Chairman

January 2025 Chairman's Report

Aaniin Boozhoo Gaa-waabaabiganikaag
Niminwendam Waabaminaan
MINO-OSHKI BIBOON!
Gichimanidoo-Giizis
Aaniish inaa akawe ninga-gaagiizomaag aadizookaanag.
Weweni-sago-na.
Greetings White Earth Nation I am Happy to See You!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It’s January. Everyone Be Safe. As we welcome the new year, let us remember an ancient Ojibwe creation story that teaches us about beginnings, renewal, and the balance of life. In the beginning, the world was dark and empty. The Creator, Gitchi Manidoo, decided to bring life into the world. The first to appear were the animals, each given a special gift to help the world grow. The wolf was given strength and courage, the eagle was given the ability to soar, and the beaver was given the power to build. But it was the Creator’s gift of the sacred tree that truly brought balance to the earth. The Great Tree was planted in the center of the world, and from it, all the plants and trees of the earth grew. The Creator then called upon the people, the Anishinaabe, to take care of the earth and live in harmony with all beings. As the new year begins, let us remember the sacred tree and its teachings — that life is interconnected, that we are all caretakers of the earth, and that every beginning brings a chance for renewal and
growth.

As we enter into 2025, I’d like to thank everyone for a successful 2024. Looking back last year we dealt with land issues, gained a new member on the Council, addressed housing and homeless issues, put a high priority on cultural programs, moved forward with our Waabigwan Mashkiki business, expanded our Mashkode Bizhiki, Bison heard, plus much more! 2024 has been a landmark year for the Gaawaabaabiganikaag, our White Earth Nation! It is marked by significant strides toward sovereignty, land restoration, and community empowerment.

Gaawaabaabiganikaag successfully reclaimed vital ancestral lands, expanding its territory and reinforcing its cultural and environmental stewardship. These achievements are part of a broader movement that includes revitalizing traditional practices, enhancing economic self-sufficiency, and investing in education and wellness for future generations. The White Earth Nation’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while building a prosperous future is evident in our continued efforts toward land back, environmental justice, and expanding initiatives for tribal members. As we reflect on these milestones, the progress made in 2024 exemplifies the strength and resilience of the White Earth Nation.

Gaawaabaabiganikaag Aki Land Back Movement
White Earth State Forest
Earlier this year, at the Minnesota legislature, Senator Mary Kunesh introduced HF 3480, which would return the 160,000-acre White Earth State Forest to the White Earth Band of Anishinaabe. This follows a land return to the Lower Sioux in mid-March and represents a way to begin healing the wounds of Minnesota’s past and complying with the law.

White Earth Nation’s goal is the management and return of the White Earth State Forest to protect the resources in an environmentally positive manner for the benefit of present and future generations and to ensure the forest lands on the White Earth State Forest are managed in an environmentally sensitive, sustainable, and economically viable manner. And manage the forest land in balance with the conservation of natural, aesthetic, and our own Anishinaabe cultural values. On March 7, I provided testimony at the State Capital in St. Paul., advocating for the return of the White Earth Forest. Notably, the proposal faced opposition from Clearwater, Becker, and Mahnomen County. The reservation was established in 1867, while the State established the Forest in 1933, conveniently located within the reservation boundaries. Passing this bill would ensure that the Forest is returned to its rightful owners and remains accessible for everyone to enjoy equally.

Tamarac Refuge
We have made great strides in clarifying the White Earth Band’s treaty rights and regulatory authority in the entirety of the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, including both the portion located within the White Earth Nation and the portion within the 1855 Treaty Territory. The Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge encompasses approximately 42,724 acres. A little over half of the Refuge (24,162 acres) is located within the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s Reservation, and the rest of the Refuge is located within the 1855 Treaty Territory wherein the Band
retains hunting, fishing and gathering rights. On June 4, leaders from the White Earth Nation (WEN) and representatives of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) gathered at a community ceremony at Shooting Star Casino to celebrate the signing of a significant Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The historic agreement, a testament to the strong partnership between the two governments, strengthens the enduring conservation partnership between the White Earth Nation and the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

The MOA simplifies the permitting process for various treaty-protected activities. This means that under the terms of the MOA, Band members will no longer have to acquire separate permits from WEN and the USFWS. The WEN will align its Conservation Code consistent with federal standards, sovereignty, and treaty rights and be able to issue a single permit, making important cultural and sustenance activities more accessible. This agreement also ensures the preservation of the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, a vital ecosystem for future generations. This agreement signifies a significant milestone in our longstanding relationship with the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. We are taking crucial steps to protect and support our citizens’ rights to engage in treaty-protected activities. We deeply appreciate the support and collaboration that has made this endeavor possible. On Oct. 1, U.S. Fish and Wildlife signed a Tamarac co-stewardship agreement with White Earth. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the White Earth Nation will collaborate in several areas on management of Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. The co-stewardship agreement lays out specific areas where tribal and federal resource managers will collaborate. The next step is to discuss a possible annual funding agreement to provide federal funding to White Earth for natural resource management.

Ship named after White Earth band member
I had the privilege to attend a ceremony at the National Museum of American Indian in Washington, D.C., honoring
my relative and White Earth Anishinaabe James Fairbanks. A future Navajo-class Navy ship will bear his name — USNS James D. Fairbanks and will carry his legacy of service forward and symbolize his dedication to the Seabees. Fairbanks was the first Native American to serve as Force Master Chief Petty Officer, the highest-ranking enlisted Navy Seabee. Force Master Chief James Fairbanks was in our language an Ogiichidaa, a Warrior and Protector for our People - the Anishinaabeg, and the citizens of the United States. He served with distinction and valor. Due to his exemplary leadership, he has earned the right to have a ship named in his honor.

Culture/Community
Our Anishinaabe- Native culture and villages that form our communities are essential to our people. We continue to
support our traditions and promote harmony through community, Mother’s Day and Veterans Powwows and our annual 156th Annual White Earth Celebration. We held picnics in the villages throughout our Nation over the summer that welcomed newly constructed playgrounds in each community. We also had picnics in the Urban areas which brought us all together for amazing summer fun. The tribe also hosted several cultural camps that taught members many traditional ways passed down to us by our ancestors. Our Language and Culture Department leader Rob Tibbetts has made significant progress in teaching and learning events throughout our summer. My wife and I also had some fun, amazing wiigwaas makak - birch bark classes also.

Housing and Shelter
Affordable housing is an ongoing need for our people. White Earth Housing Authority is making improvements, and
we see fewer boarded homes and more being used. In Mahnomen, 24 single-family units were built by the Tribe with the support of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The units are supportive sober living apartments for our relatives. In Rice Lake, tiny homes have been built and tiny homes for our relatives are in the works for White Earth and Pine Point. In Bemidji, we plan to build new, affordable, safe housing for our members where the old Ridgeway once stood. We opened a homeless shelter in Mahnomen through our Human Services program in May. Housing is a basic human necessity, and I continue to work on legislation and funding that addresses this need. Locally 23 elder homes were included in home repair bids to help our elders remain safely in their homes.

Strawberry Lake Wellness Campus
The final stages of development of the former Christian retreat facility are rapidly progressing, marking a significant
step forward in expanding essential healthcare services for the White Earth Nation. Remodeling of the existing facility is in its final stages, preparing it to provide much-needed space for youth- and family-based behavioral health services, and family opioid use disorder treatment services. We are also nearing completion of the final stages of development for the residential or inpatient treatment facility, which will further enhance our capacity to provide comprehensive care. This comprehensive and culturally sensitive program, rooted in Anishinaabe culture and language, is designed to address substance use disorders and promote healing within the community, with a particular focus on family-centered care. It utilizes holistic approach, integrating indigenous wisdom with evidence based practices. In summary, the near-complete development of the former retreat facility will soon provide expanded, culturally relevant behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services, with a strong emphasis on youth- and family-focused healing and well-being through the White Earth Behavioral Health Division.

Election
I want to personally thank everyone for re-electing me to my second full term as your Chairman. It’s been an honor to
lead this great nation for the past five years, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Council on your behalf.
We have moved forward in many areas, but we still have a lot to do, and I will fight hard to ensure we meet our objectives and goals. Welcome, Laura Lee Erickson, to the new District 3 Representative position. Laura has worked tirelessly for the tribe for many years, and it has been a smooth transition for her to the Council. I want to thank former District 3 Representative Cheryl “Annie” Jackson for all her work with the Council.

Mashkode-Bizhiki Bison
Our White Earth Agriculture Department reports that more bison have arrived! Thanks to our success in caring for
our first group of four heifers received last November for our Phase 1 Bison Operation, the White Earth Agriculture
Department moved forward with Phase 2 and applied for more bison through the Intertribal Buffalo Council (ITBC).
These surplus bison are an intact family unit of 15 to 20 cows, calves, and heifers that came from Yellowstone National Park.

Wild Rice
Once again, White Earth had a successful harvest season! This is the time of year when we gather our food and begin
our preparation for the winter months. It is the time of year when families and community members gather to share our knowledge and skills about traditions that have been passed down through generations. It is the time of year to celebrate our connection with Mama Aki, Mother Earth. The Wild Rice Department started buying rice from our members on Aug. 23. As usual, our members start the ricing season south of the reservation in the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, where record pounds of rice came off lakes. This season, we purchased an impressive 281,824 pounds of green wild rice, with more than 200,000 pounds harvested from Lower Rice Lake alone. In total, we paid our hardworking wild rice harvesters $2,079,000, marking yet another record-breaking year!

Waabigwan Mashkiki
The White Earth Waabigwan Mashkiki retail store has moved to a more visible location on Highway 59 across from
the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen. The cultivation facility in Mahnomen underwent renovations to expand its product line. White Earth already provides wholesale products to two Native American dispensaries and is in the process of creating deals with three others. The business has more than 88 employees and continues to have a successful expansion of products and retail.

Red Lake Blood Criteria
The White Earth Nation Reservation Business Committee has passed a resolution supporting amending the
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) Enrollment Ordinance to align with what is written in the MCT Constitution. This
would be beneficial in recognition of the inclusion of the Red Lake Nation Ojibwe blood in determining enrollment eligibility. This resolution reflects the RBC’s commitment to advocating for the many children who are descendants of White Earth Nation and Red Lake Nation but currently do not meet the current enrollment criteria for White Earth Nation. Recognizing Red Lake Nation’s ancestry for enrollment would strengthen ties between descendants of the two Nations while ensuring fairness for families with dual heritage. Supporting this amendment is about fairness and honoring the shared lineage of our communities. It is our duty to ensure that children with both White Earth and Red Lake ancestry have the opportunity to connect with their tribal roots and identity, even if they don’t meet current criteria.

IHS 638 Process
The White Earth Band is actively taking control of its healthcare through several ongoing initiatives that align with
the self-governance process with Indian Health Services. Leveraging our Title I Self-Determination contract with the
Indian Health Service, we are currently operating 638 programs to serve our tribal citizens. Recognizing the increasing complexity of Tribal health, behavioral health, and traditional healing services, we have established a workgroup to function as an interim Tribal Health Board. This group is currently working to develop necessary standards for oversight of all our health services, manage our healthcare finances, and develop an annual strategic plan to address our community's needs, using expert advice in areas like finance and law. The Health Board will also provide annual reports to tribal members on program status. This work group will be developing a
White Earth Health Regulatory Code to provide a strong framework for healthcare governance, ensuring quality and
culturally relevant care. These steps will guide funding priorities and help us determine which healthcare services we
should provide directly. These are ongoing efforts to build a stronger, more responsive healthcare system run by White Earth, for our Nation, securing a healthier future for our people.

New openings
The Mahnomen Boys and Girls Club held their grand opening at the old Shopko building on Highway 59. It’s a safe
place for our youth to gather, learn and socialize. The new club features an indoor basketball court, computer lab, full
kitchen and cafeteria, and plenty of room for various activities.

White Earth Child Care Early Childhood Program move their Early Childhood classrooms, infants, toddlers,
preschoolers and program staff to their newly constructed building. The new Child Care site is located south on Eagle
View Road next door to the RBC headquarters. An announcement will be made at a later date for an open house event. The Shooting Star Casino Section 5 remodel opened on May 24. It features new machines, a vibrant atmosphere, and a new sports bar with contemporary restroom facilities. This remodel provides a refreshing update with modern machines, card tables, and additional dining options. The renovation also includes a smoking room equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation systems to accommodate all guests.

Conclusion
As we reflect on the successes of 2024, we also look ahead to a future full of promise and potential. We remain
focused on strengthening our tribal sovereignty, expanding economic opportunities, and ensuring that future generations inherit a White Earth Nation that is resilient, prosperous, and deeply connected to our Gaawaabaabiganikaag Anishinaabe roots. We will continue to advocate for our rights to manage our
lands, natural resources, and cultural heritage and remain at the forefront of opportunities that enhance our ability to provide for our people. Whether through the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge or White Earth State Forrest, we are always moving forward. I am grateful for your support, our membership. We are stronger because we are continuing to expand our horizons as a Nation building a bright future for generations to come. Together, we are shaping the future of White Earth Nation, which honors our past while embracing new opportunities for
growth and success. I want to wish everyone a safe and successful 2025 New Year.

Baamaapii wiingezin.
Miigwech bizindawiyeg.
Gigawaabamininim naagaj.
Take it easy.
Thank you for listening to me.
See you all later.
Chairman Michael Fairbanks