HHS Welcomes New Providers
The Health and Human Services Department introduces Band members to new providers at Ne-Ia-Shing Clinics, who will serve patients at the new HHS building in District I and clinics in East Lake and Aazhoomog.
https://millelacsband.com/news/meet-the-new-providers-at-ne-ia-shing-clinics
Biden sends message to Native Americans for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
President Donald Trump and his challenger, Joe Biden, recognized October 12 in very different ways — one by praising Columbus, attacking protesters, and ignoring Native Americans, and the other by directly addressing Native Americans, acknowledging past trauma, and promising support.
Read President Trump’s proclamation here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-columbus-day-2020/
Read Vice President Biden’s proclamation here: https://joebiden.com/2020/10/12/indigenous-peoples-day-statement-by-vice-president-joe-biden/.
Election Guide is in the mail
If you haven’t voted yet, make a plan to vote in-person prior to November 3 or at your regular polling place on Election Day. If you’re looking for information on who’s running in your area, you’ll be receiving an Election Guide in the mail in coming days. If you would like the election guide emailed to you, please email news@millelacsband.com. You can also view or download the guide at https://millelacsband.com/news/election-guide-sent-to-band-members.
Join our email list
If you would like to receive weekly news summaries and other important notifications from the Mille Lacs Band, sign up at https://millelacsband.com/services/mailing-list
Legislative Update
On October 7, the Mille Lacs Band Assembly passed Ordinance 01-21 modifying the Band’s Child Support Code — Title 8, Chapter 12. Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin signed the ordinance into law on October 8. Although the Band Assembly has the statutory authority to pass Bills for presentation to the Chief Executive, the Band Assembly does not have the statutory authority to codify ordinances into existing Band statutes. Find the ordinance and the unofficial new Child Support Code at https://millelacsband.com/news/new-ordinance-modifies-child-support-code.
Video messages from the Chief Executive:
Monday, October 12, 2020 — Special Indigenous Peoples’ Day message — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT9JP3jV39w
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 - Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin provides Band members with COVID-19 statistics as well as other important information. Today, she reminds Band members to return the form requested from the Commissioner of Finance regarding support payments. In addition, she notes the 2020 census deadlines is TOMORROW at 11:59 p.m. and requests all Band members make sure to respond to the census. Chief Executive Benjamin reminds Band members to get out and VOTE. There was a candidate forum hosted by the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce with local candidates. Chief Executive Benjamin gave a chi miigwech to Band member Bradley Harrington Jr. for running as a Mille Lacs County Commissioner of District 5 against the incumbent. You can watch the replay of the live forum on thistle Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. We have also shared a link to the forum on the Band Facebook page. Chief Executive Benjamin also sends Congratulations to the following people for your Academic Achievements: • Cynthia Dionysius – Master of Science degree w/ Nursing Emphasis from Rasmussen • James (Brian) Clark – Bachelor of Arts from U of M – Duluth • Cynthia Pawlitschek – Bachelor of Arts from Bethany Lutheran College • Brothers Sean and Scott(Steven) Mello earned their Associate degrees, we have a whole family of learners including another brother and their wonderful mother. • High School Diplomas went to David Thomas, Lani Colbert and Jamal Meadows, who is continuing his education at Fond du Lac Tribal College. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdRU0IvdTSM
Check out more new videos at https://www.youtube.com/millelacsband:
Friday, October 9, 2020 - Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe District 1 Representative Virgil Wind provides a brief update for Band member constituents. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze1GWoVc8mg
Inaajimowin Online
If you missed the October issue of Ojibwe Inaajimowin, you can download it here: https://millelacsband.com/content/8-news/inaajimowin-archive/2010-inaajimowin.pdf
You can also read online versions of stories at millelacsband.com/news, including:
The Unsung Hero of Legislative: Darcie Big Bear has worked for the Band for a total of 20 years, most of it behind the scenes. For the last five years, she’s been the Parliamentarian of the Legislative Branch. Each week, Darcie is responsible for the organization of meeting minutes, official roll calls, new or reviewed statutes, daily agendas, and the recording of all discussions and orders of business that occur within Band Assembly meetings. She schedules meetings, and also keeps the Chief Executive, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, Administration, and Commissioners updated on meeting agendas and any other info that is pertinent to them or their departments during upcoming Band Assembly sessions. After meetings are completed, Darcie keeps the official records for the Band by proofing and finalizing all meeting records and changes that may occur to Band statutes. Miigwech, Darcie, for your continued incredibly important service to the Band, and the Adrienne Benjamin for sharing your story!
Investments: Speaking of Adrienne, she has been sharing stories about her grandparents, Oliver and Marie (Sam) Benjamin, and this month she tells an inspirational story about how they made an investment in their granddaughter — even though they might never see it come to fruition.
Taking a Stand by Taking a Knee: During the national anthem prior to her varsity season opener for the Cloquet Lumberjacks soccer team, Band member Waasecamigookwe (Mireye Moose) decided to kneel in solidarity with those who seek justice and equality. She has continued to take a knee for all of her season games and will continue to do so throughout the season.
Successful Partnership Results in Successful Students: A partnership between the Mille Lacs Band and Pine Technical and Community College resulted in certifications for Band members in auto mechanics on September 11. The partnership came about through a Pathways to Prosperity grant from the State of Minnesota designed to make Minnesota more competitive by meeting the common skills needs of businesses and individuals. Three other courses were offered this summer in partnership with Pine Tech — Commercial Driver’s License training in District III, Certified Nursing Assistant Training in District II, and Career Exploration/Small Business Certification in District I.
Upcoming Events:
Photo Contest Deadline is October 23
October 23 is the deadline for entries in the Mille Lacs Band’s 2020 photography contest. Twelve winners will receive $200 and have their photographs published in a 2021 calendar. One entry per Band member. Submit your entries to the Band's Instagram page (mlbononremovable) with the hashtag #2021mlbophotocontest AND email your photo to news@millelacsband.com. Include a written message about your photo. For complete rules, see https://millelacsband.com/news/2021mlbophotocontest. Photograph must be high resolution (400dpi is ideal; 300dpi is acceptable).
Recovery group online meetings:
During COVID-19, several of our Band members have done an amazing job of shifting recovery group meetings from face-to-face to online via Zoom conferencing. This is so important and valuable to provide this service to those who are struggling with substance use disorder. Chi-Miigwech to those who are giving of their time every week, and sometimes every day, to help others in recovery.
The times, days, and codes will be printed at the end of this video message.
Zooming towards Recovery, 8 p.m. every evening. Recover code is 601-532-2869, and the password is zoom800.
The Wednesday night Red Brick meeting is at 7 p.m. ID is 895 631 97923, and the password is 56359.
The Monday Migizi Meeting is also at 7 p.m. Meeting ID: 856 8473 0121. Password: 56359.
Election Day is November 3:
Native votes count! Make a plan to vote on or before November 3! You can vote early in-person at your county courthouse.
Ogichidaa giizhig:
Warrior’s Day (Veteran’s Day) will be celebrated November 11. Government offices will be closed. Say “Miigwech” to an ogichidaa or ogichidaakwe in your life!