Updates from the Chief Executive

October Message from the Chief Executive

Aaniin Mille Lacs Band Members,

What did I say last month about the days flying by so fast? Autumn has arrived, leaves have been changing for the past couple of weeks, and fall activities are taking place at the schools.

The month of September was a very busy one and a historical one on a couple of fronts. But before I get to that, l'd like to mention that I am reporting to you what I and my team have been working on for the past month. It reads like a report because it is a report: My report to you. Some items that I may mention here in this column may need more context, which is why I do a video update from time to time. This is all done to inform you about what my team and I are doing from month to month.

On Tuesday, September 2, my office welcomed an "in-per-son" visit from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to discuss homelessness. I made a point to attend this meeting because homelessness remains a scourge upon Indian Country, including here at Mille Lacs. Also in attendance were Commissioner of Community Development Tracy Burr, Commissioner of Natural Resources Kelly Applegate, Housing Director Daniel Boyd, Director of the Division of Land Management Brandi Sam, and Director of Aanjibimaadizing Kristian Theisz. I am very proud of the information our staff provided the GAO so they can help elected officials at the federal level better understand Indian Country's housing needs.

The next day, Wednesday, September 3, I traveled to St. Paul to attend a press conference with the Minnesota Wild. I was joined at this press conference by District | Representative Carolyn Beaulieu, District Il Representative Wendy Merrill, staff from Grand Casinos, and some of my own staff. The purpose of the press conference was to officially rename the former Xcel Energy Center to Grand Casino Arena. That morning was a whirlwind filled with speeches, interviews, and tours. You may have had the opportunity to watch some of this online.

This event was such a historical event and amazing milestone for the Band. Over the next 14 years, the events and sports arena in St. Paul will be known as Grand Casino Are-na. Grand Casinos' objective (and mine) is to increase brand awareness for our casinos, tell the Mille Lacs Band story, and ultimately drive increased traffic to our casinos and urban hotels. But the story and the work do not end there. It is my dream that we make Grand Casinos family-friendly and a destination within the state of Minnesota again. When guests walk through our doors, I want them to feel like they're having a pleasant and rewarding experience. We just need to continue working hard to make it happen.

Ending the workweek on Friday, September 5, I attended the Minnesota Tribal Flag Plaza Ceremony at the Capitol in St. Paul. I joined my fellow tribal leaders and watched as our tribal flags were raised in unison. This was an event that recognized our inherent sovereignty as a Native Nation. Band member Lisa Jackson raised the flag, and my heart was filled with much joy and pride as I watched it wave in the wind as it was being raised. This was another historical moment for us and for our fellow Native Nations in Minnesota. Our state is only the second in the nation to install a Tribal Flag Plaza, after Montana. If you're in St. Paul and have the opportunity, stop by the Capitol building and check out our flag. It's there, flying proudly, alongside the ten other tribal flags.

The next day, Saturday, September 6, was Water Over Nickel Day" held at Big Sandy Lodge and Resort. It was cloudy and rainy, but that didn't stop the event from happening; it just moved it indoors. Before the rain came, attendees (and there were over 100 on hand at that timel could check out the informational booths by Water Legacy, the Tamarack Water Alliance, and our friends from Water Over Nickel. Attendees also could play a game of beanbag toss, or listen to the band Fry Bread.

But as the band was playing, it started to rain. We moved the festivities inside, where I offered a few remarks. Commissioner Kelly Applegate and District I| Representative Wendy Merrill also gave some remarks about why the Band's Water Over Nickel campaign is so important, why we oppose the proposed Tamarack mine, and that what we do today will affect generations yet to come.

We also had a drum, and a few of our youth ambassadors danced to help celebrate the day. The event was a lot of fun and very informative, even if it did rain.

It was back to work come Monday, September 8. To begin September in a good way, we held our Maadaginzo Ceremony at the government center. This is always a soothing and refreshing time. We have a blessing in Ojibwe, feel and listen to the drum, and share a small breakfast meal. I encourage employees and community members to join us for this event held on the first Monday of every month. The next one will take place on Monday, October 6.

On the next day, Tuesday, September 9, a few members of my team and I attended the Indian Gaming Association Mid-Year Conference held at Mystic Lake Casino. I was able to sit in on some important discussions about the state of Indian gaming. These discussions included talk about various threats to our casinos, including online sweepstake gaming and sports event futures contract being set forth nationwide by a company called Kalshi. This company is trying to enter the sports betting market as a regulated entity of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. To push back against sweepstakes gaming, a few months ago I signed a letter opposing the practice in Minnesota and bringing it to the attention of the Minnesota Attorney General. With respect to Kalshi, the Band's federal lobbyists at Holland and Knight are closely watching new developments. This is not something I am going to turn my eyes from.

Wednesday, September 10, was another momentous day for the Band. A few staff members and I traveled once again to the State Capitol to sign our Tribal-State Cannabis Compact with the State of Minnesota. The Mille Lacs Band is now the second Native nation in the state to sign a compact. Also in attendance were Senior Government Advisor Adam Candler, Legal and Policy Counsel Hannah Valento, Director of Cannabis Regulation Becky Houle, and Senior Advisor on Government Affairs Jamie Edwards. Also attending the signing was James Maggesto, one of the Band's federal lobbyists with Holland and Knight. Although this signing took only a few minutes, the effects will be felt for many years to come. The signed compact can be accessed on the State Office of Cannabis Management Tribal Compact's website.

On that Friday, September 12, the Mille Lacs Band Delegates held a Convention at Grand Casino Hinckley. This was an important gathering where attendees held important conversations on MCT Constitutional Reform. The group consist of DI Delegates Michele Palomaki and Danielle Smith; DIl Delegates Michael Davis and Leroy Day; DIII Delegates Julie Her-nandez-Corado and Bernadine Roberts; and Al Olson and Lilah White from the urban area. These delegates have the tough task of producing a draft constitution for the Band. Despite being funded by the Band's government, these delegates act independently and do not answer directly to any of the Band's elected officials. Their work is for the people and what the future of our government might look like.

As you can see, September was a busy month. I am honored to do the work for the Mille Lacs Band. What we do today is for future generations. Until next month, be well and we'll talk soon.

Onward. Mille Lacs Band.

Miigwech.