Updates from the Chief Executive
May Message from the Chief Executive
Aaniin boozhoo, fellow Band members! This past month, the Mille Lacs Band held our Primary Election. Miigwech to all those who voted and assisted in the election process! I encourage every single Band member to use your right to vote, particularly in elections that hold personal significance for you and your community. Congratulations and best of luck to the new Chief Executive and newly elected officials. While I will continue in office until the end of my term, I look forward to seeing the ways that you will positively impact the Band and carry out your duties for the betterment of all.
This past month, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Indian Law Conference alongside some young women aspiring to work in Tribal law. The Band and Indian Country at large are always in need of Native attorneys and legal aides, given the various threats to our sovereignty from all directions. This was a great opportunity for these individuals to network, gain insight on pertinent Tribal law issues and cases, and be inspired by the vast number of young Native law students and professionals in attendance. As young people in Indian Country aspiring to contribute to our Nation, it is incredibly important to expand your network according to your vision— remember, “who you know” holds as much significance as “what you know.”
I am deeply honored to have receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Gaming Association, an accolade bestowed annually to a Native American individual who has demonstrated exceptional representation in Indian Country. I am always proud to represent the Mille Lacs Band, and miigwech to the community for entrusting me to do so these past years.
There was a two-day Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) Strategic Planning session in Cass Lake, Minnesota. During this session, myself and other leaders within the MCT deliberated on our strategic plan for the upcoming years, especially with the recent election of new leadership in our Band and others. It is imperative for me to ensure a smooth transition of leadership roles to the next individuals, and to equip the Band and newly elected officials to the best of my ability. This brings me to our ongoing compromise hearings regarding proposed language in an important budget bill. One position that I will always uphold is that no branch of the Mille Lacs Band Government should encroach on the duties and responsibilities of another. The current language of the bill threatens to allow the Legislative Branch to encroach upon the Executive Branch, which would not only impact the effectiveness of my role but also that of the next Chief Executive. I look forward to reaching a compromise that aligns with the duties and responsibilities of both the Executive and Legislative Branch.
At the end of April, I attended the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) Conference in Hollywood, Florida. NAFOA stands as the sole national organization focusing on financial topics and data specific to Indian Country. At this conference, Tribal leaders received updates from the Department of Treasury, explored implications for Tribal policy and finance during this election year, discussed new Tribal tax legislation, and engaged in various panels centered around financial well-being and our cultural traditions. Organizations like NAFOA empower tribes to create their own path to financial prosperity while keeping Tribal leaders in direct contact with the federal government.
Looking ahead, on May 2nd, we have our 3rd Annual Event for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. This event serves as a space for remembrance and raising awareness for our community, which has been deeply affected by this epidemic. I invite you to join myself and other presenters at the Health and Human Services Building, where there will be medicine bag crafts, T-shirts, activities for kids, information and resources, and a giveaway.
Miigwech!
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Dated: September 5