Tribal Government News

WALK IN HER MOCS — RAISING AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Tuesday, October 29, the "Walk in Her Mocs" event brought community members together for a powerful display of support and solidarity for Domestic Violence Awareness. Attendees began by walking in solidarity, with male participants wearing women's shoes - some in sensible flats, others in extreme heels — to demonstrate just how challenging it can be to walk in someone else's shoes.

Parent voices needed: Public School Indian Education Programs enrich education for students

Each year area public schools reach out to parents, guardians, and students attending their school to provide input into the education of their children. In addition to monthly American Indian Parent Advisory Council meetings, (note the name may be different within each district) districts hold a public hearing to provide input into how Indian Education funding is utilized and hold a Resolution of Concurrence or Nonconcurrence Annual Compliance vote prior to March 1 of each year. Parents, guardians, and student voices are essential to creating long-term change for our students.

DELEGATE UPDATE: BUILDING A CONSTITUTION FOR THE FUTURE

The Mille Lacs Band Constitution Reform Delegate Committee (Delegates) has been closely examining the history, language, and intent of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) Constitution. Originally drafted in 1936, the MCT Constitution was later revised in 1962 — which is when the ¼ Chippewa blood quantum requirement was added — and formally adopted in 1963.

food security information during federal government shutdown

Due to a lack of funding caused by the federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) food benefits will not be issued for November until the shutdown ends or the federal government issues further guidance. The cash portion of MFIP will be issued.

KEEPING WILD PLACES WILD

In 1830, local government officials, state Governors, elected officials from both the United States House of Representatives and the Congressional Senate, and even the President of the United States have their sights set on allocating land and moving tribes west across the continental United States to further the expansion into North America as a result of the Indian Removal Act. This resonated throughout Indian Country to sound the alarm that if tribes did not seek some kind of land agreement with the United States government, they would risk being forcibly removed from their homeland. Thus, Treaties were signed to establish borders, reservations, territory agreements and settlements for the U.S. government to assume control of lands across the country from tribes who inhabited them for as long as verbal history can recall.

Highlights

LAKE LEAF DISPENSARY NOW OPEN IN ISLE

Lake Leaf Dispensary celebrated the grand opening of its third retail location on Friday, October 3, 2025. The new dispensary, located in District la at 810 Highway 47 South in Isle, Minn., marks a major milestone for the Mille Lacs Band and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV).

Mille Lacs Band Elected Officials, members of the MLCV Executive Team, Lake Leaf leadership and employees, community members, and guests gathered for the celebration. The opening of the Isle dispensary represents a significant expansion for Lake Leaf, MLCV, and the Mille Lacs Band. By increasing retail access, Lake Leaf is positioning itself as a key player in Minnesota's emerging cannabis market while creating jobs and generating economic impact for the Mille Lacs tribal economy.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DAY IN THE BLA: 'Why Treaties Matter' exhibit in the Brainerd Lakes Area

The Brainerd Area Indigenous Peoples' Day Task Force hosted this Third annual event, on Monday, October 13, 2025, Indigenous Peoples' Day, drawing in over 200 people to the Gichii Ziibi Center for the Arts. Dawn Espe, Executive Director of the Sowing Room shared this moving event again brought together folks from the region to honor the past, present, and future of friends and neighbors. This year the group focused on 'Why Treaties Matter'.

Beyond the gridiron: anishinaabe values guide the harrington brothers

When it comes to athletics and academics, the Harrington brothers - Eric, a senior, and Wes a junior — are proving that talent, dedication, and family values can go hand in hand. Both are three-sport athletes who excel in football and maintain honor roll status at Onamia High School. Their Native American heritage is a central part of their lives — they both attend Big Drum, participate in ceremonies, and are midewin. "That is something that is really important to us," said their mom, Kristy LeBlanc.

RETURNING THE OMASHKOOZ: THE REVIVAL OF THE WOODLAND ELK

Writers in the 1800s spoke of the ease of hunting these elk compared to other game species more familiar than them due to having never really seen strong human pressure much less long-range capacity weapons. Over the course of time, as more settlers began to inhabit the unscathed landscape of the Midwest, increased pressure, over-harvest, and developments of more proficient weapons at distance began to displace the elk herds of the woodlands into new territories. By the year 1886, elk were completely eradicated from the landscape, leaving tribes across the Midwest wondering where the once plentiful omashkooz had gone.

EVERY CHILD MATTERS: HONORING VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF SYSTEMIC VIOLENCE — NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

September 30, 2025, was a day set aside to honor victims and survivors of system violence of Indian Boarding Schools on the Every Child Matters - National Day for Truth and Reconcilation. An event held at the fire ring outside of the Miskwangakwedooke Community Center honored children through prayer, song, stories, and community. An orange pinwheel display reminds us that every child matters with messages that contain new facts and reflections, reminding us that Every Child Matters.