The Chairman of the Colville Indian Tribal Council, Eddie A. Palmanteer, Jr., has been named Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Colville Agency. Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Morris Thompson, announced the appointment effective October 13. The tribe's Vice Chairman, Al Aubertin, will move into the Chairman's position until the next election.
"Eddie Palmanteer is a competent, hard working person,” Commissioner Thompson said. "We consulted with the tribal council about filling this position and he was their nominee. I think he is an excellent choice."
The Agency serves only the Colville Reservation which is located about 90 miles northwest of Spokane, Washington. It is the largest reservation in that state, The tribe has about 5,360 members.
Palmanteer, who is a full blood Colville Indian, has held many positions with the tribe. Before being elected Chairman, he was Assistant Manager of the Colville Indian Tribal Enterprises. He has also served as Business Manager, Employment 0fficer and Enrollment Officer for the tribe, He has had previous experience with the Bureau of Indian Affairs as an Enrollment Officer for the Western Washington Agency and Tribal Operations Officer for the Nevada Agency.
Palmanteer, 42, is a veteran and an alumnus of the Wenatchee Valley College.
