MLBO Candidate bios for primary election

The 2026 Mille Lacs Band tribal elections begin with the primary election on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The primary election is used to decide which candidates will move on to the general election. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary election will advance to the general election, which will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

As part of the Inaajimowin election coverage, we are publishing candidate biographies and statements. Each candidate for Secretary-Treasurer, District I| Representative, and District Ill Representative was invited to submit a brief bio of 350 words or less.

In the interest of fairness and consistency, these bios were not edited by the Inaajimowin for content, spelling, grammar, or punctuation. They are published here exactly as submitted.

These statements are intended to provide voters with an initial introduction to each candidate. Community members will have the opportunity to learn more about the candidates' platforms and leadership priorities at upcoming candidate forums.

The dates for the forums are as follows: District I on Monday, March 16; District I| Minisinakwaang on Tuesday, March 17; District lla Chiminising on Wednesday, March 18; District Ill Hinckley on Thursday, March 19; and the Urban Area on Friday, March 20. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m., with the candidate forums beginning at 6 p.m. Dates and times are subject to change. Each forum will also be available to view via Zoom, with links publicized the day of each forum.

SUZANNE WISE (AAZHINANGOOKWE) CANDIDATE SECRETARY-TREASURER

Committed to Community, Tradition, and Financial Stewardship

Boozhoo Nindinawemaaganadog! As a proven educated, experienced and dedicated Leader of the Mille Lacs Band, I am honored to seek the position of Secretary/Treasurer with a deep commitment to upholding the values, culture, and well-being of our Band. My vision is for Mino-Bimaadiziwin "the good life" for all Band members, ensuring opportunities for growth and prosperity.

My educational foundation includes a Master's degree in Social Work from UMD, which has equipped me with the skills to support and empower individuals and families. I also hold a degree for Alcohol and Drug Counseling, bringing a holistic perspective to community wellness and recovery. I am also a trained Peacekeeper.

Throughout my career, I have served in key leadership roles that have strengthened our Band's future. As Commissioner of Education, I managed a $12 million budget and oversaw three schools, ensured funding for the Ojibwe Language and Culture program, secured funding for scholarship funding to expand opportunities for our youth. My experience as a District 1 Representative provided further insight as I managed the Band budget in the legislative branch, advocating for sound financial decisions and sustainable growth.

I serve on the board of directors for Lakes Area Restorative Justice, supporting innovative approaches to healing and justice. My participation in Spring and Fall Drum ceremonies honors our traditions and spiritual connections, reinforcing my dedication to Ojibwe values and practices.

I will remain vigilant in maintaining Band finances and accessing our programs and businesses. My vision is to create pathways for all Mille Lacs Band members through my commitment to transparency, accountability, and opportunity. I am known for my caring, compassion, honesty, and determination. Ensuring our financial livelihood for generations to come is a priority in investments and employment opportunities for Band members within our businesses.

I am devoted to the Bands future, striving to honor our ancestors and inspire hope for generations to come. Together, we can strengthen our community, preserve our culture, and ensure lasting prosperity for all Mille Lacs Band members. | would appreciate your Vote on March 31, 2026. Miigwech Bizindaweyeg!

MEGAN BALLINGER CANDIDATE SECRETARY-TREASURER

Aaniin/Boozhoo Indinawemaganadog.

My name is Megan Ballinger, and I am running for Secretary Treasurer because I believe in strengthening the connection between our community and government.

My leadership journey began early, attending meetings with my dad and learning from elders who inspired the spirit of service. Those experiences shaped my commitment to give back and help move our Tribe forward together. I bring 12+ years of experience in MLBO government, a degree in Tribal Governance (BTAG), and I am pursuing a Master's in Environmental Stewardship (MTRES).

I am running to help rebuild trust and unity. The people and the government must work together again. I want to close the gap between the Band Assembly and membership by improving communication so members clearly understand how their voices shape decisions.

Education is a top priority. I will refocus attention on our Tribal Schools, support higher education and trade pathways, and work to update the School Board Ordinance to meet today's needs.

Language and cultural revitalization are essential. We must remove barriers so more youth and adults can access language, culture, and ceremony before they are lost.

I am committed to increasing engagement through community center programs and addressing transportation barriers that limit employment. I would also like to see community watches return.

We can meet these challenges by working together, seeking grants, creating job training, language, and transportation programs, and partnering with schools, employers, and agencies to strengthen education, employment, and services. We need concrete, community-driven strategic plans that remain steady despite political changes.

I am human and will make mistakes, but I promise to give my full effort. Even when we disagree, we can lead with respect and build the strongest possible communities and government together.

Vote Ballinger / 1 - one of the Anangookwewag. Miigwech bizindawiyeg. Mi iw.

SHELDON BOYD CANDIDATE SECRETARY-TREASURER • INCUMBANT

My name is Sheldon Boyd your current Secretary Treasurer of the Mille Lacs Band and I am asking for your vote again on March 31st 2026 to continue the work on behalf of all members.

As Secretary Treasurer I report to you a generational achievement concerning the finances of the Mille Lacs Band. First of all, never forget the federal government in exchange for millions of acres of land in what is now Minnesota has a trust obligation to provide for our health, education, and welfare in the form of federal and state funding. As long as the United States citizens live on this land and prosper from it, we Anishinabe are to be afforded funding and legal protection in perpetuity.

Treaty trust responsibility should never be confused with our own tribal and individual prosperity.

Now, concerning our tribe's efforts for financial-sufficiency, our historic existence as sovereign nations has allowed us to own and operate two gaming facilities.

Since 1991, our gaming revenue has been the economic engine that drives our government services and programs. Our leaders back then said," We shouldn't be dependent on one industry, one source of income."

I remembered those words, and since 2020 the Office of the Secretary Treasurer has made an historic restructure of the Band's investment portfolio.

We are no longer a tribe that solely depends on gaming revenue to fund our government and programs.

As Chair of the newly formed Investment Board, during the first three years of full function the Band's investments returns are now the largest generator of income, more than gaming. The management of our investments is a new era.

The management of the Band's overall wealth deserves to be a shared experience with membership.

I ask for your vote to continue to achieve more milestones.

Miigwetch