Weekly updates will be released to keep our Band Members updated on Tribal projects/ divisions and anything from the federal level that may impact us. Print versions of Friday updates will be available monthly in the DeBahJimon. Employees and Community members can begin submitting news, events, and updates to be included in the week’s update every Monday. Updates can be sent to [email protected]
Chi Miigwech to everyone who submitted updates for this week. This week is shortened for the Memorial Day holiday. This week the band held an RBC briefing, released further information on the upcoming Wellness Center groundbreaking, and will host the annual Memorial Day powwow over the weekend.
RBC Briefing
CASS LAKE—The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Business Committee (RBC) holds weekly briefings on Tuesdays and meetings on Thursdays.
All available council members attend RBC briefings, including scheduled presenters and LLBO division directors. Agenda items are discussed at the Tuesday briefings and then voted on for passage at the Thursday meeting. Occasionally, due to time constraints, a combination briefing and conference will take place on the same day.
One meeting was held within the last reporting month, April 30th to May 22nd. All RBC briefings and conferences are live-streamed via Vimeo and available on LeechLakeNews.com under “Videos.” Official meeting minutes can also be found on LeechLakeNews.com under “LL Tribal Council” ->
“Tribal Council Meeting Minutes.”
BRIEFING/MEETING RECAPS
On May 22nd, 2025, A briefing & meeting was held in the RBC Government Chambers.
- Laurie Harper, Education presented the LLBO updated education code, the code draft has preliminary approval and will be available for public comment soon.
- Eric DeVault, Public Works submitted the contract for the wellness center road, the road contract was approved. An eagle nest is on the opposite end of the construction site and will not be bothered and no trucks will get close to the area
- Matthew Jedlicka, Food Sovereignty presented a construction contract for the new food sovereignty storage building. The contracts were approved and the new building will be behind the health division, allowing for more vehicles to freely move about the space during future distributions.
- Deanna McDaniel, Rose Robinson, ICWA, Robinson was asked to sit upon the MN ICWA advisory council. Her appointment was then approved by the council. Chairman Faron Jackson also asked for the ICWA division to get a closeout report on the 13 year old Leech Lake Band member who lost her life in a police chase in late April. The closeout report will include asking for a further detailed police report to prevent future incidents from escalating.
Wellness Center Ground-Breaking
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe invites the community to the Cass Lake Wellness Center Groundbreaking Ceremony on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 1:00PM, located north of the Tribal Offices and Tribal Justice Center off Highland Rd NE in Cass Lake. Follow signs from the Government Center! Let’s celebrate this important step toward a healthier future together!
Memorial Day Traditional Pow Wow
May 23–25, 2025
Veterans Memorial Grounds – Cass Lake, MN
MCs: David Northbird Sr. & Terry Fiddler
Host Drums: Storm Crossing & Eagle Ridge
Committee Specials: Men’s & Women’s Fancy, Teen Boys & Girls
Family Specials include the Sibling Sidestep and Violet Humphrey Reyes Memorial
Questions? Contact Pow Wow Coordinator Rodney Johnson at
Cell: (218) 407-7265 | Office: (218) 335-3637 | 📧 [email protected]
No alcohol, drugs, or firearms are permitted on the grounds. Weapons allowed for ceremonial use only.
Talking Circle – Leech Lake Opiate Treatment Program
Every Wednesday
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
409 3rd St SE, Lower Level (East Side), Cass Lake, MN 56633
A welcoming space for connection, healing, and support.
Snacks provided
Hosted by the Leech Lake Opiate Treatment Program.
All are welcome to join.
Leech Lake Twin Cities Open House
Tuesday, May 27th
11:30-1:30pm
2438 27th Ave S,
Minneapolis, MN, 55406
Famous Daves catering
For more information call: (612) 729-0554
Twin Cities L.I.C. Cook-Out
Date: Tuesday, May 27, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Back Parking Lot – LeechLake Twin Cities Office 2438 27th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Join the Twin Cities LIC for an evening of drumming, food, and fun with the community! Bring your family and enjoy the company.
Parenting Circle
Come together to share the joys and challenges of parenting
in a supportive space.
Facilitated by the Leech Lake Family Preservation ProgramDoor prizes and snacks are provided!
Ball Club: May 27th
Bena: May 28th
Onigum: May 29th
1:30-2:30 pm each day.
All are welcome—no registration is required!
Honor the Youth 2nd Annual Powwow
When: May 28, 2025 12 PM – 7 PM
Where: TrekNorth, Green Space
Grand Entry: 1 PM
MC/Arena Director: Dave Northbird Keveon Kingbird
Co-Host Drums: Battle River & TrekNorth Student Drum