Submitted Photo Members of the tribal council at Spirit Lake are, from left, Kevin Dauphinais, new Fort Totten District representative; Darcie Lohnes, new secretary/treasurer; ReNa Lohnes, re-elected Mission District representative; Kooper Longie, Woodlake District representative; Lonna Jackson-Street, Spirit Lake tribal chairwoman; and Darren Walking Eagle, Crow Hill District representative.

FORT TOTTEN – The Spirit Lake Tribe held an inauguration ceremony for newly elected tribal council representatives on Tuesday. This event marked a significant transition for the tribe, as it welcomed new leadership while honoring the contributions of outgoing council members.

The inauguration featured formal presentations for the new council members: ReNa Lohnes, Mission District representative; Kevin Dauphinais, Fort Totten District representative; and Darcie Lohnes, secretary/treasurer. Each member took the Oath of Office administered by Judge Joe Vetsch.

In their remarks, the newly installed council members voiced appreciation for their constituents’ support and shared their visions for the future, according to a Spirit Lake news release.

Incumbent representatives also providing remarks were Darren Walking Eagle, Crow Hill District representative, and Kooper Longie, Woodlake District representative.

Council Chairwoman Lonna Street reflected on the importance of leadership during challenging times, saying, “Today, as we gather for this inauguration, I want to acknowledge our Memorial Day and recognize what our veterans did yesterday. Leadership has to remain standing for their people and face the storms they encounter. We have a duty to persevere; we must remember the spirit of our ancestors as we navigate these challenges together.”

The event also honored outgoing representatives Charmayne Bohanon and Kim Three Irons.