Chairman

August 2026 Chairman's Report

Aaniin Boozhoo Gaa-waabaabiganikaag
Niminwendam Waabaminaan!

Manoominike-Giizis!

Aaniish inaa akawe ninga-gaagiizomaag aadi-
zookaanag.

Weweni-sago-na

Greetings White Earth Nation I am Happy to See You!

It is already August Ricing Moon!
Everyone Be Safe & Stay Safe,
August is very beautiful and very hot this time of year. I would like everyone to stay safe when heading outside for any seasonal gathering and summer activ-
ities. This month we have a borrowed story from an elder from out west named Ella Clark.

Once there was a rabbit with only three legs, but he made a wooden leg for himself so that he could move fast.

At the time the sun was very hot, and Rabbit said
to himself, “I’ll go and see what the problem is.” As he hopped along toward Sun, he found it getting hotter every day.

“The only thing on earth that doesn’t burn,” said Rabbit, “is cactus.”

So he made a house of cactus to stay in during the day, and he traveled only at night.

When he came to the east, he rose early in the morning and ran toward the place where Sun should appear. He saw the ground boiling and knew that Sun
was ready to come up. Rabbit stopped, sat down, and took out his bow and arrows.

When Sun was about halfway out of the earth, Rabbit shot. His first arrow hit the heart and injured the Sun. Rabbit stood over it and cried: “The white
part of your eye will be clouds.” And it was.

“The black part of your eye will be the sky.” And it was.

“Your kidney will be a star, your liver the moon, and your heart the dark.” And they were.

Then Rabbit said to Sun, “You will never be too hot again, for now you are only a big star.”

Sun has never been too hot since, and after that day, rabbits have had brown spots behind their ears and on their legs. Their rabbits’ fur was scorched dur-
ing their journey, long, long ago, to see why Sun was so hot.

Biinjwebinigen! Make your voice heard at the ballot box.

Biinjwebinigen means, “Throw your ballot in!” It is more than just a translation of “get out to vote.” It is a traditional call to action, a reminder of community
responsibility, and a celebration of Indigenous civic power.

Casting a ballot is one of the most direct ways to shape the future of your community, your state, and the country. Every election decides the leaders who make critical choices about your life. Your vote directly impacts sovereignty and decides budgets for our services such as health care, education and housing.

Every election decides the leaders who make critical choices about your daily life. Your vote directly impacts funding, laws, and leadership.

• Protecting Sovereignty: Voting helps elect leaders who respect tribal sovereignty and treaty obligations.
• Funding Vital Services: Public officials decide budgets for local healthcare, education, housing, and infrastructure.
• Protecting Natural Resources: Elected representatives make critical choices regarding clean water, land management, and environmental protection.
• Representation: High voter turnout ensures that the unique needs of Indigenous communities cannot be ignored by lawmakers.

Participating in the election process is straightforward if you prepare in advance. Follow these essential steps to ensure your ballot counts.

Register to Vote

• Check your current registration status online.
• Update your address if you have recently moved.
• Note your state’s deadline for online, mail-in, or in-person registration.

Know Your Voting Options

• In-Person Voting: Find your designated polling place and review its operating hours.
• Early In-Person Voting: Take advantage of early voting days to avoid long lines on Election Day.
• Mail-In or Absentee Ballot: Request your ballot early, follow the signing instructions precisely, and mail it back well ahead of the deadline.

Bring Proper Identification

• Many states accept tribal photo identification cards at the polls. Minnesota is one of them.
• Keep a backup form of ID, such as a utility bill or government document showing your current address, if required.

Research Your Ballot

• Look up a sample ballot online before you vote.
• Research candidates for local positions like school boards, judges, and county commissioners.

Voting is stronger when done together. You can amplify your impact by helping others in your community exercise their rights.

• Offer Rides: Help Elders, neighbors, or friends without reliable transportation get to their polling stations.
• Spread the Word: Share key voting dates, polling locations, and ID requirements on social media or community boards.
• Work the Polls: Consider signing up as a local election judge or poll worker to support your precinct.

When you cast your vote, you carry the voices of your ancestors and build a path for future generations.
Don't sit this election out.

Biinjwebinigen—throw your ballot in!
Chi-miigwech bizindawiyeg miinaw
Chi-miigwech bizindawiyeg miinawaa anooj
ninda-gikinoo’amaadiwin,
Baamaapii wiingezin.
Miigwech bizindawiyeg.
Gigawaabamininim naagaj.
Take it easy.
Thank you for listening and continuing to learn together,
See you all later.
Chairman Michael Fairbanks