1957-04-01 Char-Koosta News

              CHAR-KOOSTA
PUBLISHED BY CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES, FLATHEAD AGENCY, MONT. Application for Second Class Permit Made at the Post Office in Ronan, Montana
Vol. 1—No. 6
April, 1957
Tribe Mourns James J. Swaney
The members of the Confederated Sa-lish and Kootenai Tribes were dealt a shocking blow by the death of James J. Swaney, Secretary-Treasurer of the Tribal Council. Jay was killed in an automobile accident on Tuesday April 16, on Highway No. 10 approximately two miles east of Dixon, Montana.
The father of seven children, he was born on April 29, 1918 in Pendleton, Oregon. Shortly thereafter his family moved to Dixon. Jay attended high school and graduated with recognition as an outstanding basketball and baseball player.
A veteran of World War II, Jay served with the US Army Air Force from February, 1942 to November 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. Shortly after receiving his discharge from the armed services he was employed by the Flathead Tribal Council as their Treasurer. On September 28, 1951 he was promoted to the posi-
tion of Secretary-Treasurer of the Tribal Council and held that responsible position until his death.
In this position as Secretary-Treasurer of the Tribal Council he was a conscientious worker, with a thorough knowledge of Tribal Affairs and the ability to accurately execute any and all phases of Tribal work. As a supervisor he was tolerant and very considerate of his employees. His humor and affability made him a favorite amongst those who worked with and for him.
A stong advocate of the Treaty rights of the Tribe his first concern was the general welfare of its members. Being fully aware of the many Tribal problems with which the people had to cope, he was sympathetic to them in their personal problems of enrollment, welfare, taxes, relief, etc., and helped them whenever possible. Steadfast in his belief that
Education, Land Loans Increase
The educational and land loan programs have received new impetus in the past months. Since the new plan of operation in 1955, to this date, 15 educational loans totaling $17,082 have been made and action is pending on more applications.
The interest rate on educational loans is 3 percent and the total amount that can be loaned is $2,000 for four years beyond high school or $500 per school year. These loans are available to students who are enrolled members of this tribe and are graduates from high school who wish to continue their education. The loans are also available to students who are interested in going to trade schools or business colleges.
Owners of small acreages who wish to purchase additional lands to increase their acreage are applying for loans. Enlarged acreage will give units large enough to produce sufficient income and give the family a full time job. The income can be large enough to make an adequate living and still pay off a loan. The fact that many tribal members own 40 to 80 acres with no land joining or situated close enough to make an adequate unit, is one of the large problems now confronting the credit department. Provisions now allow Indians to buy desirable pieces of land under negotiated sales with other Indians.
Mr. Swaney's funeral was held on April 15 at the St. Ignatius Catholic church with Rev. Father Cornelius Byrne as celebrant. Rosary was recited in the Fearon chapel on the evening of April 14. Burial was in the Catholic Cemetary. Graveside services were conducted by the James R. W. Mc Carthy post of the American Legion, St. ^Ignatius.
the Fullblood Indians had never been properly dealt with, he was deeply and especially concerned over their welfare. He thoroughly understood their problems, their handicapped position in a modern world, was familiar with their way of life, and respected and admired them. In turn, the Fullblood people liked and respected him and amongst them he had many good friends.
Never too busy to hear and discuss an Indian's problem, he was a generous man understanding and sympathetic toward all.
How do you replace a man like that one with all the qualities of a good man? A man who loved his children and family so deeply; a man who had a multitude of good friends; and a man who seriously worked for the betterment of this people?
His death was a tragic loss to his family, relatives and his many friends. His loss will, indirectly, be felt by all the members of the Flathead Tribe. To those of us who worked with him and associated with him daily, he will be missed for a long, long time. — Robert McCrea.