2025 — THE YEAR OF THE CHILD 41ST ANNUAL STATE OF THE BAND
Chief Executive Virgil Wind delivered the 41st Annual State of the Band Address on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, marking his first address as Chief Executive of the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Chief Executive Wind declared 2025 as “The Year of the Child,” paying homage to the legacy of former Chief Executive Marge Anderson, who first proclaimed 1995 as the Year of the Child.
“The words Marge Anderson spoke 30 years ago remain just as true today: safeguarding the future of the children and youth of the Mille Lacs Band is the most important priority of our people,” Chief Executive Wind said. “We must come together as a community to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.”
Throughout his address, Chief Executive Wind reflected on the resilience of the Band, his personal journey, and the importance of preserving Ojibwe culture and language for future generations. He also laid out actionable goals for 2025, including expanding early childhood education, revitalizing community facilities, and increasing opportunities for Ojibwe language and cultural education.
Chief Executive Wind honored the contributions of past leaders, including Marge Anderson, whose advocacy for sovereignty, cultural preservation, and the well-being of Band members remains a guiding force for the Band today. He announced the renaming of two District I community centers in honor of longtime leaders Sandy Blake and the late Myron Garbow.
“These leaders paved the way for the progress we celebrate today,” said Chief Executive Wind. “Their vision in spires us to build a better future for our children and generations yet to come.”
Chief Executive Wind emphasized the importance of investing in education, cultural preservation, and family services to create a brighter future for the Band’s youth. He highlighted efforts to address challenges in Band schools, including atten dance, academic achievement, and access to Ojibwe language learning.
“Our children deserve the best we can offer,” Chief Execu tive Wind said. “Education must honor our traditions and pre pare our children for success in a modern world.”
Chief Executive Wind called for unity among Band leaders, employees, and members to achieve the goals outlined in the address. He thanked the Band’s Commissioners and staff for their dedication and encouraged collaboration across all departments to ensure a prosperous future for the Band.
“Together, we are stronger. Together, we will rise to meet the challenges before us and secure a brighter future for our children.”
Mille Lacs Band statute requires the Chief Executive to “present to the Band Assembly an annual State of the Band Address on the second Tuesday of January of each calendar year” [4MLBSA 6(i)]. The first State of the Band Address was delivered in 1983, making the Mille Lacs Band the first Minne sota tribe to provide a formal update in this way.
