CELEBRATING TREATY RIGHTS DAY

Mille Lacs Band DNR employees Quintin Sam, Todd Moilenan, and Jon Benjamin were honored and recognized for their work in the DNR's short film 'Water over Nickel' that received a Midwest Emmy Award in 2024.

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Staff

The 26th Annual Treaty Rights Day celebration was held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at the Mille Lacs Grand Casino Events and Convention Center. The event marks the anniversary of the day of the Supreme Court decision confirming the rights for tribes to hunt, fish, and gather within the ceded territory of the 1837 treaty on March 24, 1999. "Today, the United States kept a promise — a promise that our rights are not just words on paper," said the late Marge Anderson, Chief Executive at the time.

Chief Executive Virgil Wind addressed the audience of over 400 nearly echoing those famous words. “That day did not grant us new rights. It reaffirmed what we have always Tania Aubid with District II Representative Wendy Merrill. Tania was honored for her steadfast commitment to protecting Minnesota water. Band members enjoying the swag and fun events at the Treaty Rights Day. known: that our treaty rights are not privileges, they are promises. Promises made by the United States government, promises that our ancestors secured through great sacrifice. Promises that we must always defend."

Several people were honored at the celebration including recently retired Curt Kalk for his 28 years of service to the Band in several roles including commissioner of Natural Resources; Quintin Sam, Todd Moilenan, and Jon Benjamin for their work in the filming of the Midwest Emmy Award winning short documentary; and Tania Aubid for her tenacious, steadfast commitment to protecting the water.

Tania Aubid with District II Representative Wendy Merrill. Tania was honored for her steadfast commitment to protecting Minnesota water.