[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 13, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. JOSEPH McDONALD OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND 
                            KOOTENAI TRIBES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RYAN K. ZINKE

                               of montana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2024

  Mr. ZINKE. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to commend to the House the 
memory of Dr. Joseph McDonald of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai 
Tribes (CSKT) in Pablo, Montana.
  Dr. McDonald died on December 14, 2023, at the age of 90. Dr. 
McDonald was an educator, innovator, historian, athlete, coach, 
tremendous leader, and dedicated family man.
  Dr. McDonald was born in St. Ignatius, on March 31, 1933. He 
graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1951. After high school, Joe 
worked as a U.S. Forest Service smokejumper in West Yellowstone. While 
working there he enrolled at Montana Western College and met the love 
of his life, Sharon Christopherson. They married at the end of their 
freshman year.
  Joe went on to teach and coach at various K-12 schools across 
Montana. During this time, he also attended the University of Montana, 
earning his master's degrees in education and health and his Doctorate 
in Education.
  While Joe and Sherri were raising their four children, Tim, Terry, 
Tracie, and Tom, he continued to serve his community in many 
capacities. Joe served as a high school principal and assistant 
superintendent at Ronan Public Schools. He was eventually elected to 
the CSKT Tribal Council and served two terms. His strong advocacy led 
to the establishment of Salish Kootenai College where he served as the 
President Emeritus for over 20 years.
  Joe received a host of awards over his career including honorary 
degrees from Gonzaga University and Montana State University, 
distinguished alumni awards from the University of Montana and the 
University of Montana Western, distinguished service awards from the 
American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and the National Indian 
Educator of the Year award. Joe was also enshrined in the Montana 
Indian Athletic Hall of Fame.
  After retiring from Salish Kootenai College, Joe spent much of his 
time supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in 
their pursuits in life with his wife Sherri.
  Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sherri McDonald, 
and their son and daughter in-law Terry and Paula (Camel) McDonald. Joe 
is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, we are very grateful that great men like Joe McDonald 
have dedicated their lives to the service of others. On behalf of the 
people of Montana's First Congressional District, I offer his family my 
deepest sympathies.

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