Laura Lee Erickson
As your District III Representative, Laura is voted in by and specifically serves the communities of White Earth, Pine Point, Elbow Lake, Callaway, and Ogema. Please stay tuned for further updates from your District III Representative!
January 2026 District 3 Report
Warm holiday greetings to our tribal members, families and communities. I hope this message finds you in good health as we prepare to welcome a new year 2026. May the coming year bring strength and prosperity to our Nation.
12-4 I had the pleasure of joining the Iron Range Community Council at their annual Christmas celebration. We enjoyed a delicious potluck meal, drawings, guest speaker and update about proposed project.
12-5 White Earth RBC Employee Christmas Party was a blast, filled with laughter, good food, great show: Mastermind Colin Cloud (check out his facebook page). A heartfelt miigwech to the amazing staff who put so much time and care into coordinating this event. To all of our employees: Thank you for the hard work you put in each and every day for our people and our community. Your commitment strengthens our Nation and we are grateful for everything you do. And a special shout out to the team members who kept things running and continued working during the celebration, your service does not go unnoticed.
12-15 Prairie Band Potawatomi tribal leaders traveled to the White Earth Reservation to meet with White Earth leaders and staff, strengthening intertribal relations through the exchange of buffalo meat for wild rice. Leaders also discussed tribal sovereignty and additional current and future projects.
12-17 Tribal leaders and staff convened with U.S. Fish and Wildlife personnel to discuss the Tamarack Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and outline the next steps in the collaborative process. The meeting fostered productive dialogue and shared commitment toward advancing our mutual goals.
12-19 & 19 Tribal leaders gathered with Blue Stone Strategy partners for a strategic planning session focused on strengthening tribal governance and progressing toward our long term goals. We are eager to review the upcoming report which will outline the actionable steps and insights gained from this collaborative effort.
12-21 I had the opportunity to attend the Callaway Community Council’s Christmas event that
included a visit from Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch. Families enjoyed hot cocoa, reindeer food and gifts. Miigwech to the Community Council for organizing this wonderful event and bringing joy to families in our community.
Update and Upcoming Event
On Dec. 29, the Elbow Lake Boys and Girls Club officially opened its doors. Youth interested in joining can register by completing a simple application. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact Unit Lead Kaelyn Snetsinger at 218-570-9795. We look forward to welcoming young members and providing a positive space for growth and activity.
Reminder: Callaway Boys and Girls Club is now open. Youth interested in joining, can register by completing an application.
The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe TEC meeting is scheduled to be hosted by Leech Lake on Jan. 26-27.
Miigwech to all of our community councils and administration for their time and commitment in
assisting with the Toys for Tots program. This program helps bring joy to our children and families.
A heartfelt thank you to all of our dedicated employees across various organizations including
Shooting Star Casino, White Earth Housing, White Earth Business Products, and other entities. Your hard work and commitment this past year are truly appreciated and play a vital role in serving our community. We recognize and commend your efforts in making a positive difference every day.
We have received inquiries regarding the expiration date of the elder Christmas gift cards. Please note that these gift cards are valid for one year from the date of issuance.
If anyone would like to visit or discuss any concerns or ideas, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to listen and offer support in any way we can.
Miigwech
Contact information:
Laura Lee Erickson
laura.erickson@whiteearth-nsn.gov
Office: 218-935-6238
Cell: 218-401-1153
Facebook: VOTE LAURA LEE
Assistant for District 3
Tiffany Swiers
Office: 218-935-6235
Cell: 218-997-9124
tiffany.swiers@whiteearth-nsn.gov