DOGEAGLE REFLECTS ON SERVING SEVEN YEARS AS MILLE LACS SOLICITOR GENERAL

May 3, 2026

After years of legal advocacy, public safety work, and major litigation, Caleb Dogeagle steps away to a new role in Washington state.

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

After seven years serving the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe as Solicitor General, Caleb Dogeagle is stepping away from his role in the Band government - closing a chapter marked by major litigation, public safety work, and legal advocacy for tribal sovereignty.

Dogeagle began serving the Band in 2019. During his tenure, the Office of the Solicitor General handled a wide range of responsibilities, including litigation, natural resource protection, contract and grant review, child welfare matters, and legal counsel across the Band’s three-branch government system.

"It's kind of strange to not be a Mille Lacs Band employee anymore after serving the community for seven years," Dogeagle said in a recent interview. "But I'm appreciative of the opportunity and the time that I was given there."

Dogeagle recently accepted a position with the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, based in Washington state. The role will initially be remote, allowing him and his family to remain in Minnesota for the time being.

"My wife and I are both from Washington state," Dogeagle said. "If it's a long-term good fit, then there's the potential that we would relocate there."

Looking back on his time with the Mille Lacs Band, Dogeagle said one of the things that stood out most was the way he and his family were welcomed when he first arrived.

"Right out of the gate, they made me feel like I was part of the community," he said, recalling the support he received from Band leadership and employees.

Community events also helped build those connections, especially at Big Drum.

"There was never any what are you doing here?' It was always 'Hey, welcome — is your family with you?'" he said. "That's one of the things that brings me a lot of fulfillment in my job, becoming part of the communities that I've served."

As Solicitor General, Dogeagle led an office responsible for providing internal legal counsel on behalf of the Band — work that touches nearly every area of government. The office reviews contracts, grants, and memorandums of understanding while also maintaining a strong focus on child welfare.

"Protecting the families of the Mille Lacs Band has been the main focus of our office the entire time l've been here and will probably continue to be the focus moving forward," he said.

The office includes three support staff and seven attorneys.

"There's never a shortage of work to do," Dogeagle said with a smile, noting the strength of the team he worked alongside.

Not long after arriving in 2019, Dogeagle found himself stepping into one of the Band's most closely watched legal battles — the litigation between Mille Lacs County and the Band over reservation boundaries.

"I walked in the door to that," he said.

He described the case as something of a legal "rollercoaster," particularly following a key federal district court opinion affirming that the Reservation had never been disestablished or diminished.

Even after the case was later dismissed as moot following changes in state law recognizing the Band's authority, Dogeagle said the impact of the ruling was widely felt throughout the community.

"You could see the pride in the community — in the government, in the people, in the kids, in the schools. It rippled through the whole community," he said

He also pointed to the installation of state highway signs recognizing Reservation boundaries as another moment that reinforced that pride.

"Seeing that also had that ripple effect. You saw it all over social media and within the community — just pride, and a little more sense of security from these constant attacks from the county," he said. "Those little things all add up."

Dogeagle's tenure with the Band also coincided with one of the most challenging periods faced by governments everywhere — the COVID-19 pandemic.

During that time, Band leadership and staff worked through the Tribal Emergency Response Committee (TERC) to coordinate the Band's response and ensure the needs of the community were met.

Dogeagle said watching the government and community come together during that time remains one of the most meaningful experiences of his service.

"It was really cool to see the resiliency of not only the government and the employees serving the community, but the community itself," he said.

The Tribal Emergency Response Committee brought together leaders and staff from across the Band government to respond quickly as the situation evolved.

"Seeing the team come together and stay focused and collaborative during that time really stood out," Dogeagle said.

The Band's response during the pandemic drew attention from other tribal governments across Indian Country, many of whom looked to Mille Lacs as an example of how tribal nations could organize resources and support their citizens during a crisis.

In addition to his work with the Band government, Dogeagle also served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney, working closely with tribal police and federal partners on criminal cases affecting the community.

The role focused in part on combating drug trafficking on the Reservation.

"It was meaningful work trying to combat the guns and drugs that come into the Reservation," Dogeagle said

One case that stood out involved a drug dealer distributing methamphetamine and other narcotics across several reservations.

"He's in prison for a long time and isn't going to bring those things into the community anymore," Dogeagle said.

He credited the Mille Lacs Band Tribal Police Department for their dedication and ongoing partnership.

"They do a great job. They have the community's interests in mind," he said.

Dogeagle also highlighted the Band's advocacy on environmental issues, including opposition to mining projects that could threaten regional water resources.

"The proposed Tamarack Mine is a threat to clean water for the whole region," he said. "Everyone should be concerned about that."

Another area of ongoing work involves nationwide opioid litigation in which the Band has participated as part of a class action lawsuit. Settlement funds have already begun reaching tribes across the country and can be used for prevention, treatment, and other programs addressing the opioid crisis.

As he leaves the role, Dogeagle said he believes the Mille Lacs Band government is well positioned to continue serving the community.

"I think the government is set up to really serve the people well," he said. "I look forward to seeing how the current and future leaders develop and serve the community for future generations."

Though he has stepped away from the position, Dogeagle said his connection to the community will remain.

"I've made some lifelong relationships at the Band," he said. "I have nothing but good feelings and really appreciate everyone."

We wish you the best. Gigawaabamin minawaa.