Jim Koppel, the Minnesota Department of Human Services Assistant Commissioner for Children and Family Services, came to Pine County July 12 to meet with the Mille Lacs Band-Pine County Leadership Team, state Sen. Tony Lourey, and Rick Ol- seen, Regional Representative for Congressman Rick Nolan.
Assistant Commissioner Koppel discussed 2017 Indian Child Welfare Act legislation and child protection challenges.
Also in attendance were professionals from Pine County Health and Human Services, education and law enforcement.
The group discussed 2018 legislation and collaborative work among the county, tribe and Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Representing the Band were Jamie Edwards and Katie Draper of the Government Affairs Department, Briana Michels of Grand Casino Hinckley and Monica Haglund of the Health and Human Services Department.
Pine County and Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members also participated in one of their regular meetings to discuss ongoing and future collaborations.