Continuation MLBO Candidate bios for primary election

District II Representative Candidates

RAINA KILLSPOTTED CANDIDATE DISTRICT II REPRESENTATIVE

Boozhoo Gakina-awiya

My name is Raina Killspotted, I was born and raised in Minisinaakwaang. My lineage is rooted deep in our communities, with my grandparents Charlie and Nancy Aubid of Minisinaakwaang and Fred and Florence Jones of Chiminising. My parents, George and Dorothy Aubid, have instilled a solid cultural foundation with deep roots in community history. I am one of seven siblings and a vibrant family of my own, including my children Olivia, Tony and Candace, and my grandchildren Waabii, Branden, Shawn, Riley, and Niibin.

With over 20 years of service within the Band, my journey has woven through various capacities including the Departments of Education, Administration, Community Development, Health and Human Services, and Corporate Ventures. Currently, I serve as the Commissioner of Education, a role that feels like a culmination of years of dedication and preparation. My professional journey is deeply intertwined with my cultural commitments; I am actively involved in ceremonial lifestyle that is a foundation of being Anishinaabeg. I strongly encourage our youth to embrace this foundation as it will benefit them their entire lives. My experience extends to serving on committees such as the Gil-ishkonigewag and Grand Celebration pow wow committees, where teamwork and community collaboration bring our visions to life.

As a candidate for District I Representative for the Mille Lacs Band, my platform focuses on enhancing educational opportunities for our youth, advocating for cultural and language preservation, and fostering economic development that honors our sovereignty. I am committed to being a leader who listens and values transparency, aiming to build unity within our tribe by addressing core issues like elder services, youth programming, and passing laws and statutes that support the band as a whole and in partnership with the executive and judicial branches.

My passion for community service is rooted in a commitment to our people of District I and our future. I humbly ask for your support and trust as we walk this path together towards a thriving and united community. Your vote is not just for me, but for a shared vision that respects our past and embraces our future. Migwech

HARVEY GOODSKY JR. CANDIDATE DISTRICT II REPRESENTATIVE

Aaniin Nil -Anishinaabedoog, Waagoosh inizhinikaaz

Namebin nidoodem, Minisinaakwaang Indoonjibaa

All my relatives,

My name is Harvey Goodsky Jr. I have lived in the East Lake Community for 29 years. I had the privilege to serve on the Youth Advisory Council for the Mille Lacs Band. There, I learned a great deal of the practices and procedures for Government Affairs. I have traveled the country singing and dancing at many pow-wows. I loved the Social Intertribal Communication we have as I made a "Pow-wow Trail Family". I continue to teach my family about the gift of song and dance along with our values.

Over the years I worked in the DNR Fisheries and the Wildland programs. I currently work as a Crew Leader for the Aanjiibimadizing Elder Services. I have stood up for our Mother Earth, community and our people against infrastructure projects and the big corporations that fund them. I have ridden horse on the Sand Piper Pipeline that was filmed in the movie, "First Daughter and The Black Snake", which was invading our D2 community.

I love to carry on our culture by going out ricing and gathering medicines.

I'd appreciate the opportunity to help build and keep a prosperous and culturally oriented tribe. A tribe that knows they are the future, built on a proud past and living in the present. In any show of support, I ask for your trust and vote to build a bright future for our children, elders and loved ones. With your vote I will be a compassionate leader knowing we have a wide variety of issues and respect of our protocol and band statutes. I will know the strength of our tribe is our culture, our children and the love we have for one another. I will always respect my elders, along with knowing we have a tribe full of intelligent capable people with gifts and talents of all kinds. I have seen my people resilient, strong and proud and would like to carry that on for our futures.

Chil-Miigwech, please consider me as your District II/2A Representative for the 2026 Election. Mii liw.

MICHAEL AUBID, NIITUMIGABO CANDIDATE DISTRICT II REPRESENTATIVE

Boozhoo.

My name is Michael Aubid, Niitumigabo, a name given to me by District Il medicine man Jack Misquadace who recognized leadership qualities in me. I carry that name with humility and responsibility.

I am a lifelong resident of the District Il East Lake community and have watched our Band grow from its earlier years through major constitutional reform and the separation of powers we have today. Thave seen where we started and how far we have come and I believe we still have very important work ahead of us.

For more than 15 years I have worked for the Mille Lacs Band Housing Authority, as a renovator, supervisor, and manager. I brought back trade knowledge and experience to give back to the District Il community and help enhance their quality of life. Housing is more than buildings to me, its about the families, our stability, and pride in where we call home.

Throughout my career, I have always considered myself a teacher to my people and those around me. I believe in sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and building capacity. I am seeking this position because we need to come together and have a stronger voice for our communities. We need to become more involved and engaged in shaping the future of our District and our Band. I am willing to step into this role to give back to the people and begin the hard work that comes with leadership.

Vote for your voice. Vote for your community. Vote Mike Aubid. Miigwech.

THOMAS BENJAMIN CANDIDATE DISTRICT II REPRESENTATIVE

Boo-Zhoo, My name is Thomas Benjamin Sr. I have five children. Tommy, Samantha, Joshua, Archie, and Shinaana. I have thirteen grandchildren. I am a lifelong resident of East Lake. I am one of the ceremonial drum chiefs.

I am married to my wife of 10yrs Vanessa Benjamin.

A good leader is a representative that works hard for the needs and changes that people want. To treat everyone equally and with respect. I will try my best to be a good representative for our community in DIl. Miigwetch!