Legislative tour highlights health center

The Idaho Legislative Tour on Wednesday included a stop at the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's Marimn Health Coeur Center.

Chairman Chief Allan shared his personal journey and the story of how the Coeur Center came to be. Recalling his own experiences growing up without facilities like the Coeur Center, Allan explained how he and the council envisioned a place that would provide future generations with opportunities they didn’t have, according to a press release.

“This center is here for the kids, for them to grow up with the support we never had,” he said, emphasizing how the facility aims to create a strong foundation of health, wellness and cultural pride for youth.

As Allan pointed out, the Coeur Center is more than a building; it stands as a source of strength, resilience and opportunity for young people, a press release said.

At its core, the center reflects a commitment to nurturing future leaders by providing a safe and supportive space where they can learn, grow and thrive. The youth of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, and the wider North Idaho community, are central to the center’s mission, the release said.

Following Allan’s introduction, local staff guided attendees on a tour through the Coeur Center, sharing the center’s history and growth. Initially envisioned as a community gathering spot, the facility has evolved into a multi-program resource for both youth and families. 

The tour showed the variety of services the center offers, from sports and recreation to wellness and educational programs, making it a valuable support system for families in the area.

During the tour, visitors explored the center’s modern recreational areas, cultural rooms and health services. Each space is thoughtfully designed to meet community needs while fostering a sense of belonging and pride in tribal culture. 

The center not only emphasizes fitness and health but also plays a key role in cultural preservation, with programs that help young people connect with and understand their heritage.

Tour participants expressed admiration for the vision behind the Marimn Health Coeur Center, recognizing its impact in empowering the next generation. Through community investments like this, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe has shown its commitment to providing an environment where youth have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive, the release said.

"The North Idaho tour’s stop at the Marimn Health Coeur Center served as a powerful reminder of the influence that dedicated spaces and supportive programs can have on a community," the release said. "For attendees, the visit underscored the value of youth-focused development and the lasting benefits of investing in future generations. Many left inspired by the vision and dedication of Allan, the Tribal Council and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe in fostering a brighter future for North Idaho."

The three-day legislative tour was organized by the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber and Idaho Chamber Alliance.