Updates from the Chief Executive

September Message from the Chief Executive

Aaniin Band Members,

The summer has moved quickly, and with fall now on the horizon, I find myself reflecting on the work and celebrations that filled the past month. The Canadian wildfires may have limited some of our time outdoors, but August still gave us powwows, graduations, family events, and opportunities to gather as a community.

In the early part of the month, we concluded Cannabis Compact negotiations with the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management. This compact, which is now before Band Assembly for ratification, sets the terms for regulating cannabis businesses off tribal lands and ensures that our Nation’s sovereignty and jurisdiction are respected in this emerging industry. At the same time, I have continued working with Band Assembly on commissioner appointments, carefully considering candidates who can provide strong and steady leadership for our programs. The biennial budget for Fiscal Years 2026–2027 is also underway, with delivery to the Assembly scheduled in early September.

The pace of work has been steady, but there have been moments of joy as well. One of the highlights was our Mille Lacs Band Graduation Celebration. The Class of 2024-2025 has made us all proud. This year, 149 Band member students earned diplomas and certificates — from high school to master’s degrees. Ninety graduated from high school or earned their GED, 15 achieved technical certificates, 26 earned associate degrees, 10 completed bachelor’s degrees (five of which had also earned the Associate level payment), and eight celebrated earning master’s degrees.

Each of these accomplishments reflects years of effort and the steady encouragement of families and community. I also want to give a huge chi miigwech to Commissioner of Education Raina Killspotted and her scholarship team for the tireless work they do to support our students’ success.

To every graduate in the Class of 2024–2025 — congratulations! We celebrate you, we honor your achievements, and we look forward with excitement to the future you are building. It was an honor to congratulate these young adults with a few words.

Soon after the graduation celebration, we gathered once again for the 59th annual Iskigamizigan Mille Lacs Powwow. Even with rain affecting Saturday’s schedule, the powwow brought dancers, singers, and families together in celebration.

" To every graduate in the Class of 2024–2025 — congratulations! We celebrate you, we honor your achievements, and we look forward with excitement to the future you are building.”

Powwows remind us of our ties to one another, to the drum, and to Mother Earth — ties that continue to sustain us.

Alongside these celebrations, I also took part in important consultations and collaborations. I met virtually with the Administration for Native Americans to discuss economic development priorities and joined the weekly Tribal Leaders call with Governor Walz. Later in the month, I attended a consultation with the Administration on Children, Youth and Families at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, which focused on the Supporting America’s Children and Families Act and how its changes may affect Tribes. These conversations may be technical at times, but they are critical to ensuring our voices are heard on issues that affect our families, our workforce, and our future.

There were also lighter moments that reminded me of why we work so hard. Watching our young people laugh and dance at the Bi-Ombi’ididaa Youth Camp’s dance party brought joy to my heart. When our youth are happy, we all feel that happiness, and these experiences help create lasting memories for the next generation.

As we look ahead to September, there is much to anticipate. On September 2, federal representatives from the Government Accountability Office will visit in person to discuss homelessness. The very next day, we will join the Minnesota Wild to announce the renaming of the Xcel Energy Center to Grand Casino Arena — a moment of pride and recognition for our Band. Later in the month, the Indian Gaming Association will hold its conference at Mystic Lake, bringing together leaders from across Indian Country to share knowledge and strengthen our collective voice. Community meetings are also being scheduled, and once dates are confirmed, I look forward to meeting with many of you directly to talk about our shared priorities.

I want to extend a personal invitation to join us for the Maadaginzo Ceremony, held on the first Monday of every month at the Government Center. It is a simple but meaningful way to begin the month together, with a drum, a blessing, and a small feast. Though I missed the August ceremony, I look forward to joining future ones and encourage employees and community members to come when you can. The next ceremony will be Monday, September 9, at 8 a.m., and I hope to see many of you there.

As always, it is my honor to serve as your Chief Executive. The work can be challenging, but it is rewarding because every step forward belongs to all of us. With the teachings of our ancestors and the energy of our people, we will continue moving onward together.

Miigwech.