Updates from the Chief Executive

December Message from the Chief Executive

Aaniin. As the vibrant colors of fall give way to the crisp air of the holiday season, I want to extend warm greetings to all members of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. This time of year is a special opportunity to come together in gratitude and celebration. It is a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks — not just for the food we share, but for something even more important: the strength of our families, the warmth of our community, and the teachings that continue to guide us forward.

I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Band employees who generously volunteered their time to make the recent Halloween event a wonderful success. Equally, I am deeply grateful to the hundreds of Band members who brought their families and children, filling the event with joy and community spirit. Your participation truly embodies the strength and unity of our Band as we move into this season of togetherness.

We began November with our Maadaginzo ceremony on the first Monday of the month. Each month, we gather in the foyer of the Government Center to start the month in a good way - we smudge, offer tobacco, and listen to a song from the drum. It's a time to receive a message, reflect, and connect briefly with co-workers.

I was truly pleased with the number of staff who joined us last month. Your presence matters, and it strengthens our community. I encourage even more staff — and community members — to come together next month to honor our traditions, support one another, and start the month off in a good way. Let's fill the room with our voices and our hearts

With Veterans Day in November, I was honored to share opening remarks at a Veteran Resource Fair held at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Our veterans have made the ultimate sacrifice for us, and it's important that we recognize them. Migwech to all of our veterans for your service!

As we rolled up our sleeves and got to work, I attended a quarterly meeting of the Band's Institutional Investment Committee. Although I am not a voting member of the committee, it is important for me to attend these meetings so that I am aware of the Band's long-term savings and how they are being invested. Secretary-Treasurer Boyd has done a fantastic job running this committee, and I am impressed by the professionals he has brought on board to help monitor the Band's savings.

Also in November, my staff and I continued the exciting work of planning for January's State of the Band Address. As you know, Band statutes call for this event to be held on the first Tuesday of the year — a tradition that gives us a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate together. This year, the Address will take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

I always look forward to this day. It's more than sharing numbers and accomplishments — it's a chance for me, along with the leaders of the Legislative and Judicial Branches, to tell the story of 2025: the challenges we overcame, the milestones we reached, and the lives we touched. Just as importantly, it's a moment to look forward, to share our goals for 2026, and to invite our community to join us in shaping the future of the Mille Lacs Band. There's a special energy in that room when we come together, and I can't wait to see it again.

Our employees are the foundation that supports all of our work. Every success we achieve starts with our employees - the people who make it possible, day in and day out. I want to personally thank each one of them for their work. To show our appreciation for their dedication and hard work, we recently came together for an employee appreciation event, celebrating the heart and effort that keep our community strong. We shared a meal, conversations, and a few good laughs. Miigwech to our employees.

In mid-November, I traveled to Washington state, first to tour the Yakama Tribe's electric utility operations, and second to attend the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace. Founded in 1944 NCAl is the oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaskan Native organization serving the broad interests of tribal governments and communities. The leadership of NCAl is made up of tribal leaders from across Indian Country who are elected to two-year terms by NCAl membership. At this year's annual meeting, the Band's very own District I| Representative Wendy Merrill was elected to serve as Midwest Region Vice-President, and I was honored to nominate her for that seat. I am very excited about the work Representative Merrill will accomplish for both the Band and tribes throughout Indian Country.

In other exciting news, I am happy to announce that Katie Draper has joined the Government Affairs Department as its new Director. Katie previously served in this position from May 2017 to February 2020. She has also served the Band as Commissioner of Community Development (2013-2014) and Commissioner of Natural Resources (2020-2021). In total, Katie has served the Band for the better part of 15 years, and I look forward to working with her.

November also saw the end of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. Although the administration of SNAP benefits to qualifying families was temporarily impact-ed, the end of the shutdown means that SNAP benefits are now fully funded through September 2026. Still, another shutdown may occur after January 30, 2026, if Congress fails to take necessary steps. I will continue to monitor events as they unfold and communicate updates to Band members.

Another wonderful event I was proud to participate in was Native American Heritage Night at Grand Casino Arena. This event was a powerful reminder of why visibility and representation matter. Across Indian Country, heritage nights have become important moments in the sports industry, and this was Grand Casino's first major event that provided a meaningful opportunity to showcase the Mille Lacs Band on a national platform. Through Grand Casino's partnership with the Minnesota Wild, we have an opportunity to spotlight the Mille Lacs Band and ensure that Native people are visible and valued - not only in the history of this state but in its present and future.

From our drum groups welcoming guests at the gates, to the honoring of our veterans, to our Jingle Dress dancers sharing their healing dance on the ice, the evening showcased the stories, culture, community, and leadership of Native people in a unified and powerful way. I was proud to stand alongside tribal leaders from across Minnesota as we lifted up our shared presence in a space that now reflects who we are and what we contribute.

As we move into the winter months, I want to encourage you to look out for your relatives and loved ones. This is a good time to check your propane levels and ensure your furnaces are working properly. More importantly, please take the time to check in with Elders to ensure that their needs are being met and that their Elder Energy grants are updated.

The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council is scheduled for December 3-5 at Jackpot Junction in Morton, Minn. l've also scheduled a Cabinet meeting for Friday, December 5, where I'll outline expectations for the year ahead. Our Cabinet members have a challenging road in front of them, but we're committed to keeping our momentum strong. I won't give away too much here — you'll hear more about our direction and priorities at the State of the Band Address.

We have an Urban Christmas Party on December 13 and an Elder Christmas Party on December 20, and I'm looking forward to attending both. These gatherings are always among my favorites. Getting out into the communities - especially during the holidays - brings me genuine joy. Sharing a meal, catching up, and creating new memories together is what this season is all about.

Also in December, I am looking forward to the Grand Opening of the Wahkon Child Advocacy Center on December 18. The new Child Advocacy Center is a safe, welcoming place where children and families can go for support when something difficult has happened. It is designed to be calm, comforting, and rooted in our community's belief that our children are sacred and deserve gentle care.

At the center, children can talk to trained staff in a child-friendly space, so they only share their story once. The Child Advocacy Coordinator will work closely with our partners, including law enforcement, child protection, medical and mental health professionals, and Victim Services advocates, to ensure families receive the help they need in one place.

Mark your calendars and save the date for the Youth Empowerment Camp. The Biombi ididaa Event, which translates to "come and uplift each other," will take place at the Miskwanaakwadookwe Community Center on December 22-23 for youth in grades 4-12. It is always a huge success and a ton of fun. I look forward to participating in these types of youth events whenever I can.

All in all, these are challenging times, and it can be difficult to lead through adversity. But the beat of the Mille Lacs Band's drums goes on, and we do our best to prepare for the seven generations ahead.

Have a merry holiday season, everyone. Stay safe, and I look forward to seeing you at the State of the Band Address in January. Miigwech.