Weekly updates will be released to keep our Band Members updated on Tribal projects/ divisions and anything from the federal level that may impact us. Print versions of Friday updates will be available monthly in the DeBahJimon.
Employees and Community members can begin submitting news, events, and updates to be included in the week’s update every Monday. Updates can be sent to news@llojibwe.net
Chi Miigwech to everyone who submitted updates for this week.
This week, the band addressed concerns about the IHS lease cancellations by the Federal Government, met with State Legislators regarding the Bena land transfer bill and obtaining tax exemption status for the Twin Cities office, as well as a number of division updates.
Bena Land Transfer Bill (HF1587)
The Bena Land Transfer Bill (HF1587), authored by Rep. Stephenson and co-authored by Rep. Bliss, is working its way through the legislative process. The Tribe is also focusing efforts on getting the bill introduced in the Senate.
The bill aims to appropriate $250,000 in fiscal year 2026 to condemn and transfer a parcel of state-owned land in Cass County to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. The land, identified as surplus by the Department of Natural Resources, will be transferred for no cost to the Tribe once the condemnation process is completed.
The land, located in Section 27 of Township 145 North, Range 28 West, is no longer needed for natural resource purposes, and has been identified as being better managed under Tribal ownership.
the Ahnjiibimaadiz Recovery Center page.
Twin Cities Property Tax Exemption Bill (SF1579 & HF1126)
LLBO Secretary Treasurer Leonard Fineday testified in both the MN Senate and House Taxes Committees March 5th, in support of the Twin Cities Property Tax Exemption Bill. The bill seeks property tax exemption for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Twin Cities Office Building.
The building serves as a hub for government programs, including Child Welfare, Elder Advocates, Tribal Assistance, and more, and hosts community events. The property taxes currently account for two-thirds of the building’s operating costs, which significantly impacts the Band’s ability to serve members who live off the reservation.
“The services offered by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe at the Twin Cities Office are the same as those offered by other governments that benefit from exempt property tax status. As the members of this committee know, one of the unavoidable costs of conducting government business is office space and the property needed for that office space. Tripling the cost for office space reduces the quality and quantity of services that governments are able to provide. In order to expand the government services available to Leech Lake Band members through our Twin Cities Office, it is necessary to limit the cost as much as possible,” said Fineday.
The tax exemption would help reduce operational costs and improve service delivery for Band members in the Twin Cities.
FINEDAYS TESTIMONY IN FULL
READ THE BILL IN FULL
House
Senate
IHS Lease Cancelation
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Statement on IHS Bemidji Area Office Lease Reports
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is aware of recent reports regarding the cancellation of a lease identified as the “Indian Health Service-Bemidji” located in Bemidji, MN. We have been in communication with IHS leadership to verify the facts surrounding this situation.
Based on information we have received, the reported lease cancellation is not connected to the main IHS Bemidji Area Office but rather to one of their other office locations in Bemidji. We have been assured that IHS leadership is aware of the reports, is actively working on a resolution, and does not anticipate any interruption in healthcare services for Leech Lake Band members as a result of this situation.
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe remains committed to ensuring the well-being and access to healthcare services for all our community members. We will continue to monitor this matter closely and provide updates as needed. Leech Lake leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to holding the federal government accountable for its healthcare obligations. We will continue to advocate and lobby to not only protect these vital services but to expand and enhance healthcare resources for Band members now and into the future.
Department of Public Works Phone Number Change
The Department of Public Works Division is streamlining its processes. We will be changing the
way we handle applications for Community Services, Well & Septic, Sanitation, and Heavy
Equipment. We will have one point person for application intake and answering the main phone
line. The main extension is changed and will include all programs in the building.
The main phone line for Department of Public Works will now be 218-335-7296.
Please use this line to contact the various programs for application services.
Court updates
The Leech Lake Tribal Court is wanting to remind the public of the availability of Legal Kiosks here at the Tribal Justice Center and in 6 outlying communities.
These kiosks are open to the public, they are free to use, there are no eligibility requirements based on income, identity, demographic, or any other factor. While legal aid services may have eligibility criteria, the kiosks themselves are open to all.
Community members can apply for civil legal aid services, access legal resources, print documents (legal related) and even attend a Zoom hearing in any county in Minnesota. They must provide the Zoom ID and passcode and we’d be happy to assist anyone who needs to attend a hearing using these kiosks.
In addition to the 2 Kiosks located at the Tribal Justice Center, these six (6) outlying communities also host Legal Kiosks:
- Onigum Community Center
- Bena Community Center
- Ball Club Community Center
- Kego Lake Community Center
- S-Lake Community Center
- Inger Community Center
If anyone has questions/concerns regarding the kiosks, please give call the Tribal Court at 218-335-3682.
Tribal Development Economic Broadband Update
In December of 2022, The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe was awarded a National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grant in the amount of $18.7 million and will enable construction of 153 miles of fiber optic cable to the Leech Lake outlying community centers; then, where permissible, construct a fixed wireless network by constructing a tower to supply broadband (internet) to homes of families who cannot afford the fiber optic service from their local internet service provider. By owning the fiber network, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe will control its own broadband within its boundaries and better serve their citizen communities. Table 1 displays the fiber, existing and new towers.
In March of 2025, the project began its movement toward delivery of the entire project of fiber and fixed wireless officially with a contract between Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and Tribal Ready. Tribal Ready is a Native-owned and governed company dedicated to advancing Tribal sovereignty by empowering Native communities with access to broadband funding, strategic planning, essential resources, and, with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe specifically, project management consulting.
For questions, please contact Sally Fineday at (218) 335-8200 or (218) 368-1766
Food Distribution
Food Sovereignty dropped off eggs at Onigum, Inger, Sugar Point, S.Lake, and Bena.
The Ball Club Clinic has limited eggs available as well.
Twin Cities Inagural Powwow
March 15th
Minneapolis American Indian Center
Grand Entry 1PM & 7PM
5PM Feast serving Trickster Tacos
Mens and Womens specials, Hate/Boot and potato dances, spot dances and hand drum contest
Quillionaire Society
March 15th & 16th 10AM-4PM
Location: Cass Lake High School
Learn how to work with porcupine quills
At each class participants will be guided from introductory to advanced techniques of quill work.
To register please email:
ehumphrey@isdl15.net
20 participants will be accepted each weekend.
Priority is as follows:
1- Cass Lake Bena student ages 12+
2-One of the current CL-B students household members
3-Community member residing within CL-B school district
VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HTTP:// QUILLIONAIRESOCIETY.COM
St. Patrick’s Day Family Bingo & Potluck Celebration
Leech Lake TCO and the Twin Cities Local Indian Council are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Family Bingo & Potluck event on March 17th, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This fun-filled event will be held at 2438 27th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406.
Activities:
Costume Contest: Dress up in your best homemade costume for a chance to win!
Homemade Dessert Contest: Bring your delicious homemade desserts and compete for a prize!
Family Bingo: A fun game of bingo for all ages—bring the whole family!
Potluck: Enjoy a community meal by bringing a dish to share.
Details:
Date: March 17th, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: 2438 27th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55406
Age Group: 5+ and up
Leech Lake Twin Cities Office Criminal Expungement Clinic
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Walk-ins Welcome
The Clinic is for Minnesota State Cases only
People who have open cases or who are on probation won’t be eligible for services beyond the advice given at the clinic
If you can’t make the clinic, you can call Volunteer Lawyers Network’s intake line at 612-752-6677 Monday – Thursday from 10 am to 1 pm, to see if you are eligible for services through VLN.
Funding Our Future Leaders
Thursday, March 27th, 2025
- Silent Auction (Closes at 8:00 PM)
How to participate:
Comment on the item you wish to bid on. Each bid must be at least $1 higher than the previous bid.
Proceeds: All funds will benefit LLTC.
Winner Announcement: Winners will be announced on our Facebook page between 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
Follow us on Facebook for updates and the latest auction news! - Pick-a-Prize Raffle (Closes at 7:00 PM)
How to Participate:
Purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win amazing prizes of your choice. Ticket Price: $5 per ticket.
Drawing Location: Drum Room.
Prize Pickup: Winners must pick up their prizes within one week of the drawing. - Bingo (5:00 – 7:00 PM)
Location: Drum Room.
First Bingo Card: Free!
Additional Bingo Cards: Donations of canned goods or money are welcome for extra cards.
- Frybread & Soup (11:00 AM – until it’s gone!)
Location: Drum Room (Pick-up or Dine-in).
Prices:
Soda/Water: $1
Single Frybread: $3
Frybread, Soup, & Drink Combo: $10
Proceeds: All funds will support the Student Senate
Questions?: Email events@lltc.edu for more information.