District II

December 2024 District 2 Report

Boozhoo Anishinaabe
November was filled with lots of events. I had a great time working with the Mahnomen-Waubun
Thunderbirds Football team, it was so fun to watch as they battled for the State Championship at the US
Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. I also had the privilege of attending the Veterans Powwow and the Round
Dance at the Shooting Star Casino. Miigwech to all the dancers, singers, and guests who helped make
these celebrations so special.

MCT Enrollment Ordinance
On Nov. 25, White Earth RBC passed a resolution supporting an amendment to the Minnesota
Chippewa Tribe (MCT) Enrollment Ordinance to clarify the definition of “Minnesota Chippewa Indian
Blood” as referenced in the MCT Constitution. Currently, the Enrollment Ordinance defines
“Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Indian Blood” as blood derived exclusively from the six bands of the MCT:
Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and White Earth. However, the MCT
Constitution states that enrollment eligibility requires a person to have at least 25% “Minnesota Chippewa
Indian Blood,” which historically has been interpreted to include Red Lake Nation blood.
This clarification is crucial as it would impact enrollment eligibility and can be decided solely by
the Tribal Executive Committee (TEC) without the need for a Constitutional Amendment or referendum
vote. Amending the Enrollment Ordinance would require only a vote by the TEC, making this an essential
and timely issue for discussion and decision-making.

Minnesota Grand Council Subcommittee
Tribal Nations across Minnesota have recently established a Grand Council to have direct consultation
and collaboration, independent of State or Federal Government facilitation. This initiative aims
to address shared challenges while strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships among the Tribes.
As part of this effort, subcommittees have been formed to focus on specific issues facing Tribal
Nations. Notably, committees on Wild Rice and Cannabis have been created. White Earth Nation has
taken the lead in facilitating discussions and is working toward developing intertribal commerce in these
areas, promoting economic growth and self-determination among the Tribal Nations.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Consultation
On Nov. 8, the RBC met with Superintendent Heidi Gordon to discuss potential changes to the
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as we anticipate a new United States President. The discussions focused on
Trust Lands and Funding, critical areas for our Nation. I raised specific concerns regarding non-Indians
abusing our lands and engaging in fraudulent activities. While no immediate solutions or remedies were
provided during the meeting, I felt it was essential to bring these issues forward, ensuring they are
acknowledged, documented, and remain a priority for future action.

Minn. Department of Education Consultation
On Nov. 13, the RBC met with the Minnesota Department of Education to address critical topics
impacting our Nation. A primary focus of the discussion was the circulating rumors about potential
Federal cuts to Education Funding and their possible impacts on our schools and students.
Another key topic was Indian Education for All, where we emphasized the importance of protecting
and ensuring access to meaningful and accurate curriculum that reflects the history, culture, and contributions
of Native Nations. These discussions are vital as we work to safeguard educational opportunities and
cultural representation for future generations.

Highway 113 Project
Highway 113, which serves as the western border of District 2, is renowned for its winding roads and
scenic beauty. However, it also poses significant safety risks for Tribal Members traveling by foot to access
hunting and fishing areas. In response, the White Earth Roads Department conducted a study and recommended
constructing a walking path, similar to the one built last year along Highway 200 near Roy Lake.
Representative Erickson and I have committed to pursuing a project to create multiple walking paths
near the Waubun School Forest to the Elbow Lake Village. The project is projected for completion by
2030, with funding options already identified. Once finished, these paths will provide safe pedestrian
access, enhancing community safety and recreational opportunities.

Contacts
Eugene Sommers
Email: Eugene.Sommers@whiteearth-nsn.gov
Office Phone: 218-935-6250
Cell Phone: 218-396-9502

Christopher Vanwert Jr
Chrstopher.Vanwert@whiteearth-nsn.gov
Cell Phone: 218-850-2533