Continuation MLBO Candidate bios for primary election

District III Representative Candidates

WALLACE ST JOHN CANDIDATE DISTRICT III REPRESENTATIVE

Good Day Indigenous people. I am a certified Candidate for District Ill representative. I have 4 years experience at being a legislator for our great tribe.

I am the 10th child of an 11 child family. 4 sisters and 6 brothers. My family lives mostly here in Pine County. Eventually I graduated high school at the Flandreau Indian boarding school, at Flandreau South Dakota in 1981. There I served on the student council and later became the Senior class President. My sports were wrestling and football of which I was team captain for both sports. After high school I lived at south Minneapolis from 81- 85. Throughout my travels and life experiences I have six children ranging from ages 29 to 40 - 3 girls and 3 boys.

In 1999 | moved back to my roots here at Ahzhoomog to present day. Worked with MLBO public works for 11 years. Served on the Nayahshing school board for 10 years. Worked in DNR as a land technician from 2011-2018. From there I served 4 years as the District Representative until 2022. After that I semi retired to raise 2 granddaughters to present day. They have since grown.

There is still some legislation to be completed. While in office, I've accomplished seven initiatives and had three waiting on my agenda. They eventually were finished. I now am seeking another term to further update band law. It will be my pleasure to be a public servant once again. Migwetch Bizindawiiag.

MICHELLE (SHELLY) POMERLEAU CANDIDATE DISTRICT III REPRESENTATIVE

My name is Michelle (Shelly) Pomerleau and I am honored to announce my candidacy for the District Ill Representative of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

For nearly twenty years, I have had the privilege of serving the District Ill community in many ways, each role deepening my commitment to our people and strengthening my understanding of the challenges and opportunities before us. I have served as the DIll Program Administrator for 10 years; Legislative Aide, DIll Senior Living Manager; Case Manager for Aanjibimaadizing, GRA Board member for 8 years and a Guardian Ad Litem for 5 years, and currently as the Executive Director of the Office of Gaming Regulation and Compliance.

These roles have challenged me, strengthened me, and shaped the leader I am today. I have had the privilege of walking alongside Elders, families, and youth; supporting programs that build stability; and gaining a deeper understanding of our people, our strengths, and the responsibility we share to protect and uplift our community.

Over the years, I have served our Band and Community in many ways, as a relative, a listener, a problem-solver, and an advocate. In every role, I have seen the extraordinary potential of our people, from youth learning to embrace their Anishinaabe identity, to our elders who carry the wisdom that guides us.

I am seeking this role because I believe District Ill deserves leadership that listens, leads with integrity, reflects our shared values, protects our rights, and uplifts every band member. If entrusted with this responsibility, I am committed to strengthening transparency and communication, supporting economic stability and opportunity, investing in youth, families and elders, protecting our sovereignty and treaty rights, ensuring housing, health and education systems and building community engagement.

I see this not as an individual journey; but as a collective one. It's about our shared future, our children's future, and the responsibility we carry together as Anishinaabe.

I invite you to walk with me, share your concerns, ask questions, and help shape the vision we build together. I am committed to listening, learning and serving with integrity. Miigwech.

MARIA COSTELLO CANDIDATE DISTRICT III REPRESENTATIVE

Boozhoo! My name is Maria Costello, Anangookwens. I live here in District III in the newer development behind the Casino in Hinckley. I am a mother to five children who are my daily motivation and inspiration to build a better future for our Band. I come from a family dedicated to tribal government for as long as I can remember. My late grandfather, Olaf Thomas, served as the Urban Representative for the Mille Lacs Band in the 1990s. My mother, Christine Costello, served as the Commissioner of Administration for ten years as part of the only all-Band member cabinet for the Executive Branch. My commitment to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is rooted in this legacy of public service and a deep-seated belief that our government belongs to the people.

Professional Experience

I bring extensive experience in tribal governance to this role. Most recently, I served as the Assistant Commissioner of Administration (2021-2025). Prior to that, I served as the Deputy Assistant to the Chief Executive and as a Mille Lacs Band Delegate. My time as a Legislative Administrative Assistant provided me with a "ground-up" understanding of our legislative processes. These roles gave me a 360-degree understanding of how our government operates and the technical knowledge to navigate our legislative processes effectively and collaboratively.

Why I Am Seeking This Position

I am running because I see a disconnect that needs to be mended. I believe in a District Ill where information flows freely and every member feels connected to the decisions being made. I am seeking this position to bridge the gap between our government and our community members, ensuring the Band's resources and future are managed with the utmost integrity. I want to ensure there is a stable, prosperous future for all our children and the next seven generations to come.

Vision for District III

My platform is built on transparency, accountability, and inclusion. I believe in a District where every voice — from our precious babies to our respected Elders — is heard and respected. Miigwetch!

WANNETTA THOMPSON CANDIDATE DISTRICT III REPRESENTATIVE

Boozhoo, my name is Waabishkaanak-wadookwe Wanetta Thompson. I live in Hinckley with my husband, Anton. We have been married for 31 years. We have 3 adult daughters: Laikora, Kyrah, and Tourrie.

I possess a Bachelor's degree in Business and am the Founder, Board President, and current CEO of Bear Paws Cultural Art. I have over 24 years of experience in managing multi-million-dollar budgets and managing seasoned Executives. I bring more than 20 years of expertise in financial investments.

In September 2025, I was named Babaamiziwinikekwe, Entrepreneur of the Year, by Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. This award recognizes leaders and partners who make significant contributions to advancing the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Tribal Economy.

In November 2025, I received the Virginia McKnight Binger Heart of Community Honor from the McKnight Foundation, which celebrates everyday champions from MN whose compassion and contributions serve as the heartbeat of our communities.

My proudest achievement as the Assistant General Manager of Grand Casino Hinckley occurred in 2021. We achieved record-breaking financial performance and delivered the highest contribution to the tribe since opening in 1992. Strategic planning and collaboration were instrumental in reaching our objectives. We established targeted revenue goals and meticulously managed all monthly expenditures.

One of my most notable accomplishments as the CEO of Bear Paws Cultural Art was the establishment of a 501(c) 3) non-profit organization. This has facilitated the acquisition of over $400,000 in grant funding for Maadaoonidiwag, resulting in a profound and positive impact on the lives of Mille Lacs Band members.

My communication and listening skills effectively ensure that all voices are heard and acknowledged. Colleagues consistently describe me as transparent, honest, and respectful, demonstrating a firm commitment to integrity. I am an empathetic leader who prioritizes the human element in every interaction, fostering strong relationships and collaboration.

I passionately seek your support for the D3 Representative role. Together, we can make a difference!

If you have any questions, my contact information is below.

Miigwech.

Cell: 763.286.3855 E-mail: elect.wanetta@gmail.com

Facebook: Elect Wanetta Thompson for District Ill Representative

WEYLIN DAVIS CANDIDATE DISTRICT III REPRESENTATIVE

Boozhoo Anishinaabeg! Niigaanigwaneb indizhinikaaz. Migizi indoodem. Aazhoomog indoonjibaa. Hello, my name is Weylin Davis, of the Eagle clan. My parents are Harry and Laureen Davis, and my grandmas Martha Davis and Mary Reynolds. I grew up in Aazhoomog with my 5 siblings and now live in Hinckley with my wife Tiffany and our five children: Halle, Weylin Jr, Iverson, Harrison, and Sophia.

During my years growing up in Aazhoomog, my dad created the Lake Lena Boxing Club, now known as Davis Boxing. I joined the boxing club when I was 10 years old and boxed for 18 years. I am now a coach, alongside my dad and other community members, where I coach my two oldest sons as well as some of the local youth and other community members.

I have worked for the Mille Lacs Band for many years in various positions, including 11+ years working in the Youth programs. I have also worked as a carpenter for Housing renovation and am now currently the Housing Renovation Carpenter Supervisor.

Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of watching my dad Harry Davis work as, in my opinion, one of the greatest leaders we've had in the Hinckley/Aazhoomog community. Being able to see the difference he has made for our people has inspired me to step up and continue to carry on the amazing work he has dedicated many years to accomplishing. I grew up representing and fighting for this community as a boxer, and I would be honored to be able to continue fighting for and representing our people as the next District Ill Representative.

Miigwech!

LIONEL RICHEY CANDIDATE DISTRICT III REPRESENTATIVE

Aaniin Aazhoomog neighbors and relatives, My name is Lionel Richey, and I am running for District | Representative. have lived in Aazhoomog since 1988, and in 2002, I met the love of my life, Ang Matrious. Together, we have raised our 3 children to be respectful and genuine young adults in our community.

In my younger years, I was mentored by the late former Chief Executive, Marge Anderson. She worked tirelessly to ensure that the young people from our communities were provided teachings about the Band and Indian Country. This came at a time when we helped one another and our communities were strong; even though we were poor. In more recent years, I have been taught by Elders the importance of knowing our history and culture along with the many laws that impact us as a tribal nation, whether it be federal, state or our own laws. These teachings have laid a foundation to guide me to where I am today.

In the 18 years that I have worked for the Band, I have served as Wildlife Crew Worker, Community Youth Services Mentor, Maintenance Technician and in 2016, I was promoted to District Ill Housing Manager. With this role, I do my best to administer the many housing needs of our community. They say if you love your job, you haven't worked a day in your life. Helping ALL of our community members makes my job enjoyable and satisfying.

For the many years that I've worked for the Band, I have worked on the front lines. I understand, I see, and I feel how decisions that tribal leaders make affect all of us. Our previous District Ill Representatives have paved the way for us as our community and resources for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe have grown, and with your support, I want to be our voice for Aazhoomog and continue to fight for all that we deserve as a community. I humbly ask for vote for the upcoming election on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Miigwech, Lionel Richey.