Weekly updates will be released to keep our band members informed about tribal projects, divisions, and any federal-level information 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 the band announced a new podcast venture, swimming restrictions for Sailstar Beach, and the opening of applications for Elder/Disability and Veteran Payments.
Tribal Brief Podcast
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe launched the Tribal Brief Podcast earlier this week. The podcast is a new communication medium dedicated to keeping the community informed on important issues, programs, and updates from Tribal leadership.
Episode 1 features Secretary-Treasurer Leonard Fineday, sharing updates on:
- Tribal finances
- Cannabis Business
- Tiwahe initiative
- Wellness Center progress
You can watch and listen to the Tribal Brief on the bands Facebook page and on KOJB 90.1 FM:
- Tuesday, June 3rd – 1PM, 3PM, 5PM
- Wednesday, June 4th – 9:30AM, 2:30PM, 4PM
For questions or feedback, email: [email protected]
Let us know what topics you’d like to hear in future episodes!
Swimming Restrictions–June 4th, 2025
The Water Resources Program has repeatedly detected unsafe levels of E.coli bacteria at Sailstar Beach (47.386108 -94.593236). We no longer recommend swimming at this location due to unsafe conditions. We will continue to monitor E.coli levels at this location and will notify the public once levels are deemed safe.
For more information please refer to our E.coli and Beach Safety Factsheet or call the Division of Resource Management at 218-335-7400
Elder/Disability and Veteran Payments
The Elder/Disability & Veteran Payment applications may be submitted to Tribal Assistance starting today, June 6, 2025.
Applications must be submitted by June 24 to be included in the first payment schedule for July 1, 2025. Due to the Holiday, there will be no disbursement on July 5. The next disbursement after July 1 will occur on Saturday, July 12. Weekly disbursements will resume after July 12, with completed applications due by 10:00 AM each Friday to be processed for payment the following Saturday.
The payment amount has been set at $300.00.
Some important information to be aware of:
ALL Elder Payments will be applied to the Elder’s Rapid Pay card.
The Rapid Pay card that is active on June 18, 2025, will be the card loaded on July 1st.
If the enrollee’s Rapid Pay card was lost, stolen, or misplaced, please call the Rapid Pay Customer Service number at 1-888-727-4314 to request a replacement card.
Please contact the respective offices if assistance is needed:
- Tribal Assistance at (218) 335-3626
- District I at (218) 398-3107
- District II at (218) 407-4011 or (218) 839-4760
- District III at (218) 368-0116 or (218) 513-7804
- Twin Cities Area at (612) 729-0554
- Duluth Area at (218) 481-7412
Checks are not an alternative form of payment for this disbursement.
Please be aware that Rapid Pay may require ID Verification (SSN and a current issued ID, such as a Driver’s License or a Tribal ID) if you have deposited third-party (PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, etc.) funds to your Rapid Pay account.
If ID Verification is required, this may cause a delay in receiving funds to the Rapid Pay card. Please contact Rapid Pay Customer Service at 1-888-727-4314 if you are unsure if this verification is required, and if so, submit the necessary documentation to Rapid Pay as instructed to verify your account to prevent any delays.
Your completed application and W-9 form can be returned to Tribal Assistance:
Via U.S. Mail to Leech Lake Tribal Assistance, 190 Sailstar DR NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633
Hand-delivered to the front desk or the mailbox located outside the Tribal Assistance Office at 115 6th ST NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633 (DQ Building)
Emailed to [email protected] or [email protected]
Forms: Application for Extraordinary Direct Assistance (Elders or Disabled), Veteran Services Application (Veterans), Form W-9
Leech Lake Brain Train
An interactive workshop on brain health & dementia awareness
Friday, June 6, 2025
10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Cedar Lakes Event Center, 6268 Upper Cass Frontage Rd NW, Cass Lake, MN
Elders and community members are invited to join us for a day of learning, activities, food, and prizes!
Each station will explore topics like:
- Healthy Aging
- Dementia awareness
- Caregiving
- Local support resources
Need a ride? Call Leech Lake Elder Services at 218-252-3373 to arrange transportation.
Questions? Contact:
Natalya Walker-Muller
Community Engagement Coordinator
218-726-6569 | [email protected]
Honoring our Elders Feast
Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Northern Lights Event Center in Walker!
Registration begins at 10:00 AM
Event ends at 3:00 PM
Door prizes | 50/50 Raffle | Eldest Male & Female Recognition | Furthest Traveler
Wear your ribbon skirt or shirt – Free event t-shirts & gift bags for ages 55+
Enjoy a delicious meal featuring walleye, chicken, wild rice hotdish, fry bread, dessert, cookies, coffee & tea
Please note: This event is for elders only – no children, please.
Let’s come together to celebrate and honor the wisdom and strength of our elders!
Public Hearing: Leech Lake Child Care Development Fund
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Maajigin Child Care Center
16160 60th Ave NW, Cass Lake, MN
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe community is invited to attend and share feedback on the activities supported through the CCDF program.
Discussion topics will include:
- Maajigin & School Age Care Centers
- Child Care Subsidy Program
- Grants & Training for Quality Improvement
- Parent & Community Engagement
- Licensing & Monitoring
- Recruitment & Retention
For more information, contact Lee Turney at 218-335-8256
Traditional Summer Feast- LLTCO
Tuesday, June 11
prayer begins at 6:00 p.m.
meal served shortly after, walleye & wild rice meal
location:
2438 27th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Summer Bash
Thursday, June 12th 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Norway Beach, Cass Lake, MN
Leech Lake Family Preservation invites you to a day of sunshine and smiles at our Summer Bash! Join us for a fun-filled day with games, swimming, activities for all ages, and great company. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. This is a family-friendly event — everyone is welcome!