March 2026 District 3 Report

Greetings relatives and community members. Together, we continue to uplift our youth and work toward a brighter future for all members of our tribe.

2-3 Tribal leaders and staff traveled to the Minnesota State Capitol for the signing of the White Earth State Forest Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This important agreement formalizes the collaborative relationship between the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the White Earth Nation. The White Earth State Forest is a public land area managed by the state of Minnesota and its title is held by the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (DNR). This means that the DNR owns and oversees the management of the land on behalf of the state and its residents. While the DNR holds the legal title, the White Earth Nation have inherent rights, cultural ties and traditional connections to these lands. The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizes a collaborative relationship, allowing the tribe to work alongside the DNR to ensure that the management of the forest
respects tribal sovereignty, cultural practices and environmental stewardship.

2-4 During our visit to the White Earth Urban Office located at the Clifton building in Minneapolis, we had the opportunity to tour the ongoing construction site. The renovation and expansion project is actively progressing and the updates will improve the facility. The improvements include the addition of new office spaces, several conference rooms to better
serve community needs and a new elevator designed to improve accessibility for everyone. This project is an investment in our community’s infrastructure aimed at creating a more functional environment. The construction is scheduled for completion in June 2026.
Mark your calendar for the White Earth Urban Community Council Powwow on May 16.

2-13 White Earth staff and leaders recently met and engaged in consultations with Commissioner Dennis Olson Jr. from the Office of Higher Education. These discussions focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration, American Indian Scholars waiver,
funding allocation reductions, addressing educational priorities and strengthening pathways for higher education within the community.

2-23 Carol Thompson, WE Boys/Girls Club CEO, and I traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s National Advocacy. Our mission was to advocate for funding and support for key initiatives including the Healthy Food Summer Meals Act, Youth Workforce Readiness Act, Career Pathways, Youth Mentoring
initiatives. During our visit we met with staff members from Senator Amy Klobuchar’s office, Senator Tina Smith’s office, Representative Pete Stauber, Representative Michelle Fischbach and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. These discussions were an important opportunity to highlight the needs of our youth and advocate for policies that will benefit our
community. We connected with Boys and Girls Club staff from across the United States including representatives from over 250 tribal clubs. These connections allowed us to strengthen our network and reaffirm our commitment to empowering youth in tribal communities nationwide.

We also witnessed the signing of the new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) titled “Partnering for Impact: BGCA Native Services & the Bureau of Indian Education” a formal partnership agreement between the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Native Services team and the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). This MOA is designed to foster collaboration aimed at supporting Native youth through culturally relevant programs, resources and services.

It emphasizes joint efforts to improve educational outcomes, provide positive youth development opportunities, and strengthen community engagement within Native communities.

Project Updates
New White Earth Transit Building in Waubun
Construction continues on the new White Earth Transit Building with the project now approximately 40% complete! Once finished this new transit hub will support buses in the Tribe’s transit fleet and provide space for transit employees. Located across the Waubun High School along Pleasant Ave/Hwy 113, the facility will include: Bus wash bay, mechanic bay,
bus storage, indoor transfer and waiting area, administrative offices, dispatch area. This project is a major step forward in strengthening transportation services for the Reservation. The building is expected to be completed in late fall 2026.

Callaway Boys and Girls Club Building
We want to provide an update regarding Callaway. The previous Callaway Boys and Girls
Club building was demolished due to mold issues that made it unsafe for continued use. This created a barrier for having space for Boys and Girls Club. This last year we created a team to identify a plan, solutions and pursue funding opportunities for a replacement facility. Although we applied for grant funding and were not selected, we remained committed to finding a path forward.

We are proud and excited to announce that the Tribe is moving forward with plans for a new building for our youth and community. This new facility will serve as a multi-purpose space and will include: a Boys and Girls Club area, offices for staff, mental health service office space, a kitchen and half of a gymnasium. This project represents a major investment in our children, families and future generations. It reflects our commitment to providing safe spaces,
supportive services and opportunities for growth, wellness and community connection. We look forward to sharing more details as the project progresses.

Our Reservation has lost a truly great man. A respected spiritual advisor, former Natural Resources Director, dedicated member of the Pine Point Community Council, teacher- his leadership and guidance touched so many lives. He gave so much to our people and our land and his presence will be deeply missed, leaving behind a legacy that will not be forgotten. May his teachings, wisdom and spirit live on through all of us. Happy hunting on the other side Swanny.

Please feel free to reach out if you would like to schedule a meeting or discuss anything. I welcome the opportunity to connect and collaborate.

TogetherWeCanBuildABrighterTomorrrow.

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