Former congressional candidate hired by Nez Perce Tribe

The Nez Perce Tribe has hired former Washington state congressional candidate Joseph (Joe) Pakootas to lead its businesses, including the Clearwater River Casino and Lodge east of Lewiston.

Pakootas signed an 18-month agreement to head the Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises division, starting immediately. As executive officer, he is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the tribe's business ventures, including casinos in Lewiston and Kamiah and several convenience stores.

He replaces former Nez Perce Tribal Enterprises Executive Officer Jamie Olson, who resigned in August 2014 after five years in the position.

A Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Washington state's 5th District in 2014, Pakootas plans to run again in 2016, according to a news release from the Nez Perce Tribe. He lost his bid to incumbent Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

Pakootas, a member of the Colville Tribe, previously served as CEO of the Colville Tribal Federal Corporation and as a member and chairman of the Colville Business Council.

"The tribe's businesses are primed for growth and the tribe believes Mr. Pakootas can continue this development," Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman Anthony Johnson said in the news release.

"The Nez Perce Tribe is looking into diversifying their economy, and there is great opportunity to create more jobs with new businesses on and near the reservation," Pakootas said in the release. "Together with the team here at the Nez Perce Enterprises, we will be working on improving the local economy and taking advantage of every opportunity to help tribal members improve their education and skills to become entrepreneurs."

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Stone may be contacted at mstone@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2244. Follow her on Twitter @MarysSchoolNews.