime Coeur d’Alene Tribal Chairman Ernie Stensgar; environmentally friendly structure is adjacent to golf course and available for outings, meetings and many other activities
(WORLEY, Idaho) – The Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel and Circling Raven Golf Club are proud to announce the new multi-purpose pavilion at the resort near Spokane has been named in honor of longtime tribal chairman Ernie Stensgar.
Named Stensgar Pavilion, the unique structure was designed by Mithun Architects of Seattle. It offers 5,800 square feet of space for meetings, ceremonies, golf events, retreats, weddings and other activities, and features a “living roof” with natural Palouse grasses and wildflowers.
“Ernie Stensgar remains one of the great leaders, great figures in Indian Country,” said Tribal Chairman Chief Allan. “His devotion to the tribe over so many years puts him in a special place in tribal lore. We continue building on the successes of his leadership and this pavilion is a very solid reminder of what he means to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.”
Stensgar, currently vice chairman, served in the chairmanship from 1986 to 2004. A monument at the pavilion reads: “Leadership, statesmanship, friendship. Ernie Stensgar has given these and much more in his decades of service on Tribal Council and as its Chairman. To honor his love for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, his love for this homeland and his love for the game of golf, we dedicate this building in his name.”
Stensgar was tribal chairman during a bold push to bring industry, state government and the federal government together for a cleanup of heavy metals in the Coeur d’Alene Basin. He was in the chairmanship when gaming operations were conceived and realized on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation. His signature and that of former governor Cecil Andrus are on the first tribal gaming compact in Idaho history. His and the tribal council’s leadership oversaw the development of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, now featuring the immensely acclaimed Circling Raven Golf Club.
He was the first tribal leader ever named on the list of “Most Influential Idahoans.” In 1996, he became the first tribal leader to receive the prestigious Bayard Rustin Award, recognizing his humanitarian efforts and achievements. Stensgar also currently serves as President of Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, a regional organization representing 55 tribes in the Pacific Northwest.
For more information about Circling Raven Golf Club or Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel call 1-800-523-2464 or visitwww.circlingraven.com.
About Circling Raven Golf Club and Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel
Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and convenient to Spokane (WA) airport, the casino resort and golf club are nestled on a reservation covering 345,000 acres of mountains, lakes, old-growth forest and farmland. The resort spans the western edge of the northern Rocky Mountains. Tribal history also tells us that Circling Raven was a spiritually powerful leader, his name coming from his close relationship to the raven, who helped guide him on his journeys, warn him of danger and show him where to find fish and game.
Circling Raven was created amid a unique blend of wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. At 7,189 yards, the par 72 championship layout meanders through 620 acres, only 100 representing cultivated ground. Wildlife is abundant, including elk, deer, moose and an occasional black bear. In fact, the opening was delayed due to damage on two greens by migrating elk.
Recent honors bestowed upon Circling Raven:
* “Top-40 Casino Courses in the U.S. (No. 4)” – Golf Digest
* Top 100 Courses You Can Play – “One to Watch for in 2008” – GOLF Magazine
* Top U.S. Resort Courses – Golfweek Magazine 2007 and 2008
* America’s Top Golf Courses – Zagat Survey 2007-08 rankings
* No. 9 Signature 36 – Fairways + Greens Magazine 2007
* Top U.S. Casino Golf Courses – Golf For Women Magazine
* No. 1 Tribal Golf Course in America – Native American Casino Magazine
* Resort Merchandiser of the Year – Inland Empire Chapter of the PGA 04, 05, 06, 07
* Service Excellence Award by the Coeur d’Alene Area Chapter of the Idaho Department of Commerce and Labor
Golf Course
* Yardages: Gold, 7,189; Blue, 6,578; White, 6,108; Red, 5,389; Green, 4,708
* Total Acreage: 670 (including practice area, practice green and clubhouse)
* Amenities: The clubhouse is 6,500 square feet, including the Twisted Earth Grill and full service bar. Both locker rooms include showers and lockers. The practice facility covers 25 acres; separated into areas for wedges, sand play and all clubs in the bag. The resort adjacent to the course includes 202 hotel rooms, casino, events center, buffet, and
The Coeur d’Alene Casino offers 1,800 machines for play in smoking and non-smoking areas, off-track betting for horse and dog races, high-stakes bingo, entertainment and many other amenities. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week every day of the year. The resort is regularly voted the most popular casino in the Inland Northwest.
Contact:
Dan Shepherd, Buffalo Communications, 703-891-3320, dshepherd@billycaspergolf.com
