On Monday, July 8, newly elected Leech Lake Tribal Chairman Eli Hunt,
dismissed the three top business administrators of the Leech Lake Band and
appointed new people. The remainder of the council questioned his
authority to take this action. At 10 am today, Tuesday July 9, a open
public meeting (people's convention) was called to order in the Paradise
Room at the Palace Casino. Before calling the meeting to order Chairman
Hunt asked for traditional prayers in the Ojibwe language be given by two
spiritual leaders from the band. Chairman Hunt received a standing ovation
from the majority of more than 400 Leech Lake Band members in attendence
when he announced his action in terminating the administrators.
Issues raised by the people:
Band members questioned the presense of tribal lawyers, (both non-band
members) and asked that they leave. When they initially refused to leave,
band members asked that they be charged with criminal trespass. After a
stand-off period, band members from each district stepped forward to
request respective district council members to ask the lawyers to leave.
Lawyers shook hands with the district reps and left.
The contruction firm out of Detroit Lakes that is building the $3 million
new motel next to the Casino, employs no band members.
Petitions for the recall of convicted felons, Myron Ellis and Dan Brown
are still circulating. Petitions require 20% of eligible voters who live
on the reservation. RBC office quoted a number of 3000+ eligible voters
living on the reservation. Only 1600 ballots were ordered for the recent
election.
The State of Minnesota negotiated with the RBC to allow non-indians to
hunt and fish on the reservation land in exchange for $5 million. Question
was asked, "Where's the $5 million?"
RBC was questioned about their policy of holding secret meetings off the
reservation. Council member Myron Ellis denied that secret meetings are
held, saying that they are 'special meetings' where confidential matters
are discussed.
Complaint voiced about the cultural ignorance of non-indian supervisors.
Casino employee was refused leave to attend a nephew's funeral because
"the relationship was not close enough."
Call was made for a provision for primary elections.
Call for the creation of a Reservation Constitution and an Elders
Council. Questions arose about who would determine the membership of the
Elders Council
The people called to accept the appointments of the new administrators on
interim basis and to open the positions up to application by qualified
individuals. After a show of hands for support of the Chairman's action,
band members were asked to sign petitions and note their districts at head
table either in support of the chairman's action or to oppose it.
Meeting was adjourned.
Overall feeling of the people is that this is a beginning for new and open
government for the Leech Lake Anishinaabe. But there is much work to do.
Several elders spoke up in support of the new tribal chairman and his
actions. Although there were outbursts the meeting was for the most part
orderly. Many emotional issues were brought up that will have to be
addressed in future meetings.
Bernard J. Rock, Sr.
Leech Lake Pillager Band
Spotted Eagle Warrior Society
North Central Minnesota Native American Veterans Outreach and Resource Center