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!
November 2026 District 3 Report
October brings the close of the high school football season and the start of hunting and netting season. As we enjoy the change of seasons, I wish our
youth and athletes the best. For those who hunt, please stay safe! Good luck and enjoy the closing of fall season.
10-6 We attended the National Indian Education Conference, where we connected with other tribes and learned about their successful cultural and lan-
guage programs. The conference offered hands-on curriculum development and great networking opportunities. We look forward to meeting with different Tribes to continue building strong cultural and language programs for our Reservation. This year, the Tribe is making a significant investment in our culture and language. Investing in our traditions, language and teachings helps preserve who we are for
future generations.
10-15 I joined the governors call. We received an update from Minnesota Department of Human Rights. A couple Minnesota businesses violated the
Minnesota Human Rights Act by refusing to accept valid tribal identification cards from Native American customers. The department is working directly with the businesses. Tribal members can travel through TSA with our tribal identifications, I
hope this brings greater awareness and understanding.
10-16 Congratulations to White Earth Tribal and Community College on the grand opening of Phase 4. This expansion includes a kitchen, dining hall, wellness center, medical unit, science lab, greenhouse and family garden. These investments create new opportunities for education, health, wellness and community growth. We are proud to see continued growth and investment in our future generations! I encourage community members to stop at the College.
10-17 There was a Get Out to Vote event in Naytahwaush. Peggy Flanagan, Trina Swanson, school board, sheriff, township candidates attended.
Miigwech to everyone who came out!
10-19 I attended the Elder Commission meeting in Pine Point. Miigwech to the commission for continuing to reach out to our elders in each village, helping with forms and listening to their concerns. If you have concerns, there is a form to be completed. Each of the elders gave updates about the work in each district. Some of the elders will be attending the upcoming Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Tribal
Executive meeting in Bois Forte. Plans are also underway for a meeting between the Elder Commission and Council of Elders. Niijii radio, MPR and Three Sixty are working on a project involving 15 students that will interview our elders to
share their stories. Tentative date is November 2026. District 3 Elder Commission representatives are Linda Buckanaga and Dorothy Zima.
10-21 I stopped by Shrek Movie Night at Shooting Star Casino sponsored by our White Earth Heath and Public Health programs. It was great seeing many little ones enjoying the movie, pizza, cake, activities and pumpkins!
I also stopped in at the candidate forum, where candidates for sheriff from all three counties, Minnesota Senate and House District 2, school board, county auditor, and other local offices were in attendance.
10-30 White Earth RBC Quarterly meeting.
Community Councils, White Earth Housing, Tribal College and other entities provide updates.
Two new elder tiny homes in White Earth were delivered and set. Target date to complete is Nov. 25. Elders can apply for the homes at the White Earth RBC front desk, elder advocates or our office can assist.
White Earth Elder Christmas card forms are available early this year, to ensure elders have time to sign up. Cards will be mailed in December.
We continue to work to improve our communities and make things better for our communities. I wish I had a magic wand to make everything happen overnight! The reality is that progress takes time, teamwork and resources. We may not be able to
make everyone happy but we can continue doing our best, focusing on solutions and moving our communities forward. Miigwech to everyone who sees the positive and supports the work! Miigwech to the elder that reminded me to stay focused on the positive, there is enough negativity in the world.
Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!
If you need assistance or would like to visit please let us know!
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