LEADING WITH HEART: District II Representative Wendy Merrill reflects on four years of service, community, and compassion

Jun 29, 2026

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

When Wendy Merrill took office as District || Representative in July 2022, she brought with her years of experience in government, business, and leadership. She had worked as Legislative Affairs Director for Speaker Sheldon Boyd, served as Assistant General Manager at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, earned her MBA from the Carlson School of Management, and been recognized among Minnesota's 40 Under 40 professionals.

But the lessons that shaped her most did not come from boardrooms, classrooms, or campaign trails. They came from home.

Growing up in the Chiminising community, Merrill witnessed firsthand many of the challenges facing Band members and families. Those experiences would later shape both her decision to seek office and the way she approached leadership.

"I wanted to better the community and better the Band while making thoughtful, data-driven decisions based off the Seven Values while leading with compassion," she said. "And treat people the way you want to be treated by others."

The path to elected office began years earlier when longtime District || Representative Marvin Bruneau encouraged her to consider running.

"He believed in me and thought I could do great work," Merrill recalled.

When she ultimately won the District Il position in the primary election in 2022 and took office that July, she quickly discovered that the role involved much more than she had anticipated.

"Before you're elected, you're only hearing bits and pieces of what people are struggling with. Once you're in that position, you're a liaison for the community. You gain firsthand knowledge of the issues," she said. "I have grown by being a boots-on-the-ground leader, really listening to the issues of the community."

As much as she admired her mentor Marvin Bruneau, her goal was to be visible and available to her community, show up and support them while including people. Her vision was community focused — not just her community. She showed up for other areas as well.

One of the biggest surprises was the legislative process itself. "You don't really know and understand that part before you get in," she said.

She is grateful for the knowledge and guidance passed to her by Representatives Carolyn Beaulieu and Harry Davis, and former District Representative Sandy Blake, Secretary/Trea-surer Sheldon Boyd, Chief Executive Virgil Wind, Legislative attorneys Jared Miller, Erin Anderson, Reen Reinhardt, and Commissioner Mel Towle. She took bits and pieces from each one to apply to her unique style.

For Merrill, legislation was never about politics. It was about people. Whether discussing cannabis legislation, economic development projects, or the Elder Home Loan Forgiveness Act, she believes meaningful decisions begin with listening and sharing information.

Communication is key and a big part of that is the community meetings. "You have to work together. You can't be siloed and try to do things on your own. It just doesn't work that way," she said. "You have to work together. And if members from other communities came to any of my meetings, I would never turn them away. I don't care who shows up to my meetings. It people came to hear information, I would never turn them away. I include everybody."

That philosophy guided one of the accomplishments she considers most meaningful: the Elder Home Loan Forgiveness Act.

The legislation was inspired by conversations with Elders who approached her directly about the need for financial relief. The program helps qualifying Elders reduce housing-related debt while protecting them from additional tax burdens through the General Welfare Exclusion Act.

"The Elders are the knowledge keepers," Merrill said. "They are the ones who helped raise us and share their knowledge. We always have to take care of our relatives."

She often reflects on advice she received from her wenh’eh, the late Joe Nayquonabe Sr. "He always said, We always have to take care of each other. We have to listen to each other and love each other, respect each other. I think about that all the time." Those words became a guiding principle throughout her term.

"Those are the decisions that have a huge impact on the community, and I'm glad that I was able to make that happen."

Throughout her four years in office, Merrill championed projects that she believes will benefit future generations, including cannabis legislation, the hotel refresh project, GrowCo and Lake Leaf Cultivation, and the Ventura housing development. She credits those accomplishments not to any one individual, but to collaboration among elected leaders, staff, departments, and community members.

That commitment to collaboration extended beyond legislation.

One of her priorities was strengthening relationships between community members and Tribal Police. She encouraged officers to attend community meetings, believing trust is built through visibility, conversation, and familiarity.

"People see them and get to know them, and that's important to building trust," she said.

If there is one thing Merrill hopes people remember about her leadership, it is not a particular vote, project, or piece of legislation. Instead, she hopes they remember that she stayed true to herself.

Her leadership was shaped not only by public service but also by profound personal loss.

Between 2020 and 2022, Merrill lost her father, her mother, and her younger sister. In 2025, she also mourned the passing of her wenh'eh, Big Joe. "I didn't know what to do after he was gone," she said.

The grief remains.

"The day after the Elder bill passed, I really wanted to call my mom," she said, pausing as emotion filled her voice.

Like many Band members she serves, Merrill knows hardship firsthand. She understands addiction, loss, incarceration, and the challenges families face because those realities have touched her own family.

"I think some people think representatives are emotionless and we don't deal with this stuff like everybody else does, but we do," she said. "My little sister died from a fentanyl overdose. My two little brothers are incarcerated right now. I get it. I know what it is like. And I keep that with me in my decision-making process. People don't always see the day-to-day decisions we make and the work that goes into this position. It is a 24/7 job."

Through it all, she remained guided by the Seven Values and the lessons passed down by her family and her wenh'eh.

"Lead with your heart," she said. "Lead with compassion, knowing that everybody is going through something. Treat people how you want to be treated."

As her term comes to a close, Merrill is quick to thank those who walked beside her along the way. She expressed gratitude to fellow elected officials, commissioners, staff, Elders, legislative aides Cheryl Miller and Taria Aubid, mentors including Big Joe, Marvin Bruneau, Sandy Blake, Tadd Johnson, Brenda Moose, Renee Johnson, Mick Davis, Kevin White, Dawn Chosa, Bonnie Dorr, Sherraine White, and the many community members who shared their concerns, ideas, and hopes.

Most of all, she thanks her family.

"I basically gave the last four years to the community," she said."I thank my family for being there for me, especially my husband Carlos, for sharing me with the community and allowing me time away from my family."

As she looks toward the future, she hopes to focus on personal growth, lifelong learning, and new opportunities that broaden her perspective and deepen her understanding. Yet one thing will not change: her dedication to the community. While her next chapter may look different, her commitment to the community remains unchanged. Government and public service are woven into who she is, and she expects to remain actively involved in meaningful ways for years to come.