My name is Elmer S. Morigeau Jr.-Sonny

I am a Tribal Council person.  I have been on the Tribal Council since 1976; I was elected in 1975 and became a Tribal Councilman in 1976.

In 1938, I moved to Dixon from Perma, then from Perma to Ronan, [and] Camas Prairie; we moved around. 

Before I was on the Tribal Council, I was chief of police for 10 years. I worked at a sawmill for 10 years, and I was in the Navy for three years. In the Navy, I rode the destroyer ship USS Meredith DD890, and I also rode on the USS Winslow EAG127, which was a destroyer that got changed to a radar ship.  I was at sea just about all the time; the ships were small but very good.  I spent all my time on the east coast from Maine to Florida, and I was very happy to finally come home. 

I am Salish, Colville and Kootenai.  I have helped the Tribes with land acquisition, buying back Tribal land, and trying to preserve it has been a priority.

In my spare time I ranch and raise horses.  I am an ex rodeo guy.  One of my fondest memories was living with Grandma on the North Fork of the Jocko River and Shovel Camp.

I am a Democrat.  I’ve been married for 55 years.  I have 23 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren (5 young ones).

I admire Mickey Pablo the former Tribal Council member.  I look to the Elders for advice.

In 10 to 20 years, I hope to see young people staying in school and getting their education. You’re the future. I want kids staying off the streets. 

Two important issues facing the Tribes are gaming issues and need for a better court system.  Outside the Tribes, our biggest ally I’d say is the BIA.

The biggest issue: hoping the young people will stay in school and get a good education.

One of my biggest personal achievements is being able to be a Councilperson and trying to make a better life for the Tribe.   I would like people to know that I am honest.  My goal is to raise some of the best horses for ranching and rodeoing.

I have two and a half years left in my term, and I will run for Tribal Council again if I am still in good health. 

A future leader should have good common sense.  For Tribal youth and their education, I’ve fought for Two Eagle River School, was a board member when they first started.  I think they should build another school for the dropouts of Ronan.  I hope to see a full native school, K through 12, for students who can’t cope in a public school. 

My advice to youth is get an education.  You can’t get a job if you don’t have a high school diploma. Use the thing between your ears and lean new things.  If test time comes around and you didn’t study, you’re in a fix.