Weekly updates will be released to inform our Band Members about 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 held an RBC meeting in the Tribal Chambers, The Twin Cities office held its St. Patrick Day Bingo and Potluck, and a criminal expungement clinic.
RBC Briefing
March 20th, 2025, A briefing & meeting was held in the RBC Government Chambers. The meeting is available to watch in full on LeechLakeNews.com under “Videos.” Official meeting minutes can also be found on LeechLakeNews.com under “LL Tribal Council”
Notable Presentations Given:
- LLTC Board Charter Amendments, this is the first of two rounds of amendments to the charter. The amendments have been under review for one year. Two of the amendments include refraining of RBC from day to day operations and a semi-annual meeting to take place.
- Rebecca McConkey-Greene, Tribal Courts presented an agreement to begin operating the Bamenim Anishinabeg probationary program. Agreement was approved, unanimously.
- Amanda Conklin/Alden Fairbanks, IHS presented an update on IHS project updates. First project was Septic testing for Arsenic in water wells. Mission community center tested above safe levels, while homes in the areas tested okay. Issue has been addressed, and if any homeowners have issues in the future with arsenic levels, can place an application in with public works for this to be fixed. Septics in the Stoney Point area have a 100% failure rate due to closeness with lakes. Onigum area had a 79% failure rate for septics, this was believed to be due to vertical situation/ incorrect soils. Sugar point/Battle Point areas both had 90% failure rate also due to vertical situation/incorrect soils. IHS is planning to address these issues with a construction project that would correct sanitation issues in the previously mentioned communities. IHS currently has found a construction firm and is looking for funding. They plan to apply for grant funding in the next grant cycle.
- Lee Turney, Early Childhood presented a modification on the early childhood budget. The budget currently has additional money from federal funding that was unspent. Early Childhood wants to use the 2.2 million in additional funds to complete a renovation on the current headstart building. Construction would start in fall 2025 and headstart services would move to the Cass Lake Bena middle school during the time. Project was approved unanimously.
- David DeVault, Lee DeVault, MIS presented a LLTC MIS Internship partnership for LLTC students to begin interning with the LLBO MIS division. Partnership was approved unanimously.
- Lee Giffen, Construction Management presented a construction contract to update the Battle Point community center kitchen to a commercial kitchen. The project contract was approved unanimously.
- Tracy Howg, Homeless Service Program presented a construction contract with Kraus Anderson to finish the Lyman Losh Community Center remodel. The project contract was approved unanimously. Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Fineday made the program aware that the construction company chosen has a longstanding history of legal issues with Tribes over construction projects.
Ribbon Skirt and Shirt Making Class
Wednesday and Thursday, March 26th and 27th, 5pm-8:30pm at the Prescott Center in the Drum Room. Food and Supplies will be provided.
This free class is courtesy of LLTCs Extension Program. Dawn Wittner will be instructing.
For more information, contact Jean Roper via email/cell at jean.roper@lltc.edu/ 218-513-6492
Moccasin Making Class
Every Monday and Wednesday in March, 5pm-8:00pm at the LLTC Art Room located in Cedar Hall, Room 215. Food and Supplies will be provided.
This free class is courtesy of LLTCs Extension Program.
Bonita Desjarlait will be instructing.
For more information, contact Jean Roper via email/cell at jean.roper@lltc.edu/ 218-513-6492
Ojibwe Medicine and Tea Making
Every Saturday in March, 12pm-3:00pm at the Mission Community Center.
Food and Supplies will be provided.
This free class is courtesy of LLTCs Extension Program. Debra Adams will be instructing.
For more information, contact Jean Roper via email/cell at jean.roper@lltc.edu/ 218-513-6492
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.