CELEBRATING MANDAAMIN MELANIE BENJAMIN
On July 17, 2024, friends, family, colleagues, and Tribal Leaders from across Minnesota gathered to celebrate Melanie Benjamin's retirement after over 30 years of service to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, including more than 20 years as Chief Executive.
The event featured heartfelt messages of thanks, including a special tribute from Senator Tina Smith, who praised former Chief Executive Benjamin for her tireless efforts to advance the Mille Lacs Band and all of Indian Country. She called attention to Benjamin's steadfast determination to educate others in all areas of state and federal government on culture, sovereignty, self-governing, self-determination of Indian nations, and unwavering love for the people of the Mille Lacs Band. "She has been such a mover and a deeply respected voice for so many people at the national level. I don't know if there was a board or commission that you were not on when it comes to making sure that people at the national level are understanding and thinking about tribal issues and understanding exactly what it means. And always in that work, you never neglected your home. Your people here at Mille Lacs and also your family."
The evening concluded with a video tribute and the unveiling of a mosaic art piece, collectively painted by over 60 of Melanie’s cherished colleagues, including Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. Comprising nearly 300 4-inch x 4-inch canvas tiles, the painting was created under the keen direction of Steven Paul Judd, a Kiowa and Choctaw artist from Oklahoma, known for his pop-culture style art. The final piece will be displayed at Grand Casino Hinckley.
The event was sponsored by Bernicks, IntelligentTag, US Foods, and Acres Gaming.
Special guests included: Chief Executive Virgil Wind, Sec- retary-Treasurer Sheldon Boyd, and District III Representative Harry Davis; Prairie Island Indian Community Council Members Michael Childs Jr., Ron Johnson, Valentina Mgeni, and Tori Campbell; Robert L. Larsen, Lower Sioux Indian Community President; Cathy Chavers, Bois Forte; Shane Drift, Bois Forte District Representative; Robert Moyer, Jr., Bois Forte District Representative; Grant Johnson, Prairie Island Indian Communi- ty; and Senator Tina Smith.
