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 held the public budget hearings in all 3 districts and at the Twin Cities office. Secretary Treasurer Leonard Fineday attended a flag ceremony at Senator Tina Smith’s office and the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week.
Flag Ceremony
Washington-On Monday, March 24th, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) hosted a Flag Ceremony with Tribal leaders from Tribal Nations across Minnesota in Washington, D.C. The ceremony sought to honor the flags of Tribal Nations and the Tribes’ sovereignty, identity, and history.
Senator Smith will display the flags of the 11 Tribal Nations in Minnesota at her offices in Washington, D.C. and St. Paul to recognize the government-to-government relationships with the Tribal Nations. This is the first time that a member of the Minnesota Congressional delegation has flown all 11 flags at once.
Secretary Treasurer Leonard Fineday attended the event on behalf of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and spoke about the historic significance of this gesture.
“This is the first time, as far as we know that all 11 flags from the Tribal Nations in Minnesota have been flown in a US Senator’s office or in any member of the MN congressional delegations office,” said Fineday.
“It is our duty to honor our trust and treaty obligations to Tribal Nations and protect their inherent sovereignty,” said Senator Smit
h. “This Flag Ceremony demonstrates my commitment to working with Tribal Nations to ensure their self-governance and self-determination, and I am deeply honored that Tribal leaders in Minnesota trust me to be a representative for them in the federal government. I will proudly display all 11 flags in my offices.”
The 11 Tribes in Minnesota are Bois Forte Band, Lower Sioux Indian Community, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Prairie Island Indian Community, Leech Lake Band, Mille Lacs Band, White Earth Nation, Fond du Lac Band, Grand Portage Band, Red Lake Nation, and Upper Sioux Community Pezihutazizi Oyate.
Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week
Washington- Members of the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes (MAST) gathered this week in Washington, D.C. for the organization’s annual Impact Week. The event ran from Monday to Thursday at the Residence Inn Washington, DC National Mall.
Secretary Treasurer Leonard Fineday attended the Midwest Alliance of Sovereign Tribes Impact Week on behalf of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and met with members of Congress and the Administration on LLBO priorities, including food sovereignty with the USDA and the Tiawahe Initiative with the Department of Interior. Meetings with members of Congress also focused on the need to maintain Medicaid and IHS funding, the importance of our relationship with the EPA and environmental stewardship, and the obligation of the federal government regarding education for our people.
Established in 1996, the Minnesota Association of Sovereign Tribes (MAST) represents 35 tribal nations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan, advocating for nearly 140,000 American Indian individuals.
This year’s Impact Week was particularly significant as Tribes face new challenges following the change in presidential administration. Since President Donald Trump assumed office, executive orders and other directives have introduced obstacles for Tribal Nations.
3rd Annual Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig Round Dance
Friday March 28th, 12pm-3pm
Raffle Prize Winners to be drawn and Concessions Available
Contests for Ribbon Skirt, Ribbon Shirt, Side Step and Potato Dance
Invited Schools: Red Lake, Remer, Deer River and Circle of Life
Murphy Thomas Jr. Memorial Round Dance
Saturday, March 29th, at LLBO Facility Center.
Pipe Ceremony and Feast at 5pm, Round Dance at 6pm
Adult and Youth Hand Drum Contest
Men, Women and Youth Side Step Contest
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe FY26 Annual Budget Public Hearings
Monday, March 31, 2025 | Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center (AICHO Headquarters), 212 W 2nd St, Duluth, MN
Dinner: Served at 5:30 PM | Door Prizes Provided
All meetings will also be available virtually via Zoom.
Zoom Meeting ID: 830 2612 7875
Join Zoom Meeting
Your input is important! Please join us to share your thoughts, ask questions, and help guide how Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe resources are allocated. These are your resources—make your voice heard!
For more information, please contact Kyle Applebee at 218-335-3645.
March SUIDS & Shaken Baby Prevention Seminar
Monday, March 31st, 1:30-2:30pm at the Ball Club Community Center
educational session about SUIDS and shaken baby prevention. Pre-registration is required, those attending will receive a pack-n-play. Last day for pre-registration is 3/28.
Snacks and Drinks provided.
Call 218-335-4556 to sign up.
Child Abuse Prevention and Family Preservation Program Cultural Classes
Ribbon Skirt Making
Ball Club April 1st,8th,15th,22nd&29th 10am-11:30am
Bena April 2nd, 9th, 16th,23rd,30th 10am-11:30am
Moccasin Making in Onigum April 3rd, 10th,17th,24th 10am-11:30am
As well as parenting roundtable discussions as we work, using the Positive Indian Parenting
Curriculum.
All materials provided, door prizes, refreshments
For more information, please email Child Abuse Prevention Coordinator
Wenona. Kingbird@llojibwe.net
Sponsored by: Leech Lake Child Abuse Prevention Program & Family Preservation Program