Get to know the Legislative Staff: Valerie Harrington-Wind
What are your title and duties with Mille Lacs Band Legislative Branch?
My title is Legislative Chief Communications Officer and I’m honored to be able to use my education and experience with the Legislative Branch. Some of my duties include obtaining, deciphering, and communicating information provided to and from the Legislative Branch. I also provide comprehensive and extensive information gathering and analysis and professionally interact with the constituents, elected officials, Commissioners, Legislative Branch counsel, departments, and Legislative Branch team members in an ongoing effort to achieve the goals and aspirations set by the Legislative Branch. In addition, I also attend meetings and events integral to the Legislative Branch and represent the branch at all levels Federal, State, and Tribal.
What does working in Legislative mean to you and what do you value most about your engagement with Legislative Branch and Band members?
Working in the Legislative Branch isn’t just a career or title. Working for the Band is extremely valuable and meaningful to me as a Band member. I have the opportunity to be a part of a team that is committed to doing what is best for all Band members. What I value most is the transparency and the value of Band member input. I value learning from the elected officials as well as my fellow team members and I value the Band members we serve.
What motivates you in working in the Legislative Branch?
What motivates me is knowing we are making a difference in Legislation that will impact the future for us as Band members. I’m also motivated by the importance of Band member and Band employee voices being heard and being an important part of the legislation process. Working in the Legislative Branch is motivating as the work we are doing as a team is fundamental to the Band members. The work we do is for the Band members and what’s best for the future. Being a part of that is very motivational as well as being positive and finding solutions. The importance of three branch meetings and how being a part of those meetings to see how they work together to get all viewpoints for a solution, and making sure the solutions are within statute and in the best interest of the tribe and tribal members.
What is something significant that you are proud of accomplishing with the Legislative Branch?
I’m grateful I get the opportunity to be a part of something that’s going to impact the future of our tribe and there are many small and large accomplishments that have been achieved. I am most proud of being a part of a team that works together with the best interest of the Band and is open to new ideas and suggestions. I am most proud of being a part of the Band Assembly Meetings being livestreamed. I think that is vital for us as Legislative and for us as Band members to give the opportunity for people to view that have a vested interest in Band business. We are able to see agendas, view the livestream, and view archived videos. I value the transparency of the Legislative branch and the importance of ensuring Band members are aware and a part of legislation process. Maybe someday there can be a behind the scenes look at the Legislative Branch on one of the social media platforms that show the daily business of Legislative.
How would you describe the Legislative Branch to a Band member that may not know about the Branch?
There are many fascinating things about the Legislative Branch. The Legislative Branch is an equally important part of the three branch government system. The Legislative Branch comprises the Band Assembly which is made up of the District Representatives and the Speaker of the Assembly. The Legislative Branch is responsible for legislation, passing new laws, revising laws, allocating and approving revenue, approving budgets, ratifying appointed officials, and overseeing the Office of Management and Budget. Band Assembly is conducted every Wednesday and is available to be viewed in person or through livestreaming. You can view current and past meetings on the Mille Lacs Band website at www.millelacsband.com there is a tab for livestreaming under the Anishinaabe tab. You are more than welcome to come and watch Band Assembly in person and you can ask questions about Legislative or any Band Government business. Also Band members can search the tribal register which is a convenient tool to learn more about the acts and deeds of the bands business on the band’s website at https://millelacsband.com/government/tribal-register
Is there anything else you would like to share with Band members about you or the Legislative Branch?
It’s an honor to work for the Band and I am excited to share about the Legislative Branch. I am grateful to be a part of the Legislative team and I would like to thank the Elected Officials and the Legislative staff for all the hard work and the commitment to making sure we do what’s best for the Government, the Band, the Band members, and our future generations. If you ever have questions or want to know more about the Legislative Branch, please call or stop in.
