April 8, 2020 Tribal Council Updates: Fishing Season Opened, DMV Registrations Extended

CASS LAKE, MN- At a special meeting held April 8, 2020, the Leech Lake Tribal Council passed several resolutions continuing efforts to protect the health and welfare of tribal members during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first resolution extends validity of Motor Vehicle Registration (tabs) issued by the Leech Lake DMV, which were valid as of February 29 and expiring prior to October 1, through October 31, 2020.

The second resolution opens the fishing season (angling only) for Leech Lake Band Members on Reservation waters immediately. Fishing permits valid for last season have been extended through July 1, 2020.

Full text of each resolution available below.

RESOLUTION EXTENDING MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION EXPIRATION DATES DUE TO COVID-19 LEECH LAKE BAND OF OJIBWE OFFICE CLOSURES

WHEREAS, The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (“Band”) is a Federally recognized Indian Tribe organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, and operating under the Revised Constitution and Bylaws of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe; and

WHEREAS, Pursuant to its inherent sovereign authority and its By-Laws, the Band’s Reservation Business Committee (“RBC”), made up of duly elected representatives, is the governing body of the Band, having all the legislative powers and responsibilities of the tribal government; and

WHEREAS, The RBC is charged with the responsibility of protecting and advocating for the health and welfare of Leech Lake Band members within the exterior boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation; and

WHEREAS, The RBC has previously asserted its sovereign authority to establish standards for the registration of motor vehicles to Band members residing on or near the Reservation; and

WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health and welfare of Leech Lake Band members within the exterior boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, and non-life-sustaining/saving Band programs have been closed to the public.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Leech Lake RBC, at a duly called meeting with a quorum present, does hereby order that all motor vehicle registrations that were valid as of February 29, 2020 and expire prior to October 1, 2020 shall remain valid until October 31, 2020; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all Leech Lake Motor Vehicle Registrations will maintain the expiration month on their previous registration and all registration fees will remain unchanged; and,

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That this Resolution is effective immediately and remains: in effect until rescinded or amended by subsequent Resolution duly enacted by the RBC.

RESOLUTION TO OPEN FISHING SEASON EARLY FOR LEECH LAKE BAND MEMBERS AND EXTEND THE VALIDITY OF CURRENT PERMITS

WHEREAS, The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (“Band”) is a Federally recognized Indian Tribe organized under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, and operating under the Revised Constitution and Bylaws of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe; and

WHEREAS, Pursuant to its inherent sovereign authority and its By-Laws, the Band’s Reservation Business Committee (“RBC”), made up of duly elected representatives, is the governing body of the Band, having all the legislative powers and responsibilities of the tribal government; and

WHEREAS, The RBC is charged with the responsibility of protecting and advocating for the health and welfare of Leech Lake Band members within the exterior boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation; and

WHEREAS, The Covid-19 pandemic threatens the health and welfare of Leech Lake Band members within the exterior boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, by potentially threatening food security for Band members residing within the exterior boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation; and,

WHEREAS, The traditional practice of fishing has been a source of food for Band members since time immemorial and continues to provide subsistence for Band members;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Leech Lake RBC, at a duly called meeting with a quorum present, does hereby determine that fishing within the exterior boundaries of the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, including boundary waters identified in the Conservation Code of the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, will be opened to Leech Lake Band members, who hold a fishing permit that was valid for the previous season, for angling only beginning April 6th, 2020; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution supersedes all resolutions regarding the opening angling date for Leech Lake Band members; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, That this Resolution is effective immediately.