Our Government
The Mille Lacs Band’s government is based on a division of powers to help ensure proper checks and balances. The Legislative branch, composed of a Secretary-Treasurer and three District Representatives, enacts laws that regulate the Band’s affairs and appropriates money for Band programs and services. The Executive branch, led by the Chief Executive, implements Band laws and administers the Band’s programs and services. The Judicial branch, or Tribal Court, upholds the Band’s laws and ensures justice is served equally to all Band members.
The Chief Executive and Secretary-Treasurer (who is the speaker of the Band Assembly) are elected to four-year terms by all Band members. They also represent the Mille Lacs Band on the Tribal Executive Committee of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.
District Representatives are elected by the people of their respective districts to four-year terms. Band members who live off the reservation select a home district and vote only for that district’s Representative.
Executive Branch
As a sovereign government, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is responsible for providing services to meet the needs of its people. The Chief Executive appoints Commissioners to run Executive Branch departments, which provide services to Band members.
Executive Branch Departments:
- Department of Administration
- Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Natural Resources
- Department of Education
- Department of Community Development
- Department of Justice
The Office of Government Affairs conducts lobbying efforts and ensures that the Band’s interests are properly represented, coordinated and monitored at the local, state and federal government levels. Office of Government Affairs: 320-532-7851. Katie Draper, Government Affairs Local Coordinator/Special Projects: 320-515-0846, katie.draper@millelacsband.com
Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch, also called the Band Assembly, is made up of three District Representatives and the Secretary-Treasurer, who is also the Speaker of the Band Assembly. The Legislative Branch passes laws, allocates revenue, ratifies appointments of commissioners and oversees the Office of Management and Budget. Band Assembly meets regularly at rotating locations around the districts.
Legislative Branch Departments:
- Office of Management and Budget
- Department of Motor Vehicles
- Gaming Regulatory Authority
- Department of Athletic Regulation
Please visit millelacsbandlegislativebranch.com for more information on the Legislative Branch.
The Commissioner of Corporate Affairs operates the Band’s casinos and other businesses that are part of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. This Commissioner reports to both the Executive and Legislative branches.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe preserves and maintains justice and accords equal rights, equal protection, and equal opportunity for Band members under Band laws and statutes. The Band’s Court of Central Jurisdiction is made up of a District (or trial) Court and a Court of Appeals.
Current Elected Officials
To learn more, please see Elected and Appointed Officials