DELEGATE UPDATE--SHAPING THE FUTURE TOGETHER: Training, youth voices, and upcoming conventions focus on our Band’s sovereignty.
The Mille Lacs Band Delegates are seeated in the front row surrounded by area youth from the Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Shadow Program and the Junior Ambassador Program and the Native Governance team members, MLCV Leaders Ronda Weisenegger, Tawyna Stewart, and two college interns, Wes Gahbow and Jacob Palomaki. Submitted photo.
On July 22 and 23, 2025, Mille Lacs Band youth from both the Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Shadow Program and the Junior Ambassador Program joined the Mille Lacs Band Delegation at a Native Governance Center training.
The two-day training focused on Constitution drafting and the community engagement efforts the Delegation has been leading. Breakout sessions with youth participants were especially powerful. Their voices reminded us that learning about our Constitution should begin early, whether at home or in school. Their perspectives are vital, and the Delegation is committed to bridging the generational gap so all Band Members are included in this important work.
The Delegates would like to thank Nicole Sawyer, People Officer, MLB Growth Multiplier; Rachel Wind, Executive Administrative Assistant; and Lana Oswaldson, Band Member Recruitment Manager for their partnership and support in making this important educational opportunity possible on very short notice.
UPCOMING CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS
This September, the Mille Lacs Band Delegation will host two Constitutional Conventions — one at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, and one at Grand Casino Hinckley. Looking ahead, additional conventions will be held in the outlying districts to ensure all Band members have an opportunity to participate.
These conventions are essential to protecting our sovereignty. We encourage Band Members to attend, learn, and understand how the Delegation's work connects with the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and how progress is reported quarterly to the Tribal Executive Committee (TEC).
Convention Dates: September 12 and September 26, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Details: Lunch provided; prizes available
Flyer: Watch your mailbox in the coming weeks
Band members are also encouraged to stay informed on important decisions, including enrollment, membership, and referendum voting. Recently, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe began including Red Lake on its membership rolls. These shifts highlight the importance of community engagement - so that together we can shape the future of the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
NOTE: These are the opinions and views of the Mille Lacs Band Delegate Committee only and do not represent the views of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The views of the delegation committee may not be cited as a statement of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's position or viewpoint on any matter.
