WORKING-LUNCH WITH THE GOVERNOR

By VIVIAN LAMOORE, INAAJIMOWIN EDITOR

Governor Tim Walz was greeted at the door of the Mille Lacs Band Government Center Wednesday, June 7, 2023, by the newly crowned Onamia Schools Jr. Princess, Kinsley Benjamin, Anangookwe,8 years old. Gov. Walz made a brief stop at the Mille Lacs Band Government center on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Walz met over an impromptu working lunch with the elected officials and others for a brief discussion on the previous legislative session and issues for future discussions with the state. Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin congratulated Walz on what she believes is “the most successful legislative session in several decades,” further stating it was the “most productive of any sessions” she has experienced.

Chief Executive Benjamin thanked Walz and extended a thank you to the state House and Senate leaders as well. “The Mille Lacs Band is very proud that, under your leadership, the state of Minnesota is still a safe place in the nation that respects the basic human dignity of all Minnesotans. Together, you [and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan] have both done more to collaboratively work with tribal governments than any governor or any other state in the union, for which the Mille Lacs Band is very grateful,” Benjamin said.

The Chief Executive and Mille Lacs Band Legislative Branch personnel then briefly discussed a summary of legislative wins, judicial issues, and pending executive/administrative matters that are important to the Mille Lacs Band.

Benjamin said the issue of legalization of recreational marijuana has opened discussions and the need for processes to create new policies “as it will impact everything across the board” for the Band, including personnel policies, and housing policies. “There is a lot of discussion” that has begun with much work ahead. The legalization of recreational cannabis goes into effect on August 1, 2023.

Of all of the legislation to pass in the state legislative session, one of the biggest is the legislation that lifted the state requirement that tribes must enter into a cooperative agreement with a county as a precondition to providing law enforcement coverage for the Mille Lacs Reservation. Mille Lacs Band Solicitor General Caleb Dogeagle gave the Governor a brief update on the lawsuit and reiterated the boots-on-the-ground collaboration in Mille Lacs County law enforcement is improving since the revocation of the cooperative agreement in 2016. Further he said, the Mille Lacs Band has had and continues to have a good working relationship with Pine County. “We appreciate the State’s support getting that initiative across the board with respect to the tribal sovereignty and tribal police department's concurrent authority with state law. This really is going to improve public safety for all Minnesotans; not just Band members and Indians, but all Minnesotans and tourists.”

Dogeagle also recognized and thanked the state for submitting an amicus brief at the District Court level and the upcoming amicus brief in the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. The amicus briefs are another sign of the continued recognition and respect for the sovereignty of the Band.

The Governor recognized that the Corps of Engineers recently revoked the permit for PolyMet’s NorthMet copper-nickel mining near Holt Lakes, as the Corps says it does not ensure compliance with the water quality requirements of the Fond du Lac Band.

District II Representative Wendy Merrill discussed the importance of the water and land, specifically in the area of East Lake and McGregor, and the potential hazards to the area should the proposed Tamarack mine be approved. The proposed mine is only 1.3 miles from Mille Lacs Band tribal lands in an area that is interconnected with streams, rivers, lakes, swamps, and wetlands that recharge the waters. Nickel ore produces sulfuric acid when it comes into contact with water, the same chemical found in car batteries.

“This [proposed] mine is a huge concern of ours,” Merrill said. “We have community members who are very concerned. People really value the land and resources. I just want to make sure you are aware of that.”

The Governor said the revocation of that permit after the fact was “grounded in the lack of recognizing the sovereignty of Fond du Lac when they issued the permit” and thus voided the permit. “We think that is the first time in history that has happened.”

The Band provided a document with brief points on some of the major issues for future discussions with the state including nickel mining. Gov. Walz said the decision by the Corps of Engineers has a “ripple effect on all of permitting” going forward. The law will “now require sovereign nations to be a part of decision making.” He reiterated that the state is listening. “We hear you.”

Secretary-Treasurer Sheldon Boyd mentioned he is grateful for the relationship the Tribe currently has with the state and that it is a vast comparison to the past decades. “These relationships matter,” Gov. Walz said. He said he hopes the state of Minnesota will be recognized for tribal relations and recognition of sovereignty. “I am proud of the progress we are making.”

Representative Wind discussed the need for more funding for tribal law enforcement. Governor Walz pointed to the recently passed public safety omnibus bill which contains sources for funding available for tribes that can be accessed for public safety concerns, including efforts for recruitment and retention of officers and other needs.

Wind also touched on potential business and financial benefits for tribes due to the legalization of cannabis and the need for stronger language revitalization support in both the public schools and tribal schools.

Baabiitaw Boyd discussed Indigenous language instruction that is available to students across the board for all students. Boyd mentioned the Ojibwe language learning program with Rosetta Stone and the need to educate the educators in order to teach students. Boyd said on the Reservation there are currently “maybe four or five kids who are proficient” in Ojibwe language.

Changes to the education standards development to include participation from tribal Indian representatives and to embed Indigenous education into the curriculum for all Minnesota students is historic. Now all students will learn about tribal governments, history, language, sovereignty, issues, culture, and treaty rights.

Other issues included in the briefing document for further future discussions with the state included but are not limited to Northern Lights Express, American Indian Scholars Program, DHS/Tribal Child Welfare Initiative, promoting best practices and communications, supporting the Office of the State Archeologist and implementing the Private Cemeteries Act, sports betting, treatment centers for substance use disorders, education, and TANF, SNAP, and SNAPE&T for tribal members.

The Band looks forward to continued conversations with the State of Minnesota to continue to move forward in a respectful partnership that benefits all Mille Lacs Band members and all Minnesotans.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz joined Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive for an informal meeting. The Governor made a brief stop at the Mille Lacs Reservation to visit with tribal officials to hear first-hand of the legislative priority requests from Band leaders.