Updates from the Chief Executive

July Message from the Chief Executive

To all my relatives, a humble and heartfelt greeting to each of you. As the warmth of the summer sun finally settles over our beautiful lands, I find myself filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the season of renewal that is upon us. The vibrant greens of the trees and the shimmering waters of our lakes remind us of the magnificent gifts our Creator has bestowed upon the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. It is a time for us to gather, to celebrate our resilience, and to look forward to the bright future we are building together hand in hand.

Reflecting on the month of June, it has been a whirlwind of activity, ceremony, and community growth. We began the month in the best possible way by gathering in the foyer of our Government Center for the Maadaginzo ceremony. There is a special medicine in starting our month together - smudging, offering tobacco, and listening to the steady, heartbeat-like rhythm of the drum. It allows us to reset our intentions and connect with our co-workers and neighbors in a spirit of unity. This month, as we shared that space, I was reminded that regardless of the challenges we face, the beat of the Mille Lacs Band's drums goes on, guiding us toward the future.

Early in the month, our spirits were lifted by the laughter and energy of our youth during the Nay-Ah-Shing School Pow-wow. Seeing our children dance and watching them carry our traditions forward fills my heart with an indescribable joy. This sense of pride continued as we celebrated the Mille Lacs Early Education graduation celebrations in all of our districts. Education remains a cornerstone of our progress, and as I have often said, we need our young people to set and pursue goals not only for themselves but for the well-being of all our people. Whether graduating from Head Start or a university, every milestone achieved by our members is a victory for the entire Band.

In mid-June, we took significant steps in our commitment to our Urban membership. Many of you know that for several years we have worked to establish a "stake in the ground" in the heart of Minneapolis through the Ventura Project. I am thrilled to share that we spent several days this month transitioning our furniture and equipment from the old Urban Office to our beautiful new location within the Ventura development. This facility is more than just office space; it is a home for our programs and services and provides 36 modern apartment units for our members. Moving into this new space represents a fulfillment of a long-term vision to better serve our relatives living in the city.

The spirit of community was also felt during my recent Chief Executive Elder Meeting held on June 11 at Grand Casino Hinckley. Hearing the wisdom of our Elders — their questions, their concerns, and their stories — is essential to my leadership. It is through Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom) that we learn to live in a good way, and I am committed to ensuring our Elders have a direct voice in our government. In June, I also had a chance to review the upcoming Elder Conference agenda for September and ensure that the needs of our most respected members are being met with honor and care. Following this, we enjoyed the Hinckley Powwow in District Ill, where the drums once again called us together in celebration.

In addition to our local work, the Band has been leading on the national stage to protect our sacred resources. We recently submitted critical resolutions to both the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes (MAST) concerning the rapid proliferation of Hyperscale Data Centers. These massive facilities, which can consume as much electricity as a medium-sized city and millions of gallons of fresh water daily, pose a significant threat to our environment and treaty-reserved resources. Our resolutions call for a temporary moratorium on the issuance of permits for these centers — specifically those exceeding 100 megawatts of power or 25,000 square feet - until a comprehensive, independent, and conflict-free assessment of their impacts on our water, land, and treaty rights is completed. We believe that no development should proceed without genuine government-to-government consultation and a clear understanding of the long-term costs to our tribal ratepayers and our precious ecosystems.

As we transitioned into the latter part of June, I traveled to South Bend, Indiana, for the MAST summer meetings. Serving as the President of this organization allows me to advocate for the mutual interests and sovereignty of 37 member tribes across the Midwest. It is vital that we remain vigilant at the federal level, especially as we navigate a landscape that often feels unpredictable.

Looking ahead to July, my heart is full as we prepare for the East Lake Powwow in District II. Powwows are a beautiful celebration of Anishinaabe culture, a time to see old friends, share a meal, and feel the power of the drum. I also look forward to attending a seminar in Tucson, Arizona, focused on "Remaking Tribal Constitutions." As I have shared before, I fully support the work of our delegates to draft a constitution that the Mille Lacs Band can truly call its own. If the opportunity ever arises for us to stand on our own under our own supreme law, we must be ready and educated for that historic moment.

I am also excited to begin the planning phases for upcoming renovations to our Government Center. These upgrades will ensure that our facilities remain a source of pride and continue to effectively serve the needs of our growing Band. Furthermore, I will be attending the MCT Iribal Executive Committee (EC) meeting in mid-July. While we have our differences regarding enrollment and election procedures, it is important that we remain engaged in these conversations to protect the interests of our Band members.

Perhaps most importantly, as we look to the future, I want to express how much I am looking forward to working with our new leadership. I am eager to collaborate with our new District || Representative, Raina Killspotted, and our new District III Representative, Michelle Pomerleau. Both of these women bring a wealth of dedication and compassion for our people to their roles. I am confident that by working together with mutual respect and a shared commitment to our traditional values, we will achieve great things for all three districts and our Urban members.

May you all enjoy a safe, happy, and blessed July. I hope to see you at the East Lake Powwow!