Joe McDonald Honored at ATNI Annual Conference

Joe McDonald recognized at ATNI Conference

By Rob McDonald
Former SKC President Joe McDonald wears a gift blanket as he stands next to Harvey Moses, Jr. Vice President of the Colville Tribe (Rob McDonald photo)
Former SKC President Joe McDonald wears a gift blanket as he stands next to Harvey Moses, Jr. Vice President of the Colville Tribe (Rob McDonald photo)

SPOKANE, Wash. — Joe McDonald flashed his bright smile Monday afternoon at a luncheon as he was honored before hundreds of representatives attending the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians conference.

When Chairman E.T. "Bud" Moran called CSKT's leading educator to the stage, it took a moment to pull the man from the crowd at the Pend d'Oreille Room at the Northern Quest Casino. Once McDonald came to the stage, the honoring began.

The Tribal Council of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes honored his achievements with speeches, video tributes, a Pendleton blanket and an honor song. The ATNI Board also gave McDonald a blanket and a painting done by renowned artist George Flett.

During the honoring, Chairman Moran shared some of the lessons he'd picked up from the man he called a mentor.

"Be willing to risk," Moran said.

McDonald's risks paid off in creating Salish Kootenai College, which has become arguably the leading Indian College in the country.

Other lessons include: Remember whom you serve. Start with a prayer. Take time for the family. Always try to have a little fun.

"Joe took a lot of ribbing for the golf course he built," Moran said. "But we have a beautiful golf course there at the college."

Moran went though the highlights of Joe McDonald's coaching career, his ability to make his family his top priority, all while building a college that started from virtually nothing but a dream.

It would take all night to list all of his achievements, Moran said.

"He is a role model for the countless lives he touched," said the Chairman.

Councilmen Steve Lozar, Jim Malatare, Terry Pitts, Reuben Mathias, Mike Kenmille and Charlie Morigeau applauded McDonald.

Councilman Mathias added an example of the far reach of the educaator.
Tribal Council Chairman Ernest "Bud" Moran and councilmen Charlie Morigeau, Terry Pitts, Jim Malatare and Reuben Mathias were on hand to see McDonald recognized. (Rob McDonald, photo)
Tribal Council Chairman Ernest "Bud" Moran and councilmen Charlie Morigeau, Terry Pitts, Jim Malatare and Reuben Mathias were on hand to see McDonald recognized. (Rob McDonald, photo)

Years ago, long before he even considered a career or running for Council, Mathias said he was near Pablo and hitchhiking with his sister. That's when they saw Joe McDonald pass by and gesture to them to come over. They looked at each other and wondered what he wanted.

"You guys want to go to college," he said.

"I guess," Mathias remembers saying and recalled how Joe McDonald insisted he was serious. Then Mathias said, "The only way I could go is if I had a job too."

The educator excused himself and said he'd be right back. When he came back, he said he had two jobs on campus, one job in the library.

"I looked at my sister," Mathias said. "I said I'm taking the library job."

Now when Mathias looks back over his career and his time on Council, he knows where it started. "That's all because of you, Joe. I want you all to know that because it's a true story," Mathias said the crowd of hundreds at the ATNI luncheon.

The Chief Cliff singers led by Councilman Kenmille sang an honor song for McDonald and ATNI.

The applause was thick as Joe McDonald moved to the podium.

Joe had just watched a montage of video images flutter by including touching comments from old friend Doug Allard who said, "They say no one is irreplaceable. This is the closest I've ever come to doubting that fact."

The video, put together by SKC's video guru Frank Tyro, even showed Hillary Clinton during her Pablo visit where she saluted Joe McDonald for the college successes, which has been a "gateway to opportunity."

Clips from loved ones, state officials, long-time co-workers, notes from Congressman and state Governors, they all knew Joe McDonald and praised his life of achievements.
Joe McDonald has a few laughs with the Chief Cliff Drummers after the honoring. (Rob McDonald, photo)
Joe McDonald has a few laughs with the Chief Cliff Drummers after the honoring. (Rob McDonald, photo)

Finally, when it was his turn to speak, McDonald leaned toward the microphone and explained that his grandfather was known as old Joe and he was called "Baby Joe," especially when he as a child complained about some perceived unfairness dealt to him by life. The life-long educator spoke about efforts to bring branch campuses to both the Colville and Spokane Indian Reservations. There's still so much to do. And then he said the key to making it all work was having the support of Tribal Council, which includes Councils that go back more than 30 years.

"Thank you all very, very much," he said. "This has been a wonderful time."

And following many handshakes, hugs and exchanged smiles, Joe McDonald stepped down from the stage, took his place next to his wife, and faded back into the crowd, out of sight, but not forgotten.