Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

December 14, 2002 - Issue 76

Dave Matheson and Red Thunder

David Matheson was born on the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation in 1951 at the home of his grandparents, Nick and Margaret Campbell. Since his birth, Matheson has been a member of the Schi'tsu'umsh people, now called the Coeur d'Alene Tribe.

His native language is the Salish dialect, which is unique to this tribe, but shares common elements with the languages of other northern plateau tribes including the Spokane, the Flathead, the Okanogan, and the Kalispel.

David Matheson is a man who walks adroitly in Indian and Anglo worlds. He has accomplished this by integrating traditional tribal teachings and practices into his successful business career.

Currently, Matheson is CEO of the Coeur d’Alene Casino & Resort Hotel in Worley, Idaho, which was voted #1 casino in the Spokesman Reader Review for three consecutive years. He has served as a Council leader, Tribal Chairman, and manager of various tribal operations. He has received many honors for his work in preserving cultural traditions, the native language, and ceremonial practices.

Matheson has spent a lifetime learning and living the teachings of the Coeur d'Alene. Hunting, root digging, berry picking, and camping are a major part of his and his wife's regular routine, as are observing the Tribe's traditions and ceremonial dances and events. He has worked and lived most of his adult life on the reservation, where he has served as a Council leader, the Tribal Chairman, and manager of various tribal operations.

Matheson holds an M.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Over the past twenty years, Matheson has held many esteemed positions and has received many honors for his work in preserving cultural traditions, the native language, and ceremonial practices. He has served as the Deputy Commissioner for Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of the Interior; the CEO for Coeur d'Alene Development Enterprises; an advisor for the President's Commission on Reservation Economies; a delegate to the People's Republic of China's Native American Trade Mission; and a recipient of Commendation from the Secretary of the Interior for Oustanding Service.

In his spare time, Matheson enjoys training and riding horses, competing in cutting and reining, as well as participating in Native American traditional dances and pow wows. He resides in Northern Idaho with his wife, Jenny. They have six full-grown children.

Red Thunder is Matheson’s first novel.

David Matheson has beautifully rendered the essence of long-standing customs and teachings in his moving memoir of the Schi'tsu'umsh Indians, now called the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Until now, these stories have been guarded secrets among his tribe, partly from fear and partly from a need to protect what they have left. Matheson feels the time is now right to share his people’s history because it is a story so much of the world yearns for. It is a story of faith, courage, and togetherness. David Matheson has beautifully rendered the essence of long-standing customs and teachings in his moving memoir of the Schi'tsu'umsh Indians, now called the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Until now, these stories have been guarded secrets among his tribe, partly from fear and partly from a need to protect what they have left. Matheson feels the time is now right to share his people’s history because it is a story so much of the world yearns for…it is a story of faith, courage, and togetherness.

What is Red Thunder?
RED THUNDER is a phenomena rarely seen in nature. It is a red flash in the sky at night, evening, or early morning before it is fully light.

In our native language, the word "thunder" also may apply to the accompanying and expected lightening. Further, the four thunders are known ancient and holy beings of nature possessing great powers and certain qualities and attributes, lighteing being one of them.

Therefore, this red flash is termed for the power or being actually behind it, the Red Thunder, kewl (red) stalonem (thunder) in our language.

The Thunders may be called upon in certain ways and their presence may be interpreted depending upon the situation and whatever ceremonial prayer requests have been offered.

It is a sacred sign.

Native Authors on the Web To celebrate Native American Heritage Month AuthorsOnTheWeb.com, a website from The Book Report Network, assembled a roundtable discussion featuring 10 acclaimed writers who have Native American backgrounds and/or write about Native American culture. http://www.authorsontheweb.com/features/0211-native-american/native-american.asp
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