Before Europeans arrived in North America, American Indian tribes had their own customs, traditions, and laws. As a result, American Indians are today viewed as sovereign nations, just as they were even before the United States was formed. Toby Rowan had just finished responding to a medical call for the Mille Lacs Health System in Onamia and was still on the scene when he collapsed, and later died. Band Member Voices — Raise Your Voice on November 3! All Mille Lacs Band government offices including HHS and schools will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2021 in honor of Civil Rights Day. Will the Real Wild Wild Rice Please Stand Up? An honor guard consisting of emergency medical services … 6,177 were here. Join to Connect Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Through their sovereignty, American Indian tribes govern themselves, regulate activities within their reservations, and manage the health, safety, and education of their people. For example, within the tribe exists a division of powers based on checks and balances, including a … The Band’s Chief Executive appoints the Commissioner of Corporate Affairs, and that appointment is ratified by the Band’s legislative branch, known as the Band Assembly. Mille Lacs Indian Reservation is the popular name for the land-base for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in Central Minnesota, about 100 miles (160 km) north of Minneapolis-St. Paul.The contemporary Mille Lacs Band reservation has significant land holdings in Mille Lacs, Pine, Aitkin and Crow Wing counties, as well as other land holdings in Kanabec, Morrison, and Otter Tail Counties. Free cement mason orientation and training, Executive Order allows restored services for Band members, Happy to Give — Band employee makes masks for all who need one, Band member voices — Giving back to the community, Stronghearts Native Helpline launches 24/7 operations, Chief Executive Named to federal law enforcement selection committee, Frequently Asked Questions About the Mille Lacs Reservation, Band Assembly Weekly Update, February 8-12, State sides with Band in lawsuit against County, Niibaa-Aatisooke — Sacred Teachings in the Night Time Story, GLIFWC tribes respond to latest Ma'iingan decision, Native communities continue to urge Congress to confirm Deb Haaland as Interior Secretary, Commissioner remembered for a life of service, March 2021 Message from the Chief Executive, Band Assembly Weekly Update, February 22-26, Secretary-Treasurer announces career opportunity in financial industry, Celebrate Women’s History Month with Online Films and Panel Discussion Featuring Indigenous Women Leaders, COVID-related rental assistance funds are now available, Aanjibimaadizing, Pine Tech partnership brings new courses to districts, Sherraine White — First rung on the corporate ladder, Senator says COVID-19 relief will help Tribal Nations recover from pandemic, Statement Regarding Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Rescue Plan From Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin, DNR hosts harvester meetings, raffle for Treaty Day, Notice of public comment and hearing on proposed amendments to Title 3, Secretarial Order establishes numbering system. Although Europeans abhorred American Indian culture and attempted to destroy all traces of it, the American Indians were still viewed as a distinct people. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is a federally recognized Indian tribe in east central Minnesota. Mille Lacs Polar Bear Plungers Raise More Than $42,000! Band celebrates 20th Anniversary of treaty rights victory! Because all American Indian tribes are sovereign nations, they establish the laws and infrastructure that govern their reservations. The Mille Lacs Band is a federally recognized, sovereign constituent band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Names Michele Palomaki CEO of Wewinabi, Inc. Survey Says Band Members Favor New Approach to Truancy, DNR Commissioner Extends Ricing Hours in District I, National Preparedness Month Week 3: Practice and Build Out Your Plans, Governor Pressures County to Sign Law Enforcement Agreement with Band, Minnesotans to Gather at State Capitol to HOLD THE LINE on Enbridge Line 3, TERC Meets with Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Chief Executive Hosts Meet-and-Greet with New Commissioners, Legislative News — License Plates, TERO, Ethics Code, Child Support Enforcement Update October/November 2017, Newest Pipeline Developments Encouraging, But Not Resolved, Line 3 Hearings This Week in East Lake, Hinckley, October 2017 Message from the Chief Executive, ‘Percap Patrol’ Brings Anti-Drug Message to Reservation Neighborhoods, Band Members Seek Answers, Action After Surge in Overdoses, Bassmaster Brings Anglers, Crowds Back to Mille Lacs, Community Members Step Up, Come Together to Fight Addictions, District I Welcomes Teachers and Staff of Onamia Schools, Minor Trust Training Scheduled for Nov. 13, Pine Grove Students Get Hands-on Lessons in Safety, Nay Ah Shing Students Learn about Safety, Fire Prevention, Band, Pine County Work Together to Hire Community Coach, Message from the Chief Executive, November 2017, ‘Percap Patrol’ Leads to Discussion, Organization, Action, Band Members, Officials Present at NCAI Convention, November 2017 State and Local News Briefs, Circle of Health Plans Weekly MNSure Enrollment Events, Mille Lacs Chapter of Natives Against Heroin Meets, Band Members, Employees Chosen for Leadership Training, DAR Inducted Into Minnesota Boxing Hall of Fame, HHS Meets with U of M on Drug Courts, Precision Medicine, Walk for Family Peace Brings Awareness of Domestic Violence, Wraparound Staff Attend Homelessness Conference, Grants Department Responds to Community Needs, Immersion Teacher Receives Teaching License, Second Degree, Winter Hazard Awareness Week is Nov. 6-10, Pine County, Mille Lacs Band Seek Applicants for Community Coach Position, Mille Lacs Band Designated Heart Safe Community, Pine Grove Update — Safety, Weather, New Books, Tribal Cultural Surveys in Progress on Proposed Pipeline Corridor, Grand Casinos Honor Veterans with Free Meal, Mille Lacs Band Receives Grant to Address Opioid Crisis, Department of the Interior Searches for 17,000 Native American Individuals to Claim Accounts Before November 27 Deadline, Band to Hold Law Enforcement Rally at Capitol, Letter from Feds Confirms Boundaries, Law Enforcement Powers, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Files Lawsuit Against Mille Lacs County, Secretary of Interior Meets with Band, County on Law Enforcement, WEWIN Experience Inspires Youth to Take Action, Blandin Provides Lessons in Leadership and Community, Mille Lacs Band Broadband Vision, Projects Held up as Example at Statewide Conference, December Message from the Chief Executive, Wenda-noomage-apaginigod A’aw Anishinaabe — Drug Abuse Among Anishinaabe, Deadlines Approaching for Insurance Applications, Former Inmate Gives Back to Correctional Facility, Band Members Share Stories at Tribal Opioid Summit, Psychologist Speaks on Race Relations, Economic Disparities, Pet Health Clinics Return to Districts I, II, and IIa, Attempted Eagle Rescue Shows Danger of Lead, Community Center is the Place to be for District I Teens, Former NHL Scout Donates to Kindergarten Class, Ricing School — Learning, Fun Combine at Manoomin Harvest, Treuer Presents an Honest History of Thanksgiving, Band Members Ask Questions, Give Feedback to DNR, Ojibwe Language Becoming Priority at Onamia Schools, Pine Grove Students Study Planets, Art, Anatomy, Chippewa Tribe 2018 Election Calendar Released, LEECH LAKE BAND OF OJIBWE FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST OPIOID MANUFACTURERS, Band’s Broadband Efforts are Model at Statewide Conference, Per Cap Patrol, Tribal Police Offer Mutual Support, Constitutional Convention Heading to Grand Portage in January, Band, Pine County Share Local Government Innovation Award, County Board Approves Contracts for Legal Defense of Sheriff, Attorney, Charlie Lippert — Engineer by Day, Language Learner by Night, DNR Program Receives Award for Fish Hatchery, Virgil Wind — School Board Chair Extraordinaire, Chief Executive Highlights "New Warriorism" in State of the Band Address, Police Chief Sara Rice Becomes First Tribal Chief on Minnesota POST Board, Winter Storytelling Event Focuses on Keeping Tobacco Sacred, Gaa-izhi-ina’oonwewizid A’aw Anishinaabe-abinoojiinh — What the Manidoog Gave Us as Anishinaabe to Help Our Babies, GLIFWC Officials Study Resource Management in Peru, Commissioners Attend Indigenous Governance Program, Youth Create Tribute to Mentor With Help From Native Artist, Community Members, Moccasin Telegraph — Preserving Our Language and Culture, State of the Judiciary: The ‘Ripple Effect’ of the Opioid Crisis, Band Assembly Called to Order — 2017 Legislative Highlights, A New Warriorism — 2018 State of the Band Address, Power to the People — Leaders Praise Grassroots Efforts, Tribal Police Chief Earns Back-to-Back Honors, East Lake Hearing Focuses on Cultural Impact of Proposed Line 3 Pipeline, Positive Indian Parenting Training for Trainers, Candidates Certified for April 3 Primary Election, Igloo Project Makes Learning Fun for Wewinabi Students, New Date, Venue for Basketball Tournament, Waakobinigod A’aw Anishinaabe — That Which Pulls Anishinaabe From Their Original Teachings, Youth Powwow Returns to Chiminising March 24, Polar Plunge Returns to Mille Lacs March 10, Affordable CPR/AED Class Coming to Urban Office, April 9-13 is Severe Weather Awareness Week, Lady Baller — Chiminising Student Finds Success on Court, March 2018 State and National News Briefs, Winter Camp Provides Hands-On Education at Rutledge, Moccasin Telegraph — Using Tobacco to Pray for Others, Four Winds Continues to Meet Band Member Needs, Know Your Government — Health and Human Services, Absentee Ballots Available for April 3 Primary, Aadizookewin! Nurse Assistant/ Registered The Villa Health Care Center Jul 2010 - Aug 2011 1 year 2 months. Entertainment, Drum and Dance — Healthy Fun in District II, Band Assembly Proposes Open Meetings and Data Privacy Statute, New Attorney Brings Indian Country Experience, Artist Shares Jingle Dress Tradition at Central Lakes College, 'I'm Thrilled to Be Back' — Mel Towle Sworn In As Commissioner of Finance, Community Learns Harmful Effects of Vaping, Would-Be Actors 'Break a Leg' at Rosetta Stone Auditions, Ojibwe Language Books, Rosetta Stone Will Contribute to Healthy Communities, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe 2020 Election Calendar, EPA Helps with Fuel Tank Clean-up in District I, The Constitution and Tribal Sovereignty — Let's Learn Together, Kids Count! Band Member Voices — The Return of Wenabozho, November 2020 Message from the Chief Executive, Reduced building access due to positive COVID-19 tests, 2020 Election Results: Minnesota goes for Biden; Republicans take rural districts, Band Assembly announces publication of updated laws of the Mille Lacs Band, Band Assembly Weekly Update, November 2-6, Band member named to Northland Foundation Board of Trustees, Native American Veterans Memorial Opens to Public on Warriors' Day, Band shifts to virtual service delivery for government, health care, education, Band Assembly Weekly Update, November 9-13, Band Assembly shares final version of Title 25 for public review, Band Assembly Weekly Update, November 16-20, Band Assembly Weekly Update, November 23-27, Commissioner extends mask order until February 28, COVID-19 housing grant deadline is December 7, Richard Osburn sworn in as District Court Judge, Builder wins award for Health and Human Services Building, December 2020 Message from the Chief Executive, Weekly News Summary, November 29-December 5, Native women call for Indigenous representation in Biden Administration, Band Assembly Weekly Update, November 30-December 4, 2020, Caravan raises awareness of domestic violence, Traditions, fitness — and ukuleles! Atlantic Coast, Dakota Access, Keystone XL: Three major defeats for Big Oil. At the core of tribal sovereignty is the power to make and enforce laws within tribal jurisdiction. Cloud Tech Softball Team, Community Members Work to Promote Mental Health, prevent suicide, Ethnobotanist Offers Services to Band Members, FOX 9 Series features Mille Lacs Band Members, Jingle Dress Centennial Celebrated at Indian Museum, June 2019 - Message from the Chief Executive, Soldiers benefit from Cell Phone recycling, Smudge Walks Bring Neighbors Together in DIII, Ziibaaska'iganagooday Heard 'Round the World, She Is Not Invisible — Raising Awareness of Missing and Murdered Women, Pine County Campus Recognizes Anishinaabe Heritage, Wisdom Steps Conference Promotes Elder Health, Brownfields Program Receives Input from EPA, Supportive Housing Planned for District I, End-of-School-Year Picnic Celebrates Community, Achievements, No Summer Vacation for Basketball Brothers, Anishinaabe Values Ride for Recovery is July 6, Wewinabi Inc. Offers Jobs, Special Discounts to Band Members, Possible World Record Muskie Boated and Released by Mille Lacs Band DNR, Mille Lacs Children Participate in Nature Walk, Cucumber Crunch, Delegates Receive Training in MCT Constitution, Meet Your District III Constitutional Convention Delegates, Family Spirit Home Visits Help Growing Families, Ninham Named Interim Nay Ah Shing Principal, August 2019 Message from the Chief Executive, Applicants Wanted for Crime Victim Needs Assessment Community Advisory Group, Immersion Academy Weekend Cohort Seeks Applicants, Urban Office, District I Host National Night Out, Hands-Free Cellphone Law Is Now in Effect, DNR, Government Affairs Host Telemetry Open House, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Associates 'Unleash the Power Within', Mille Lacs Band Women Bring Energy to WEWIN, Corporate Ventures Interns Complete Summer Experience, Representative Blake Attends Housing Conference, Commissioner Brings Commitment to Culture, Partnership Seeks Better Cancer Outcomes for American Indians through Research, September 2019 Message from the Chief Executive, Project Mezinichigejig Helps Band Youth Find Their Voice, Discover Talents, Jingle Dress Symposium — Inspired by History, Lakeside Stories — Original Theater by Local Youth, Mille Lacs Band members invited to Changemaker Retreat November 19-21, District I Meeting — Niigaan, Wiidoo, Wraparound Updates, Attorney Bound for Afghanistan with Reserves, TERO Director Wants to Help Band Members Succeed, Convention Delegates Address District III, Spirit Foods — Ethnobotanist Brings Band Members Back to Their Roots, Meet Your District IIa Convention Delegates, Revisor's Office Takes Shape with New Addition, Understanding ACEs Helps Band Members Break the Cycle of Trauma, 'We Are Water' Exhibit Takes a Look at Minnesota's Way of Life, Indigenous Peoples' Day Event Draws Large Crowd, Mille Lacs Recognized as Official Scenic Byway, November 2019 Message from the Chief Executive, 2020 Census Update — Be Sure to Check the Box, Self-care and Leadership Discussed at Women's Gathering, Mending Broken Hearts — The Trauma Stops Here, The 'Other' Legislature — Band Assembly Members, Staff Visit Capitol, Actors Needed for Ojibwe Language-Learning Videos, Adopt-a-School Program Helps Students Succeed, ICWA — It Takes A Community to Keep Kids at Home, December 2019 Message from the Chief Executive, Johnny's Pheasant — A New Book by Band Member Cheryl Minnema, Making Her Own Way at B.A.T. This testing is open to the public and free of charge. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, through Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, now owns over 30 businesses worldwide, employs nearly 5,000 people and is the 40th largest employer in Minnesota. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is a sovereign, federally recognized Indian tribe located in East Central Minnesota. You're Invited to the Minnesota Senior Games! 'Gigsy' Brings Digital Media Training to Nay Ah Shing, The Family Violence Prevention Program Is Here to Help, Band Members Create Welcoming Environment at Four Winds, Moccasin Telegraph — The Center of the Moon, Namebinikaa! They had several shiny metal cones sewn on them." ONAMIA--Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin came to the podium ready to fight those who would poison and destroy her tribe. Youth program adjusts to COVID-19, Band Assembly Weekly Update, December 7-11, Band Assembly Weekly Update, December 14-18, As vaccines arrive, COVID-19 precautions remain in place, Telemetry study gathers groundbreaking data on walleyes, Legislative Branch Welcomes New Staff Attorney, Meet your Gaming Regulatory Authority Board members, Passion and dedication lead to success on the gridiron, Director brings experience to new HHS role, CHAPS grant helps with COVID-related expenses, Letitia Mitchell — A life of hard work and plenty of laughs, Band member voices — An Anishinaabe 20/20 on 2020, January 2021 Update from the Chief Executive, Band Assembly Weekly Update: December 28, 2020-January 1, 2021, Vision Maker Media seeks public media project proposals, MLCV, Initiative Foundation seek cohort for Enterprise Academy, Six Band members graduate from Enterprise Academy, Youth Assembly gives students a strong voice, Project Blue Light shows support for frontline workers, Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin delivers 2021 State of the Band Address, Band Assembly Weekly Update, January 11-15, Chief Justice provides update on Judicial Branch, Secretary-Treasurer announces publication of Band statutes, State of the Legislative Branch — Pandemic, Legislative Process, and Investments, Finding new District I buildings just got easier, Get the vaccine — for yourself, and for your elders, Tribes criticize Stauber for opposing Haaland nomination, Vaccine facts from your public health department, Front-line workers recognized with Project Blue Light, Band Assembly Weekly Update, January 19-22, Freedom from smoking course offered to Aanjibimaadizing clients, Legislative Order establishes procedures for critical nominations, Open Call for Social Change and Emerging Artist Support Programs, Participants needed for tribal tobacco study, Report shows Native Americans' perspectives on COVID-19 vaccine, Band Member Voices — An Intro to Ojibwe Language Learning. The Mille Lacs Band has a separation-of-powers form of government, making it one of the few Native American governments with three branches of government, similar to the government structure of the United States. Senator Tina Smith Says Congress Must Address the Crisis of COVID-19 in Tribal Communities, Band member cares for community through work, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council Seeks Immediate Action from University of Minnesota, Representative seeks volunteers for child protection subcommittee, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Announces Promotions, Charter Associates (and Sisters) Bid a Grand Farewell, Scholarship Program Now Processing Funding for Fall 2020, DII, DIII Convenience Stores Reopen in August, Reflections from a 2020 High School Graduate, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Obtains 8(a) Certification, Band Assembly reviews proposed legislation to create Leasing of Trust Lands Code, How to vote absentee in state and tribal elections, Smith faces challengers in August 11 state primary, Band Assembly Reviews Proposed Amendments to Titles 12 and 21, Secretary/Treasurer Seeks Candidates for GRA Board, Band Assembly Weekly Update: Band Assembly Weekly Update, August 3-7, 2020, Early Ed Releases Preparedness Plan in Preparation for Phase 1, SCOTUS Affirms Reservation — Upholds Jurisdiction to Protect Native Women, Report Informs Band Members of Government Action During Pandemic, Wind, Benjamin prevail in general election, Wind, Clitso-Garcia running for Onamia School Board, Aanjibimaadizing is local administrator of COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program, Monolingual Ojibwemowin Books Are Now Available, Band Member's Artwork Featured in Minneapolis, 'HAWK' CROSSWALK WILL ENHANCE SAFETY IN DISTRICT I, September 2020 Message from the Chief Executive, Casinos Announce New Positions for Band Members, District III Holds Community Meeting at Casino, Swearing-In Ceremony for Chief Executive, District Representative Is September 8, Chief Executive, District I Representative Sworn In, Band Assembly Establishes Agenda and Live-Streaming Procedures, Virgil Wind Takes Office as District I Representative, Stronghearts Scales to Respond to Crisis within a Crisis, Virgil Wind, Becky Clitso-Garcia Running for Onamia School Board, Community Meeting Provides Update on Urban Housing Project, Band Assembly Weekly Update for September 21-25, 2020, Becky Clitso-Garcia — Asking for Your Support on November 3, October 2020 Message from the Chief Executive, Band Assembly Weekly Update: Week of September 28-October 2, 2020, Meet the New Providers at Ne-Ia-Shing Clinics, Students Crunch Together for Farm-to-School, Successful Partnership Leads to Successful Students, The Unsung Hero of the Legislative Branch, New Ordinance Modifies Child Support Code, Comment period open for draft Revisor's Office statute, Separation of Powers Helps Ensure the Survival of Our Sovereign Nation, Aanjibimaadizing Moves to Former Clinic Building, Band Assembly Weekly Update, October 12-16, Detailed Gaming Regulation Revision Project, 'You're Coming with Me!' Provide Roll Off Service in Pine County for District III Community Clean Up, from April 24th through April 30th, 2021 on the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation. Nay Ah Shing Students Learn Spearing Tradition, Baabiitaw's Bush Foundation Fellowship: Year One, Gikendandaa i'iw Ojibwemowin — Learn the Ojibwe Language, MILLE LACS BAND ANNOUNCES GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS, Band Supports Fond du Lac in Opposing PolyMet Land Swap, Hundreds of Pounds of Electronic Waste Recycled Through DNR Program, Community Activism Brings Awareness and Response to Foster Care Crisis, Wewinabi Students Receive Head Start Diplomas, Anishinaabe Values Motorcycle Ride Gears Up July 28, Keeping Tobacco Sacred is Theme of Digital Storytelling Interviews. Services Government Jobs Calendar About Contact News. This is the official Facebook page of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe tribal government. Community Efforts Delay Sandpiper Deadline, Opiate Addiction in Newborns Affecting Community, Separation of Powers Provides Checks and Balances, Youth Attend National Conference in Atlanta, Pipe and Dish is a Nay Ah Shing Tradition, Road Crews Gear Up for Winter with New Trucks, Benjamin is a Lifelong Learner – and Teacher – of Ojibwe, ‘Cardio Sampler’ Gets Students’ Hearts Pumping, NON-REMOVABLE: Band Still Fighting for Reservation, Career Focused: Band Members Dedicated to Following Legal Path, Cultural Sovereignty a Major Theme at 2015 State of the Band, Legislative Counsel Stacey Thunder Unveils New Online Series, 2015 State of the Band Address: Protecting the Gift, Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy Now Offering ITV College Courses, Nay Ah Shing Staff Invited to Schoolyard Garden Conference, PCs for People Application Deadline Extended, Band Hosting Elder Abuse Awareness Conference, Hwy 169 lane closures in Vineland Feb. 9–27, Elder's Passing Results in Controversy Over Autopsy, Early Education Awarded with 4-Star Parent Aware Rating, Anti-Bullying Club Sends Positive Message, Fighting for our Future: Preventing and Stopping Opiate Abuse, Partners for Prevention: Helping Kids Make Healthy Choices, Band Leading Charge for New Legislation on Autopsy Objections, Chief Executive Benjamin Receives Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award, Bella Boyd Honored at Special Olympics Minnesota Event. 6,180 were here. In 1987, the Supreme Court held that, as sovereign nations, tribes are inherently able to regulate gaming on their reservations.