Meet the New District II Representative
Wendy Merrill was elected as the new District II Representative during the primary election on April 5, 2022. She provides Band members with an introduction and goals for her 4-year term.
By WENDY MERRILL
Aaniin. Bebiskaneyaashiikwe indizhinikaaz.
Wendy Merrill indigoo Misi Zaagaa’iganing indoonjibaa Chiminising dash noon goom indaa Migizi indoodem.
My young adult Band member life started out as a teen mom at the age of 17, as well as a teenage high school dropout, but I worked very hard to work my way up.
My husband, Carlos Merrill, and I have eight children. They are: Amelio, Derek, Nevaeh, Carlos Jr. We added to our family by taking in our nieces Celleia, Brooklynn, and Rihanna, who we consider our own children. After my mom passed away last November, my husband and I also took in our nephew Landon. So altogether, we have eight kids.
My leadership experience includes: being appointed for the Gaming Regulatory Board as the Chair for four years; working in Gaming Regulatory Authority as a Manager; working directly in Legislative as the Director of Legislative Affairs under Sheldon Boyd; my executive casino experience in my current role as Assistant General Manager for Grand Casino Mille Lacs; coaching cross country for the Mille Lacs Raiders for five years; being on our local American Indian Policy Council Board since my youngest was in second grade; and lastly being a mom.
My education includes my AA degree from Central Lakes College, BA in Organizational Behavior from the College of St. Scholastica, Masters of Tribal Administration and Governance from University of Minnesota Duluth, and I am currently completing my MBA from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management. I will be walking on May 16 but won’t officially be done until this summer.
I worked really hard to break those generational barriers and I am very proud of that. I am also very proud to share my story. It was not easy to do but I am glad I had a supportive husband, friends, family, and community members.
Since December, I’ve been out activity campaigning in our community, meeting with Band members, and explaining why I was running for the District II Representative. I hosted a “Rally to Vote” Roundy on April 3, 2022 and had a great turn out. I’m excited to get more community events going in Isle and East Lake areas.
I am extremely excited for this opportunity to serve the DII community!
I’ve met with Band members, local youth, and Elders through Zoom listening sessions, individual conversations, and my scheduled meet-and-greets in both the Isle and McGregor communities. There are definitely underlying themes of where we need to focus: jobs, safe housing, Elder care, preventive measures for our youth, transportation, community, and cultural support.
When I announced my candidacy, I mentioned that I was inspired by our current and past Mille Lacs Band leadership, and I believe now is the time for me to pick up the torch and set an example for the next generation. I want to make our communities a place to thrive, to be involved. I want to give a huge Miigwech to those who inspired me to run for office, those who gave me great advice and hope we can all work together to solve bigger issues we see every day.
I received feedback from a Band member who lives in another district that I wanted to share. They said, “At the end of the day, we are the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and I am confident in you. Wendy, you are a strong believer in unity. Even though you are running to represent District II, I’m sure you will be working with other district Reps to make us one united entity representing the people. It would be great to have our districts united and working together.”
This captured the essence of my platform and what I am working towards. The legislative body works together for the people to promote the general welfare of all district residents. Under my leadership, I will be engaged, be present, and be your voice.
Thank you to everyone who voted for me. Every vote is important because it shows that the people have spoken.
Miigwech
