District III

December 2024 District 3 Report

Aaniin Anishinaabe.
I hope this message finds you in good health and spirits. As December arrives, the crisp air settles in,
I hope this month is filled with warmth, hope, and remembrance. Winter is a time when people come
together to support one another, especially during the cold harsh months.

November Updates

11-1
I had the opportunity to visit the Behavioral Health staff at the Strawberry Lake Retreat to tour the
remodeled building and the new family treatment duplexes. I vividly remember the Tribe’s discussions
about whether to purchase this property over eight years ago, and it’s truly rewarding to see the original
vision now come to life. This space is becoming a safe and supportive environment for our families as
they walk the red road.

11-7
Tribal leaders and staff welcomed Becker County Commissioners and their team to the
Shooting Star Casino for a dinner meeting to discuss ongoing collaborative efforts. Topics included the
solid waste assessment, forestry, comprehensive plan, the near-completion of the cell phone tower near the
Bad Medicine area, and a proposed new cell tower near Rat Lake Trail. The Becker County
Comprehensive Plan will be approved soon. White Earth Tribal leaders honored the
Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbird football team by having a meal at the Shooting Star Casino to celebrate
their Section 8A Championship.

11-10
Attended the Veterans Day Powwow at the Shooting Star Casino.

11-12
I attended the Native Boys and Girls Summit with our staff in Chandler, Ariz.
Topics discussed: Trauma Informed Specialist Training rolling out in 2025. A new initiative is being
developed to adapt trauma-informed specialist training. This training aims to empower clubs by offering
specialist training to train all staff members. Technology and Community Safety, advocacy, influence,
empowering our young people, academic success programs, resource development. This was a
great opportunity to network with other Tribes, staff and tribal leaders.

11-13
Tribal leaders/staff held consultation with Minnesota Department of Education discussing permanent
school fund, American Indian Education Aid, Standards and Curriculum, Indigenous Education for
All, Financial Aid Offices.

11-15
Tribal leaders joined a call with Senator Tina Smith’s staff regarding her initiative on Tribal
Criminal Jurisdiction and the PROTECT ACT that is aimed at restoring tribal jurisdiction over drug related
and gun related crimes. The proposed bill builds on the special tribal criminal jurisdiction program making
an opt-in for Tribes. Tribal leaders are reviewing the pros and cons of this bill.

11-15
White Earth Nation received 13 additional bison that are located at the Spence farm on County
Road 4 between Naytahwaush and Makonce.

11-19
Tribal Leaders met with Senator Jordan Rasmussen to discuss legislative priorities including,
sports betting, wild rice harvesting issues including economic impacts, legal and enforcement challenges
and collaborative efforts, cannabis industry, bonding bills and funding, emergency medical services and
rural ambulance concerns, water management.

11-20
I had the honor of attending a luncheon where our White Earth Police Department and
Behavioral Health presented the Life Saver Award to Justin “Judd” Brown. You are living proof recovery
can work-we see you and are proud of you! We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your commitment
to supporting individuals in recovery. Your work has transformed lives and strengthened our
community by providing hope, guidance, and encouragement to those on their journey to healing. We are
incredibly fortunate to have someone like you making such a meaningful difference on our Reservation.
Miigwech for all your commitment and hard work, Judd.

11-21
Tribal leaders/staff attended a meeting with MNDOT and SRF Consulting about Minnesota
State Highway 113 safety and pedestrian project. Currently, Highway 113 does not have shoulders
making in very dangerous for pedestrians walking on the highway. Discussion included: preliminary
designs, environmental assessments, grant application and project timelines. The project area covers a
segment of approximately 40 miles from US 59 to the intersection of US 71. Target areas extend from
Waubun School Forest west of McCraney Lake to the east side of Elbow Lake Village. Options to have
some areas to have paved shoulders, shared use path separated from the road. White Earth will be applying
for Federal Discretionary Grant.

11-26
Tribal leaders held consultation with Commissioner Paul Schnell and Wendy Spry, Tribal
Liaison from Minnesota Department of Corrections. Discussion about tribal probation, DOC legislative
initiatives, Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act, local correctional facilities/Rule
making process.

Toys for Tots
A heartfelt thank you to our Community Councils and Administration staff for their dedicated
efforts in gathering family names for our annual Toys for Tots gift program. We recognize the tremendous
amount of work this involves, and we appreciate your commitment and hard work.

Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbird Football
Congratulations to our Mahnomen/Waubun Thunderbird football team on an incredible season
and winning the Section 8A Championship. Many kids dream to accomplish what you’ve done. It has
been fun watching these young men grow throughout the years, I have watched many of them since
kindergarten days. I can say these young men are dedicated, love the game and have fun.
You have been outstanding role models, showing our youth that anything is possible. These memories will
be ones you and our community treasure for a lifetime.

Callaway Community Council
We continue to collect names for community members interested in participating to form a Callaway
Community Council. For more information or to express your interest, please reach out to me directly or
contact my assistant, Tiffany Swiers.

As we approach the holiday season, please take a moment to check in on others.
A simple gesture of care and kindness can make a big difference, especially as we
come together to support one another during this time of year.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or have questions.
Miigwech for allowing me to work for you all.

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