Boozhoo, fellow Red Lake nation members, Chiefs, Council, honored guests, and
friends. Greetings to you to all. My name is Floyd Jourdain Jr. I am the Tribal
Chairman of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.
It is my honor, and privilege to present to you on behalf of the entire Tribal Council,
and seven Hereditary Chiefs, the annual State of the Band address and report to
the people.
I will start first by thanking our spiritual elder Eugene Stillday for rendering this
morning’s invocation. Staying grounded in our customs and traditions has kept us
strong as a tribal nation throughout the course of our history. For this we are
thankful.
Thank you Veterans for honoring us with your presence here today, and to all
veterans, and their families. Thank you for your service. Miigwetch, Red Lake
Singers, and to all the royalty that represent our Red Lake Nation so well
throughout Indian Country.
I would like to thank my family, my parents, relatives, and friends for their support,
and also to my Staff for everything they do and for a superb job in organizing
today’s event.
At this time I will introduce the Tribal Council , Treasurer Darryl Seki, Secretary
Kathryn Beaulieu, Red Lake District Representatives, Donald Desjarlait and
Donald May Jr., Little Rock Representatives Richard Barrett and Billy Greene,
Ponemah Representatives Glenda Martin and Gary Nelson, Redby District
Representatives Tom Westbrook and Alan Pemberton
Hereditary Chiefs George King, John Sumner, Greetings Spears, Gerald Spears,
Alexander Gillespie, James Loud, Sam Smith.
Ladies, and gentleman this is your Tribal Council. They along with our entire Tribal
Council staff work tremendously hard all year, for all districts, the urban areas, and
the Red Lake Nation as a whole.
I would like for the entire Tribal Council ,and Chiefs to please stand. Ladies and
gentleman please join me in a round of applause for their efforts. I get to stand up
here, and deliver the address, but none of this would be possible without their
support, and dedication. Thank you, Council. It has been an honor to work with you
this past year.
Report to the people
I am happy to report to the Red Lake Band Members that our tribe is doing well.
We have made many strides over the past year, and have accomplished many
good things. We have also lost some old friends, and some of our relatives have
passed into the spirit world. We honor their memory today.
As a strong sovereign nation, we have established our rightful place as one of
Indian Country’s most progressive self governing tribes. We are also recognized
as a legitimate business player in Northwestern Minnesota.
Our reservation as I will report today is well on its way to becoming safer, cleaner,
and the quality of life is improving due to ongoing infrastructure projects. At the
beginning of 2009 our goals were ambitious. Some of those included creating
more jobs on the reservation, improving, and modernizing infrastructure, new
home building projects, upgrading reservation roads, diversifying gaming
proceeds to support local businesses , and improvements to Red Lake Gaming.
We are currently investing in the future of our people, creating jobs, and looking
forward to the return of our great pine forests.
Our stock markets investments have rebounded nicely, and our gaming operations
exceeded last year’s revenues achieving a 5th straight record year. This was
accomplished in the midst of a national recession, and devastating floods that had
adverse affects on business in Northwest Minnesota. We now have 912
employees at all 3 properties.
In the coming months we will embark on a historic constitutional reform process
that will re evaluate and upgrade the way the Red Lake Band governs.
Constitutional reform has been a goal of the Red Lake Band for many years. In
2010 we will begin that process.
Recently our tribal enrollment department reported that we have surpassed the
10,000 mark in tribal membership. We are growing as a tribe. The Tribal Council
is awaiting input from band members, and experts on how to proceed with
enrollment issues pertaining to blood quantum. This is a complex issue that will
need thorough evaluation before a decision is rendered. Depending on the
approach taken, our Tribe could potentially grow considerably even more than it is
already.
This presents even more challenges, as we would have to take additional steps to
meet the needs of additional band members.
Forest Development center
In 2009 the Red Lake Nation completed construction of a new forest development
center that will enable the Red Lake Band to begin the reforestation of the majestic
pine that once covered our aboriginal homelands.
Most of these great pine stands were gone, and replaced with other species long
before most of us were even born. It is time to bring them back.
The center contains 3 state of the art computer controlled greenhouses, a
technologically advanced nursery, and seed bank, along with a laboratory and
testing facilities.
The center has the capability of producing 1.000.000 seedlings annually. Adjacent
to the elementary school, the center will soon open its doors to students, for
historical, cultural, and natural resource education.
Tribal Justice Center
The Tribal Justice Center was completed last summer, and now houses our entire
court and law enforcement Departments. The transition out of the old forestry
garage that was previously home to these departments for nearly 30 years was
long overdue. This is a state of the art facility that meets the needs of the tribal
justice departments, and the community.
Juvenile Justice Center
In 2010 we hope to open the doors to our new juvenile justice center that will
incorporate education, culture, youth advocacy, and community support into a
detention setting. Simply jailing kids does little to prevent them from graduating up
the institutional ladder. The new juvenile justice center will offer more options to our
youth than merely locking them up. Our goals are to reduce recidivism among
Native youth and steer them down more productive paths.
The facility that is located directly behind the existing adult detention center is the
subject of ongoing litigation between the Bureau of Indian affairs that refuses to
fund the operating costs for the facility, and the Red Lake Band that sued them in
federal court. The building has lain dormant since 2005 when it was completed.
During the Clinton administration the Department of Justice and the BIA agreed to
build, and fund operation of detention facilities in Indian Country.
The Justice Department came through on its part, but the BIA refused to fund Red
Lake. We hope to settle this issue in the near future.
Just yesterday Minnesota United States Senator Al Franken raised the issue at a
Senate Indian affairs committee hearing addressing [the] Interior Department, and
BIA officials on funding priorities. We are thankful to Senator Franken for speaking
on our behalf in Washington .D.C.
Sub Station
Recently a new law enforcement substation was built in the Ponemah community.
This will establish a permanent police presence in Ponemah, and will drastically
cut response times to police calls in the district.
Prior to this, officers had to travel all the way from Red Lake responding to calls.
This is a great addition to our law enforcement capabilities.
Ponemah Elderly Nutrition
A new elderly nutrition Center was completed in 2009 in Ponemah . We are happy
about finally being able to provide better nutritional services to our elders in the
Ponemah district.
Red Lake 7 Clans Casino/Event Center
The new 7 Cans Red Lake Casino and Event Center opened its doors in
December. Complete with a 40 room hotel, event center, and state of the art
gaming area. Our new facility is quickly earning the reputation as the “nicest little
casino in the Midwest.”
The rooms are luxurious, and the service is top notch. It even contains an exact
replica swimming pool of our big lake.
The soaring eagle sculpture that welcomes visitors to our tribal lands is a site to
behold as well.
Our event center features nationally known acts, and also serves as a great facility
for banquets, and conferences.
There are over 3000 new customers signed up so far in the players club since the
grand opening, and we anticipate even more. These are new customers that have
never been to the Red Lake Casino. So far this year, we are off to a great start at
7 Clans Red Lake.
The hotel/casino/event center project was done on schedule, and under budget.
The facility has created 98 new jobs at the casino, and the TERO department
recently reported that from ground breaking to completion 70 tribal members in all
required trades were put to work on the project. During peak construction times
30 of those workers were onsite.
The water sewer project leading out to the casino also put 10 additional band
members to work, and 2 youth build members were also hired by carpentry
contractors.
American Recovery and investment Act
In 2009, President Obama and the United States congress passed the American
Recovery and Investment Act, or the stimulus bill. 2.8 billion dollars was made
available to tribal nations. Red Lake was one of many tribes that benefited by the
act in a sense that it enabled the band to complete shovel ready projects and to
meet other tribal needs.
Several tribal programs and agencies at Red Lake applied for, and were awarded
stimulus dollars.
Red Lakes grant writing and Tribal planning departments worked feverishly to
prepare, and submit our plans.
The programs and agencies that received ARRA funds along with their Directors,
and staff are to be commended for their work.
These people worked so hard that Red Lake is now considered a model tribe in
securing ARRA funds.
In total to date the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians have received or have
been notified that we are the recipients of approximately 12.4 million dollars from
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Red Lake School District received 2.8 million in ARRA funds as well. These
resources have helped to complete several projects, and have put people to work.
The highway 18 Ponemah Road that was renovated in 2009 was a 2.7 million
dollar American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project awarded to Red Lake’s
engineering/roads department.
8 new HIP homes on the reservation were constructed.
The Cap program also was able to weatherize 44 existing homes after receiving
$325,151 dollars in ARRA funding.
The Tribal Roads Department received 1.8 million to maintenance, and to improve
existing reservation roads.
Red Lake housing received $4.5 million. A $1.4 million dollar block grant, and a 3
million dollar competitive grant to carry out projects in the walking shield, highland,
and Ponemah housing areas.
Other recipients include, Head start, Red Lake Sanitation, Public safety in the form
of cops grants, IHS, Elderly nutrition program, Facilities management, New
beginnings, impact aid school construction, New beginnings Daycare, Economic
Development Department, Tribal Transit, Homeless Shelter, Boys, and Girls Club,
and the transfer station program.
Red Lake will submit for additional ARRA funding this year including another 2
million in roads improvements on the reservation.
Other grant funding and projects
Red Lake has also received $3.7 million in grant funding from USDA Rural
development, MN DOT, U.S Dept of Energy, and the federal highway
administration.
Projects include improvements to the transit building, energy assessments of tribal
buildings, new garbage trucks for the transfer/ solid waste program and the repair
of the Red Lake wastewater treatment system.
We are also seeking $2.3 million in funding to complete the new multipurpose
community center project in Ponemah.
So far we have received 475 thousand through Housing, and Urban development,
and anticipate a 1 million dollar grant this year from the Shakopee Mdewankanton
Sioux tribe.
The prospects of securing grant funding from Shakopee looks promising.
A brand new community complex with full gymnasium is scheduled for
groundbreaking in Ponemah this spring. The facility will house the Boys and Girls
Club of Ponemah, and in Phase 2, the Head Start, and the Community Center.
If all goes according to plan, by year’s end, Phase 1 of this community complex will
be a reality,
Shakopee is also reviewing proposals from Red Lake for renovation of Red Lake’
s nursing home which will be upgraded in 2010, and a new community center in
the Littlerock district is also in the works.
Solid waste collection sites.
New solid waste construction sites will be constructed in all districts this year. This
will be a major improvement to our waste management capabilities. The solid
waste/transfer station Director has announced a 1 million dollar project that is
currently being bid out.
Also, the program was able to secure funding for 2 new garbage trucks, and has
an application under review for a $3.5 million solid waste recycling facility at Red
Lake. This project will also create additional jobs.
I would like to join our transfer station Director Gilbert Lussier in issuing a
challenge to all band members. Let’s respect our earth mother, and ourselves by
taking pride in our reservation. Let’s keep our tribal lands clean. If we all pitch in
we can do it.
Infrastructure.
Last year we made vast improvements in the area of infrastructure. 18 ½ miles of
water, and sewer were installed at a cost of approximately $5.3 million. These
upgrades are essential to the health, and well being of our citizens, and will help
meet the basic fundamental needs of our growing population.
Exceeding 10,000 members, the Red Lake nation will only continue to grow, and
along with that growth will come more infrastructure needs.
We will soon complete a $1.5 million dollar wastewater treatment plant that
addresses the issue of leaky lagoon storage that has been a problem for several
years.
Our water quality will greatly improve upon completion of this project.
This summer an additional 3 miles of water and sewer lines will be installed that
will connect water systems from Circle Pines to Redby, and out to the new casino.
Another 1.5 miles of water and sewer lines will also be installed in Ponemah
connecting the new Ponemah housing project with the city water, and sewer
system in that community.
Last summer the United States Air Force assisted the Red Lake Band with
infrastructure work from Red Lake down Highway 89 all the way to the south
boundary. We are now equipped with modern city water and sewer systems that
will service residents in those areas, and the new casino site.
Red Lake also constructed a new water tower at the south boundary.
3/4 of a million dollars in savings to the band occurred as a result of this
collaborative effort between the Red Lake Band, and the United States Military.
They provided free labor in exchange for an opportunity to train their personnel.
Tribal Roads
23 ½ miles of roads were resurfaced in 2009. 14 of those miles was the Ponemah
highway 18 that was road done with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
funding.
In 2010 we will resurface even more roads.
We will look to secure more ARRA funding for additional projects this summer
aside from the already planned roads improvements.
Red Lake Gaming
Red Lake Gaming posted its 5th consecutive record year in 2009.
Red Lake Gaming continues to outperform the national trend in gaming that has
seen an overall decline in tough economic times.
The nation to nation business relationship between Red Lake and Shakopee
enabled the band to secure financing when banks were tightening their lending.
Red Lake seized the opportunity to capitalize on reduced construction, and labor
costs. The result is a beautiful facility that would have cost millions more just a few
short months ago.
Red Lake Gaming continues to be one of our main economic drivers for the
reservation. We now have 912 employees at our 3 properties.
Additional 2009 Gaming highlights include:
Implemented new 18 month long training development program
Wages, over time, and paid time off for employees totaled 16,365, 487
Payroll taxes paid totaled 1,363,979
Health Insurance paid totaled 2,610,610
401k pension plan contributions totaled 425, 609
Workers compensation totaled 168,650
Employee meals/incentives paid totaled 168, 650 dollars
Housing Authority
The Red Lake Housing Authority completed a 15 homeownership development
project in the highlands Walking Shield village last year. This projects cost $1.3
million dollars. Fifteen houses cost $ 89,250 apiece, but were sold to band
members at a reduced cost of $52,000.00.
The Red Lake Housing Authority, Housing Finance, and the Minnesota Housing
Finance agency financed this project. State Representative Brita Sailor was
instrumental in securing state funding for the project.
A 30 unit tax credit home project became a reality in Littlerock recently. These
homes utilize geo thermal ground source heat pumps. This is a $4.9 million dollar
project. Each home cost $164, 530; these are rentals with option to buy after 15
years.
Financing was made available from the Housing Authority, Federal Home Loan
Bank of Des Moines, the Great[er] Minnesota Housing Fund, and Raymond James
Tax Credit Investment Funds.
This project was connected to city water, and sewer at a cost of $1.4 million. This
portion was funded by loans, and grants from the United States Department of
Agriculture.
The United States Navy Sea Bees, in coordination with Red Lake Housing
constructed 3 houses that were placed in the south McBrides addition. The units
were sold at cost of materials only for $50,000 dollars apiece. The labor was
provided free by the military.
Three houses were constructed by Northwest Technical College and the Leech
Lake Tribal College. Two were placed in South McBrides, and 1 replaced a
Housing Authority home that was destroyed by fire.
Red Lake Housing Finance Corporation entered into 12 new loans for
homebuyers, and 8 additional loans for home improvement. The total loan
amounts for 2009 was 960.000.
Over $9 million dollars was spent on housing construction on the reservation alone
last year. An additional $112,458,00 went to rental assistance, and security
deposits to help 76 Indian families off the reservation in Beltrami County.
On a sad note, Red Lake Housing Commissioner Roger Head passed away this
year. Roger also served as the President of the Red Lake Nation Boys & Girls
Club and as the Executive Director of the New Beginnings Program at the time of
his passing. He will be greatly missed.
Tribal Programs
I would like to thank the Tribal programs that are here with us today. As a tribal
Council we appreciate what you do for our citizens. Your jobs are important ones,
and we commend you on your dedication.
I encourage all who are in attendance here today to take a look around at the
services that our tribe has to offer. Sometimes I don’t think people fully realize just
how much services are available to our people.
Our tribal programs continue to do a fine job. And for this we thank you. Migwetch.
Although for the sake of time, I can’t cover much program activity in this report, I
would like to share some program information in the State of the band.
I apologize if I do not get to your submissions for this report.
Public Safety
The 4th Annual Drug and Gang Summit was conducted earlier this week at the
new casino.
Public safety reported significant declines in assaults, vandalism, disorderly
conduct, weapons violations, and drug possession charges.
In 2009 over 2000 prescription pills were seized by Public safety, and 28 illegal
weapons were seized
There were 17 convictions in Federal court of illegal weapons, burglaries, drug
trafficking, and theft of weapons.
Public safety received $615,974 in grants last year for traffic safety, new officers,
vehicles, uniforms, and law enforcement equipment.
Public safety was also active in community policing, and participated in several
community activities with community members in all districts.
Public safety opened a new police substation in the Ponemah District.
Conservation Dept
The Conservation Dept consists of 5 officers. They enforce tribal fish, and game
laws.
Some conservation community activities included:
Taking part in the Boys & Girls Club mentoring program.
Conducting ATV safety training for reservation youth.
Hunting safety, and firearm safety program, and certificates for kids.
Take a kid fishing events.
Conservation responded to 492 wild and domestic animal complaints last year.
New Beginnings
New beginnings assisted 1075 consumers in 2009. 826 band members received
MFIP assistance.
325 students received scholarship money for college, and technical training.
New beginnings entered into 121 work experience contracts.
The program received $108.000 of ARRA funds that will put 60 youth to work this
summer.
They also received $150,441 for Child care services.
Comprehensive Health
Comp Health provided 767 emergency ambulance runs in 2009
Non emergency ambulance runs totaled 1,446
Runs included Minneapolis, Rochester, Fargo, Duluth, Grand Forks, as well as
Red Lake, Ponemah, and Bemidji clinics, and hospitals on a daily basis.
Public Health nurse encounters for 2009 were 2,871
Total physician encounters with patients totaled 20,312
Occupational therapy encounters were 1,874
Support staff encounters were 8,130
This includes emergency, clinics, medical records, lab depts.
Women infant and children contacts totaled 11,939
Environmental health/sanitarian 706 encounters
Mental health patient encounters totaled 643 encounters
887 patients overall were treated at Mental Health.
Maternity received 4,728 encounters
104 patients received dentures and partials.
Boys & Girls Club
1300 kids came through the doors at both Red Lake, and Ponemah Boys & Girls
clubs in 2009 compared to 750 in 2008.
689 boys and 615 girls attended club ranging in ages 6 through 18
6000 meals and snacks were provided to 1300 youth.
Our 2010 youth of the year is Cody Roberts of Red Lake. Cody is a terrific kid with
a great attitude who loves the club. He is active in every aspect of our
programming, and he is truly deserved of recognition as youth of the year. Way to
go Cody! Ho Wah!!
Chemical Health
The Chemical Health programs experienced decreases in clients undergoing
treatment for addictions last year, but still admitted, and provided service for
approximately 375 males, and 260 females in 2009.
Also, hundreds of encounters with community members were logged by prevention
programs through The Indian & Free drug program, and other related programs.
The Chemical Health Programs now sponsors the Red Lake Nation Youth Council,
and working with the Red Lake schools will host the 5th annual Red Lake Nation
Youth Gathering at the Red Lake High School the first week in April.
Chemical Health also successfully conducted the 4th Annual Drug and Gang
Summit that wrapped up earlier this week.
New Initiatives.
Diversification Fund.
The Red Lake gaming board recently established a new diversification account
that will set aside gaming revenues for small business loans, and business related
investments.
The particulars are still being worked out, but by fall time we anticipate being able
to offer small business loans to band members and to spur local economic
development projects.
New Propane Company
Red Lake Nation fuel was established in 2009, and will be in full operation in 2010.
We finally have our own propane company that will offer competitive prices on fuel,
and less stringent policies that our band members cannot afford. Band members
can begin switching over soon to Red Lake’s own company if they choose to do
so.
Our company has its own delivery trucks, tanks, and the capability to service all
areas of the reservation, and surrounding communities. We are extremely excited
about having our own propane company.
C Stores/Fish Markets
Plans have been completed on two new convenience stores/ fresh fish markets
adjacent to 7 Clans Red Lake, and Thief River.
Gas and convenience store goods will be available, but what is unique about these
properties is that they will also sell fresh Red Lake Walleye and Red Lake Nation
foods products such as jellies, jams, and wild rice.
Of course they will also provide new jobs.
Park and recreation improvement
The Red Lake Band will continue to work to improve parks, and recreation areas.
Two new basketball courts will be completed this spring at both Redby, and
Ponemah.
Also, improved playgrounds for smaller children, and a skate park for youth on the
reservation is a goal of all districts.
Tribal planning is currently developing concepts for the Tribe that will include bike
paths, and walkways connecting Red Lake to Redby, and down Highway 89 to the
south boundary.
Tribal Nations plaza.
Made possible by a generous donation to the new TCF Bank Stadium by the
Shakopee Mdewankaton Sioux Tribe, Red Lake has an 18 ft sky marker that
stands alongside all Minnesota tribes on the Tribal Nations plaza at the University
of Minnesota’s new football stadium.
Even if you are not a football fan, we encourage you to stop by the stadium to view
the tribal nation’s plaza. We are honored to be included, and appreciate
Shakopee’s acknowledgment of the contributions that all tribes make to the state
of Minnesota.
The Red Lake urban embassy/Duluth Urban offices
In 2009 Red Lake acquired the Red Lake Urban Embassy in Minneapolis, and our
urban office now occupies a special place in the Twin cities.
This year we will continue to work with our band members in the urban areas to
make improvements to the building, and to assure continual contact with our band
members, and Council back home.
Both the Twin Cities and the Duluth Urban Offices are very active in their
respective communities. It is good to see that our band members are so engaged
in organizing community events, gatherings, meetings, and activities for elders,
and youth.
Although we can’t always make it down as much as we would like to, the Tribal
Council is committed to assisting our urban members, and to keep our lines of
communications open as much as possible.
It is good to see that so many of you have made the trip back home today to enjoy
the day.
Littlerock Round House.
The Little Rock community will soon complete a new round house located at the
new 30 home project site. This structure will be available for cultural, and
community activities, and will serve a variety of other purposes.
The roundhouse is beautiful.
The Little Rock Community Board, District Reps, and Red Lake Housing are to be
commended, and congratulated on this new addition to the community.
Sandy River Bridge
Work has already started on a new Bridge at the Sandy River. Bridge repair is
long overdue.
After the bridge collapse in Minneapolis a couple years ago it was discovered by
Red Lake that this bridge was listed as unsafe as well. Of course we knew this for
a long time, but lacked the resources to construct a new one.
The bridge will be expanded 8 feet on each side, and the approach to the bridge
will be straightened. Also, a parking area will be included that will prevent unsafe
parking on the road.
Fish bypass
This year Red Lake will begin working on a long awaited fish bypass that will
enable fish to make their way back into the lake after they go over the outlet dam.
As it sits now, once the fish go over the falls at the outlet, and the rock dam they
make their way down the Red River never to return.
After completion of this project they will be able to make their way back to the big
lake.
Elders Summit
In 2010 the Red Lake nation will host the 1st Annual Elder’s Summit at Red Lake.
We are still soliciting input from tribal elders on what they would like to see at this
gathering that will be a 2 day event held at the new Casino’s event center in late
summer.
I am sure our elders will generate many interesting, and fun topics, and activities.
We look forward to having our tribal elders coming together along with our friends,
and guests at this year’s summit.
.
Summary
That concludes our report for today. On behalf of the entire tribal council, Chiefs,
and all of our staff members. We wish all of you well,
Gitchi Miigwetch,
friends. Greetings to you to all. My name is Floyd Jourdain Jr. I am the Tribal
Chairman of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.
It is my honor, and privilege to present to you on behalf of the entire Tribal Council,
and seven Hereditary Chiefs, the annual State of the Band address and report to
the people.
I will start first by thanking our spiritual elder Eugene Stillday for rendering this
morning’s invocation. Staying grounded in our customs and traditions has kept us
strong as a tribal nation throughout the course of our history. For this we are
thankful.
Thank you Veterans for honoring us with your presence here today, and to all
veterans, and their families. Thank you for your service. Miigwetch, Red Lake
Singers, and to all the royalty that represent our Red Lake Nation so well
throughout Indian Country.
I would like to thank my family, my parents, relatives, and friends for their support,
and also to my Staff for everything they do and for a superb job in organizing
today’s event.
At this time I will introduce the Tribal Council , Treasurer Darryl Seki, Secretary
Kathryn Beaulieu, Red Lake District Representatives, Donald Desjarlait and
Donald May Jr., Little Rock Representatives Richard Barrett and Billy Greene,
Ponemah Representatives Glenda Martin and Gary Nelson, Redby District
Representatives Tom Westbrook and Alan Pemberton
Hereditary Chiefs George King, John Sumner, Greetings Spears, Gerald Spears,
Alexander Gillespie, James Loud, Sam Smith.
Ladies, and gentleman this is your Tribal Council. They along with our entire Tribal
Council staff work tremendously hard all year, for all districts, the urban areas, and
the Red Lake Nation as a whole.
I would like for the entire Tribal Council ,and Chiefs to please stand. Ladies and
gentleman please join me in a round of applause for their efforts. I get to stand up
here, and deliver the address, but none of this would be possible without their
support, and dedication. Thank you, Council. It has been an honor to work with you
this past year.
Report to the people
I am happy to report to the Red Lake Band Members that our tribe is doing well.
We have made many strides over the past year, and have accomplished many
good things. We have also lost some old friends, and some of our relatives have
passed into the spirit world. We honor their memory today.
As a strong sovereign nation, we have established our rightful place as one of
Indian Country’s most progressive self governing tribes. We are also recognized
as a legitimate business player in Northwestern Minnesota.
Our reservation as I will report today is well on its way to becoming safer, cleaner,
and the quality of life is improving due to ongoing infrastructure projects. At the
beginning of 2009 our goals were ambitious. Some of those included creating
more jobs on the reservation, improving, and modernizing infrastructure, new
home building projects, upgrading reservation roads, diversifying gaming
proceeds to support local businesses , and improvements to Red Lake Gaming.
We are currently investing in the future of our people, creating jobs, and looking
forward to the return of our great pine forests.
Our stock markets investments have rebounded nicely, and our gaming operations
exceeded last year’s revenues achieving a 5th straight record year. This was
accomplished in the midst of a national recession, and devastating floods that had
adverse affects on business in Northwest Minnesota. We now have 912
employees at all 3 properties.
In the coming months we will embark on a historic constitutional reform process
that will re evaluate and upgrade the way the Red Lake Band governs.
Constitutional reform has been a goal of the Red Lake Band for many years. In
2010 we will begin that process.
Recently our tribal enrollment department reported that we have surpassed the
10,000 mark in tribal membership. We are growing as a tribe. The Tribal Council
is awaiting input from band members, and experts on how to proceed with
enrollment issues pertaining to blood quantum. This is a complex issue that will
need thorough evaluation before a decision is rendered. Depending on the
approach taken, our Tribe could potentially grow considerably even more than it is
already.
This presents even more challenges, as we would have to take additional steps to
meet the needs of additional band members.
Forest Development center
In 2009 the Red Lake Nation completed construction of a new forest development
center that will enable the Red Lake Band to begin the reforestation of the majestic
pine that once covered our aboriginal homelands.
Most of these great pine stands were gone, and replaced with other species long
before most of us were even born. It is time to bring them back.
The center contains 3 state of the art computer controlled greenhouses, a
technologically advanced nursery, and seed bank, along with a laboratory and
testing facilities.
The center has the capability of producing 1.000.000 seedlings annually. Adjacent
to the elementary school, the center will soon open its doors to students, for
historical, cultural, and natural resource education.
Tribal Justice Center
The Tribal Justice Center was completed last summer, and now houses our entire
court and law enforcement Departments. The transition out of the old forestry
garage that was previously home to these departments for nearly 30 years was
long overdue. This is a state of the art facility that meets the needs of the tribal
justice departments, and the community.
Juvenile Justice Center
In 2010 we hope to open the doors to our new juvenile justice center that will
incorporate education, culture, youth advocacy, and community support into a
detention setting. Simply jailing kids does little to prevent them from graduating up
the institutional ladder. The new juvenile justice center will offer more options to our
youth than merely locking them up. Our goals are to reduce recidivism among
Native youth and steer them down more productive paths.
The facility that is located directly behind the existing adult detention center is the
subject of ongoing litigation between the Bureau of Indian affairs that refuses to
fund the operating costs for the facility, and the Red Lake Band that sued them in
federal court. The building has lain dormant since 2005 when it was completed.
During the Clinton administration the Department of Justice and the BIA agreed to
build, and fund operation of detention facilities in Indian Country.
The Justice Department came through on its part, but the BIA refused to fund Red
Lake. We hope to settle this issue in the near future.
Just yesterday Minnesota United States Senator Al Franken raised the issue at a
Senate Indian affairs committee hearing addressing [the] Interior Department, and
BIA officials on funding priorities. We are thankful to Senator Franken for speaking
on our behalf in Washington .D.C.
Sub Station
Recently a new law enforcement substation was built in the Ponemah community.
This will establish a permanent police presence in Ponemah, and will drastically
cut response times to police calls in the district.
Prior to this, officers had to travel all the way from Red Lake responding to calls.
This is a great addition to our law enforcement capabilities.
Ponemah Elderly Nutrition
A new elderly nutrition Center was completed in 2009 in Ponemah . We are happy
about finally being able to provide better nutritional services to our elders in the
Ponemah district.
Red Lake 7 Clans Casino/Event Center
The new 7 Cans Red Lake Casino and Event Center opened its doors in
December. Complete with a 40 room hotel, event center, and state of the art
gaming area. Our new facility is quickly earning the reputation as the “nicest little
casino in the Midwest.”
The rooms are luxurious, and the service is top notch. It even contains an exact
replica swimming pool of our big lake.
The soaring eagle sculpture that welcomes visitors to our tribal lands is a site to
behold as well.
Our event center features nationally known acts, and also serves as a great facility
for banquets, and conferences.
There are over 3000 new customers signed up so far in the players club since the
grand opening, and we anticipate even more. These are new customers that have
never been to the Red Lake Casino. So far this year, we are off to a great start at
7 Clans Red Lake.
The hotel/casino/event center project was done on schedule, and under budget.
The facility has created 98 new jobs at the casino, and the TERO department
recently reported that from ground breaking to completion 70 tribal members in all
required trades were put to work on the project. During peak construction times
30 of those workers were onsite.
The water sewer project leading out to the casino also put 10 additional band
members to work, and 2 youth build members were also hired by carpentry
contractors.
American Recovery and investment Act
In 2009, President Obama and the United States congress passed the American
Recovery and Investment Act, or the stimulus bill. 2.8 billion dollars was made
available to tribal nations. Red Lake was one of many tribes that benefited by the
act in a sense that it enabled the band to complete shovel ready projects and to
meet other tribal needs.
Several tribal programs and agencies at Red Lake applied for, and were awarded
stimulus dollars.
Red Lakes grant writing and Tribal planning departments worked feverishly to
prepare, and submit our plans.
The programs and agencies that received ARRA funds along with their Directors,
and staff are to be commended for their work.
These people worked so hard that Red Lake is now considered a model tribe in
securing ARRA funds.
In total to date the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians have received or have
been notified that we are the recipients of approximately 12.4 million dollars from
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The Red Lake School District received 2.8 million in ARRA funds as well. These
resources have helped to complete several projects, and have put people to work.
The highway 18 Ponemah Road that was renovated in 2009 was a 2.7 million
dollar American Recovery and Reinvestment Act project awarded to Red Lake’s
engineering/roads department.
8 new HIP homes on the reservation were constructed.
The Cap program also was able to weatherize 44 existing homes after receiving
$325,151 dollars in ARRA funding.
The Tribal Roads Department received 1.8 million to maintenance, and to improve
existing reservation roads.
Red Lake housing received $4.5 million. A $1.4 million dollar block grant, and a 3
million dollar competitive grant to carry out projects in the walking shield, highland,
and Ponemah housing areas.
Other recipients include, Head start, Red Lake Sanitation, Public safety in the form
of cops grants, IHS, Elderly nutrition program, Facilities management, New
beginnings, impact aid school construction, New beginnings Daycare, Economic
Development Department, Tribal Transit, Homeless Shelter, Boys, and Girls Club,
and the transfer station program.
Red Lake will submit for additional ARRA funding this year including another 2
million in roads improvements on the reservation.
Other grant funding and projects
Red Lake has also received $3.7 million in grant funding from USDA Rural
development, MN DOT, U.S Dept of Energy, and the federal highway
administration.
Projects include improvements to the transit building, energy assessments of tribal
buildings, new garbage trucks for the transfer/ solid waste program and the repair
of the Red Lake wastewater treatment system.
We are also seeking $2.3 million in funding to complete the new multipurpose
community center project in Ponemah.
So far we have received 475 thousand through Housing, and Urban development,
and anticipate a 1 million dollar grant this year from the Shakopee Mdewankanton
Sioux tribe.
The prospects of securing grant funding from Shakopee looks promising.
A brand new community complex with full gymnasium is scheduled for
groundbreaking in Ponemah this spring. The facility will house the Boys and Girls
Club of Ponemah, and in Phase 2, the Head Start, and the Community Center.
If all goes according to plan, by year’s end, Phase 1 of this community complex will
be a reality,
Shakopee is also reviewing proposals from Red Lake for renovation of Red Lake’
s nursing home which will be upgraded in 2010, and a new community center in
the Littlerock district is also in the works.
Solid waste collection sites.
New solid waste construction sites will be constructed in all districts this year. This
will be a major improvement to our waste management capabilities. The solid
waste/transfer station Director has announced a 1 million dollar project that is
currently being bid out.
Also, the program was able to secure funding for 2 new garbage trucks, and has
an application under review for a $3.5 million solid waste recycling facility at Red
Lake. This project will also create additional jobs.
I would like to join our transfer station Director Gilbert Lussier in issuing a
challenge to all band members. Let’s respect our earth mother, and ourselves by
taking pride in our reservation. Let’s keep our tribal lands clean. If we all pitch in
we can do it.
Infrastructure.
Last year we made vast improvements in the area of infrastructure. 18 ½ miles of
water, and sewer were installed at a cost of approximately $5.3 million. These
upgrades are essential to the health, and well being of our citizens, and will help
meet the basic fundamental needs of our growing population.
Exceeding 10,000 members, the Red Lake nation will only continue to grow, and
along with that growth will come more infrastructure needs.
We will soon complete a $1.5 million dollar wastewater treatment plant that
addresses the issue of leaky lagoon storage that has been a problem for several
years.
Our water quality will greatly improve upon completion of this project.
This summer an additional 3 miles of water and sewer lines will be installed that
will connect water systems from Circle Pines to Redby, and out to the new casino.
Another 1.5 miles of water and sewer lines will also be installed in Ponemah
connecting the new Ponemah housing project with the city water, and sewer
system in that community.
Last summer the United States Air Force assisted the Red Lake Band with
infrastructure work from Red Lake down Highway 89 all the way to the south
boundary. We are now equipped with modern city water and sewer systems that
will service residents in those areas, and the new casino site.
Red Lake also constructed a new water tower at the south boundary.
3/4 of a million dollars in savings to the band occurred as a result of this
collaborative effort between the Red Lake Band, and the United States Military.
They provided free labor in exchange for an opportunity to train their personnel.
Tribal Roads
23 ½ miles of roads were resurfaced in 2009. 14 of those miles was the Ponemah
highway 18 that was road done with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
funding.
In 2010 we will resurface even more roads.
We will look to secure more ARRA funding for additional projects this summer
aside from the already planned roads improvements.
Red Lake Gaming
Red Lake Gaming posted its 5th consecutive record year in 2009.
Red Lake Gaming continues to outperform the national trend in gaming that has
seen an overall decline in tough economic times.
The nation to nation business relationship between Red Lake and Shakopee
enabled the band to secure financing when banks were tightening their lending.
Red Lake seized the opportunity to capitalize on reduced construction, and labor
costs. The result is a beautiful facility that would have cost millions more just a few
short months ago.
Red Lake Gaming continues to be one of our main economic drivers for the
reservation. We now have 912 employees at our 3 properties.
Additional 2009 Gaming highlights include:
Implemented new 18 month long training development program
Wages, over time, and paid time off for employees totaled 16,365, 487
Payroll taxes paid totaled 1,363,979
Health Insurance paid totaled 2,610,610
401k pension plan contributions totaled 425, 609
Workers compensation totaled 168,650
Employee meals/incentives paid totaled 168, 650 dollars
Housing Authority
The Red Lake Housing Authority completed a 15 homeownership development
project in the highlands Walking Shield village last year. This projects cost $1.3
million dollars. Fifteen houses cost $ 89,250 apiece, but were sold to band
members at a reduced cost of $52,000.00.
The Red Lake Housing Authority, Housing Finance, and the Minnesota Housing
Finance agency financed this project. State Representative Brita Sailor was
instrumental in securing state funding for the project.
A 30 unit tax credit home project became a reality in Littlerock recently. These
homes utilize geo thermal ground source heat pumps. This is a $4.9 million dollar
project. Each home cost $164, 530; these are rentals with option to buy after 15
years.
Financing was made available from the Housing Authority, Federal Home Loan
Bank of Des Moines, the Great[er] Minnesota Housing Fund, and Raymond James
Tax Credit Investment Funds.
This project was connected to city water, and sewer at a cost of $1.4 million. This
portion was funded by loans, and grants from the United States Department of
Agriculture.
The United States Navy Sea Bees, in coordination with Red Lake Housing
constructed 3 houses that were placed in the south McBrides addition. The units
were sold at cost of materials only for $50,000 dollars apiece. The labor was
provided free by the military.
Three houses were constructed by Northwest Technical College and the Leech
Lake Tribal College. Two were placed in South McBrides, and 1 replaced a
Housing Authority home that was destroyed by fire.
Red Lake Housing Finance Corporation entered into 12 new loans for
homebuyers, and 8 additional loans for home improvement. The total loan
amounts for 2009 was 960.000.
Over $9 million dollars was spent on housing construction on the reservation alone
last year. An additional $112,458,00 went to rental assistance, and security
deposits to help 76 Indian families off the reservation in Beltrami County.
On a sad note, Red Lake Housing Commissioner Roger Head passed away this
year. Roger also served as the President of the Red Lake Nation Boys & Girls
Club and as the Executive Director of the New Beginnings Program at the time of
his passing. He will be greatly missed.
Tribal Programs
I would like to thank the Tribal programs that are here with us today. As a tribal
Council we appreciate what you do for our citizens. Your jobs are important ones,
and we commend you on your dedication.
I encourage all who are in attendance here today to take a look around at the
services that our tribe has to offer. Sometimes I don’t think people fully realize just
how much services are available to our people.
Our tribal programs continue to do a fine job. And for this we thank you. Migwetch.
Although for the sake of time, I can’t cover much program activity in this report, I
would like to share some program information in the State of the band.
I apologize if I do not get to your submissions for this report.
Public Safety
The 4th Annual Drug and Gang Summit was conducted earlier this week at the
new casino.
Public safety reported significant declines in assaults, vandalism, disorderly
conduct, weapons violations, and drug possession charges.
In 2009 over 2000 prescription pills were seized by Public safety, and 28 illegal
weapons were seized
There were 17 convictions in Federal court of illegal weapons, burglaries, drug
trafficking, and theft of weapons.
Public safety received $615,974 in grants last year for traffic safety, new officers,
vehicles, uniforms, and law enforcement equipment.
Public safety was also active in community policing, and participated in several
community activities with community members in all districts.
Public safety opened a new police substation in the Ponemah District.
Conservation Dept
The Conservation Dept consists of 5 officers. They enforce tribal fish, and game
laws.
Some conservation community activities included:
Taking part in the Boys & Girls Club mentoring program.
Conducting ATV safety training for reservation youth.
Hunting safety, and firearm safety program, and certificates for kids.
Take a kid fishing events.
Conservation responded to 492 wild and domestic animal complaints last year.
New Beginnings
New beginnings assisted 1075 consumers in 2009. 826 band members received
MFIP assistance.
325 students received scholarship money for college, and technical training.
New beginnings entered into 121 work experience contracts.
The program received $108.000 of ARRA funds that will put 60 youth to work this
summer.
They also received $150,441 for Child care services.
Comprehensive Health
Comp Health provided 767 emergency ambulance runs in 2009
Non emergency ambulance runs totaled 1,446
Runs included Minneapolis, Rochester, Fargo, Duluth, Grand Forks, as well as
Red Lake, Ponemah, and Bemidji clinics, and hospitals on a daily basis.
Public Health nurse encounters for 2009 were 2,871
Total physician encounters with patients totaled 20,312
Occupational therapy encounters were 1,874
Support staff encounters were 8,130
This includes emergency, clinics, medical records, lab depts.
Women infant and children contacts totaled 11,939
Environmental health/sanitarian 706 encounters
Mental health patient encounters totaled 643 encounters
887 patients overall were treated at Mental Health.
Maternity received 4,728 encounters
104 patients received dentures and partials.
Boys & Girls Club
1300 kids came through the doors at both Red Lake, and Ponemah Boys & Girls
clubs in 2009 compared to 750 in 2008.
689 boys and 615 girls attended club ranging in ages 6 through 18
6000 meals and snacks were provided to 1300 youth.
Our 2010 youth of the year is Cody Roberts of Red Lake. Cody is a terrific kid with
a great attitude who loves the club. He is active in every aspect of our
programming, and he is truly deserved of recognition as youth of the year. Way to
go Cody! Ho Wah!!
Chemical Health
The Chemical Health programs experienced decreases in clients undergoing
treatment for addictions last year, but still admitted, and provided service for
approximately 375 males, and 260 females in 2009.
Also, hundreds of encounters with community members were logged by prevention
programs through The Indian & Free drug program, and other related programs.
The Chemical Health Programs now sponsors the Red Lake Nation Youth Council,
and working with the Red Lake schools will host the 5th annual Red Lake Nation
Youth Gathering at the Red Lake High School the first week in April.
Chemical Health also successfully conducted the 4th Annual Drug and Gang
Summit that wrapped up earlier this week.
New Initiatives.
Diversification Fund.
The Red Lake gaming board recently established a new diversification account
that will set aside gaming revenues for small business loans, and business related
investments.
The particulars are still being worked out, but by fall time we anticipate being able
to offer small business loans to band members and to spur local economic
development projects.
New Propane Company
Red Lake Nation fuel was established in 2009, and will be in full operation in 2010.
We finally have our own propane company that will offer competitive prices on fuel,
and less stringent policies that our band members cannot afford. Band members
can begin switching over soon to Red Lake’s own company if they choose to do
so.
Our company has its own delivery trucks, tanks, and the capability to service all
areas of the reservation, and surrounding communities. We are extremely excited
about having our own propane company.
C Stores/Fish Markets
Plans have been completed on two new convenience stores/ fresh fish markets
adjacent to 7 Clans Red Lake, and Thief River.
Gas and convenience store goods will be available, but what is unique about these
properties is that they will also sell fresh Red Lake Walleye and Red Lake Nation
foods products such as jellies, jams, and wild rice.
Of course they will also provide new jobs.
Park and recreation improvement
The Red Lake Band will continue to work to improve parks, and recreation areas.
Two new basketball courts will be completed this spring at both Redby, and
Ponemah.
Also, improved playgrounds for smaller children, and a skate park for youth on the
reservation is a goal of all districts.
Tribal planning is currently developing concepts for the Tribe that will include bike
paths, and walkways connecting Red Lake to Redby, and down Highway 89 to the
south boundary.
Tribal Nations plaza.
Made possible by a generous donation to the new TCF Bank Stadium by the
Shakopee Mdewankaton Sioux Tribe, Red Lake has an 18 ft sky marker that
stands alongside all Minnesota tribes on the Tribal Nations plaza at the University
of Minnesota’s new football stadium.
Even if you are not a football fan, we encourage you to stop by the stadium to view
the tribal nation’s plaza. We are honored to be included, and appreciate
Shakopee’s acknowledgment of the contributions that all tribes make to the state
of Minnesota.
The Red Lake urban embassy/Duluth Urban offices
In 2009 Red Lake acquired the Red Lake Urban Embassy in Minneapolis, and our
urban office now occupies a special place in the Twin cities.
This year we will continue to work with our band members in the urban areas to
make improvements to the building, and to assure continual contact with our band
members, and Council back home.
Both the Twin Cities and the Duluth Urban Offices are very active in their
respective communities. It is good to see that our band members are so engaged
in organizing community events, gatherings, meetings, and activities for elders,
and youth.
Although we can’t always make it down as much as we would like to, the Tribal
Council is committed to assisting our urban members, and to keep our lines of
communications open as much as possible.
It is good to see that so many of you have made the trip back home today to enjoy
the day.
Littlerock Round House.
The Little Rock community will soon complete a new round house located at the
new 30 home project site. This structure will be available for cultural, and
community activities, and will serve a variety of other purposes.
The roundhouse is beautiful.
The Little Rock Community Board, District Reps, and Red Lake Housing are to be
commended, and congratulated on this new addition to the community.
Sandy River Bridge
Work has already started on a new Bridge at the Sandy River. Bridge repair is
long overdue.
After the bridge collapse in Minneapolis a couple years ago it was discovered by
Red Lake that this bridge was listed as unsafe as well. Of course we knew this for
a long time, but lacked the resources to construct a new one.
The bridge will be expanded 8 feet on each side, and the approach to the bridge
will be straightened. Also, a parking area will be included that will prevent unsafe
parking on the road.
Fish bypass
This year Red Lake will begin working on a long awaited fish bypass that will
enable fish to make their way back into the lake after they go over the outlet dam.
As it sits now, once the fish go over the falls at the outlet, and the rock dam they
make their way down the Red River never to return.
After completion of this project they will be able to make their way back to the big
lake.
Elders Summit
In 2010 the Red Lake nation will host the 1st Annual Elder’s Summit at Red Lake.
We are still soliciting input from tribal elders on what they would like to see at this
gathering that will be a 2 day event held at the new Casino’s event center in late
summer.
I am sure our elders will generate many interesting, and fun topics, and activities.
We look forward to having our tribal elders coming together along with our friends,
and guests at this year’s summit.
.
Summary
That concludes our report for today. On behalf of the entire tribal council, Chiefs,
and all of our staff members. We wish all of you well,
Gitchi Miigwetch,
Hobby & Recreation Group
Red Lake Net News
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| Red Lake Nation State of the Band Address February 26, 2010 Floyd Jourdain Jr Red Lake Tribal Chairman |