My name is Ron Trahan

I am the current Vice Chair.  I have been on Tribal council for five years, six in January.  I ran for Tribal Council mostly to help the Tribes and to give something back.

I grew up in St Ignatius.  I’ve worked in logging and in housing where I was a supervisor for 15 years.  My Tribal affiliation is Salish.  I have worked on the IIM accounts for students before they graduate.  

In my spare time I go to rodeos and hunt.  My fondest memories? I don’t know; they’re all good.

I’m a Democrat.  I am married with two boys, two girls and eight grandchildren.  I admire former Tribal Council member Liman Luke Trahan.  I look to elders and others for advice, and I have to listen to lawyers.  

In 10 to 20 years on the Reservation, hopefully there will be a better and higher percent of land, better than it is now, and better education for the kids

Important issues facing the Tribes?  Water rights and health care.  Allies?   As long as we can educate the people, they’ll understand and they will become our allies.

The biggest issues I’ve dealt with? All issues are big issues; everyone’s issues are big.  My biggest personal achievement is my family.  I would like people to know that I am honest and sincere about what I do. 

My goals for the future are to work on health care and to finish out some of the things that are going on right now.  Twenty years from now I would like people to know that I was honest and that I tried to get done what I said that I would. 

A future leader should be true to themselves, and have a heart. They should be able to understand and listen to people. 

I have supported Tribal youth and their education by working on the IIM. It gives them pride and a reason to get school done.  I know it’s going to help them and keep some kids alive.  My advice for youth is to stay in school, make sure people understand you, and tell people your opinion.  Be within the Tribe and help your Tribe.