DELEGATES DELIVER OUTLINE TO JOINT ASSEMBLY
By Michele Palomaki, MLB Delegate
On February 18, 2026, the Mille Lacs Band Delegates presented to the Joint Assembly to provide an update on current efforts and outline the next phase of community engagement and constitutional work.
The Delegation has two remaining Delegation Convention areas to complete. Once these are finished, the focus will shift to hosting two in-person community meetings each month, rotating among the districts to ensure equitable access for all Band members.
Delegates remain available to attend community groups, district meetings, and other events upon request.
A key proposal presented to the Band Assembly calls for an update to Resolution 18-10-55-19. The purpose of this update is to formally strengthen and clarify the authority of the MLB Delegation to draft a Constitution for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
It ensures the original task of the delegates to continue drafting efforts from the 2010 Constitution, authored by the Mille Lacs Delegates, and will reflect the collective voice of the membership. This effort is intended to preserve the integrity of the Delegates' work and ensure the constitutional process remains member-driven and transparent.
In February, MLB Delegates returned to participating in the All-Delegation Meetings in person.
Band members who are interested in attending these meetings are invited to join two to three designated Delegates on the third Friday of each month. Due to travel distances, logistical details are still being finalized. Members who would like to participate are encouraged to contact a Delegate directly.
There has also been focused discussion regarding the removal of "Secretary of Interior" language from the Constitution. This topic was addressed by Chief Executive Wind during his recent Quarterly Community Meetings and remains part of the broader constitutional review.
The Delegation is currently coordinating with Government Affairs to develop more frequent, consistent, and visible communication of updates for Band members to possibly include website and social media. Improving and formalizing communication channels moving forward will enhance transparency, provide timely updates, and restore trusted tools that many members have relied upon.
