Updates from the Chief Executive

May Message from the Chief Executive

Aaniin. After another busy month, I am pleased to share some important updates about the work taking place within our government. April included several significant meetings, including ongoing discussions about our biennial budget, a meeting of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Tribal Executive Committee (hosted this time by Grand Casino Hinckley), and a Three-Branch Meeting among the Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Branches.

On April 21, I traveled to Milaca to meet with the Mille Lacs County Board of Commissioners regarding their recent request that the U.S. Department of Interior revoke Solicitor's Opinion M-37032 (the "M-Opinion"), which found that the Mille Lacs Band Reservation Boundary was never diminished or disestablished. Although I entered the meeting with a conciliatory mindset, l also felt it was important to convey five very important points to the Board:

1. The Mille Lacs Band was disappointed at the County's request to rescind the M-Opinion.

2. The M-Opinion does not cause harm to the County or its residents.

3. Both the Band and the County have spent millions of dollars over the years on unnecessary litigation costs.

4. The Band feels that we’ve been tremendous neighbors, evidenced by the employment opportunities we provide to Mille Lacs County residents, the economic development and housing opportunities we provide through our business portfolio, and the vast sums of money we pay each year in property taxes.

5. The Band will continue to protect and defend its Reservation boundary.

I spent nearly one hour making my case to the Board, and I believe it was a healthy conversation. I closed by requesting that the Board reconsider its efforts to have the M-Opinion rescinded. While I do not yet know whether the Board will honor my request, at least they know where the Band stands on the matter.

A couple of days following the presentation to the Mille Lacs County Board, I received an email of appreciation and an interest in working collaboratively in the future from County Administrator Doug Hansen. His email provided assurance that the effectiveness of the presentation made an impact and it is my hope that we can make strides toward a positive government-to-government relationship. For hundreds of years the Band has had a turbulent relationship with the County, and through this meeting, I have hope for our future with Mille Lacs County.

On April 22, I had the privilege of hosting Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon at the Mille Lacs Band Government Center. Our discussion focused on the upcoming November elections and what the State of Minnesota can do to ensure there are adequate polling sites within or near our tribal communities. I provided Secretary Simon with a copy of the Bands 2026 Annual Report and Programs and Services Guide, along with key demographic information about the number of voting-age Band members living within our various districts. All in all, it was an enjoyable and productive conversation. Migwech to Secretary Simon for taking time to visit the Mille Lacs Band.

On April 23, I was pleased to learn that the Band Assembly approved the Master Service Agreement between the Band and Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures ( MLCV) to operate the Ventura residential housing facility in Minneapolis. A few years ago, the Band had invested approximately $20 million to establish what I like to call the Band's "stake in the ground" in the win Cities Area. Now that the facility is complete, it contains a total of 36 modern apartment units and office space for our Urban Office and Aaanjibimaadizing staff. It will truly be a huge win for our Band to open this beautiful facility.

The Agreement approved by the Band Assembly allows MLCV, for a minimum of three years, to hire qualified contractors to open and operate the facility. After that initial three-year period, the Band and MLCV will have the flexibility to transition how the facility is managed. I am proud that the Band's leaders found a way to get this project across the finish line, and l am even more excited for the Band members who will get to call this place home!

In other important news, the Band Assembly confirmed Anthony Pike to serve as the Band's next Assistant Commissioner of Administration. As I stated in last month's column, Tony has served the Band for more than 30 years in the Public Works Department, including as Roads and Solid Waste Operations Manager for the past several years. Tony also served more than 20 years in the Minnesota National Guard, including various overseas deployments. Tony has been a friend, mentor, and colleague to so many of us. I truly believe he will do an outstanding job. Congratulations to Tony.

I also recently had the privilege of nominating three Band members to potentially serve on our Corporate Board of Directors. These Band members are Paul Sam (District I), Adrienne Benjamin (District Il), and Daniel Boyd (At-Large). Each of these Band members has contributed to the Band in meaningful ways over many years. Moreover, when I announced that I was searching for applicants to serve on the Corporate Board, each of them demonstrated the courage and dedication to submit their names. I am grateful that we have so many committed Band members willing to take on such daunting responsibilities on behalf of the Band. Miigwech to each of these nominees for stepping forward.

With May comes my next round of community meetings.

These meetings will take place as follows:

• May 7 - District Ill at Meshakwad Community Center.

• May 14 - District Il at East Lake Community Center.

• May 21 - Urban at All Nations Indian Church.

• May 28 - District I at Miskwaanakwadookwe Community Center.

I look forward to seeing you all there. Even if you cannot attend in person, you will also have the option to watch online.

As the school year begins to wind down, graduation season is just around the corner. In the coming weeks, Band families will gather to celebrate students completing their high school, college, or trade school journeys. These milestones represent years of hard work, determination, and support of families, teachers, and community.

To all of our graduates, congratulations. Your accomplishments make our communities proud. We look forward to celebrating with you. Graduates are also invited to submit a senior or graduation photo to be featured in the June issue of the Inaajimowin. Photos may be sent to news@millelacsband.com so we can recognize and celebrate your achievement.

It's an honor and a privilege to serve the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Onward, MLB.

Miigwech.