MINNESOTA DHS VISITS WITH HHS
By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor
One of the most effective ways to ensure tribal governments and tribal communities have a voice at the table is to participate in government-to-government relations and consultations. Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Virgil Wind met with members of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) to discuss several areas of priority and shared ideas on partnership opportunities. Those present for the Band were Commissioner of Health and Human Services Nicole Anderson, Assistant Commissioner of Administration Maria Costello, Executive Director of Education Raina Killspotted, Aanjibimaadizing Interim Executive Director Kristian Thiesz, Director of Government Affairs Shena Matrious, and Chief Executive staff members Hanna Velento, Darla Roache, and Kiana Morrison.
Chief Executive Wind reiterated the benefits of partnerships with state agencies. “I just can’t say enough of how grateful we are to have these conversations and the opportunity to continue this work that we have together,” Wind said.
The Band is working on a list of legislative priorities for DHS and DCYF and a list of areas where the Band and state work together to better the lives of Band members and for all of Minnesota, Wind said. Some of the areas of discussion were focused on mental health, housing, ICWA, substance use disorders, and more.
Wind gave high praise to the work the Band is doing in the areas of mental health and praised the SUDS department for expanding programs and outreach through community engagement programs and activities. Also, with that in mind, the panel shared ideas on ways to further strengthen partnerships with respect.
“We realize these things are problems throughout the state,” Wind said. “We have a lot of ‘wants,’ and they are sometimes big. But the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is also willing to help. We have the ability to help. One thing I have always stressed is if you are willing to say ‘I want” you need to be willing to help. Let us help you.”
Commissioner of DHS Jodi Harpstead and representatives of several areas of DHS summarized housing stabilization services, traditional healing potential, re-entry, possible funding opportunities, and partnership opportunities.
DCYF is a new agency established in July 2024. It is currently undergoing a strategic planning process to transition current state programs aligned around children and families from four existing state agencies to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families between July 2024 and July 2025. The goal is to move forward to create a Minnesota where all children, youth, and families are valued, treated equitably, and thriving and to advance equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families through transformative, partnership-driven policies, programs, and practices. Mille Lacs Band member Sam Moose is the Tribal Relations Director for this newly created department.
DCYF representatives were present at the meeting to summarize some of the focus areas including child safety and permanency, (ICWA/MIFPA, foster care/kinship care), early childhood, family wellbeing, and youth services.
Both the state representatives and tribal leaders exchanged ideas and had already begun the process of initiating several conceptual ideas into something more concrete by the end of the meeting. “One last thing before we go,” Wind said. “This real partnership is so important… don’t hesitate to reach out. Miigwech for your time.”