Emergency Response Information

Mental Health Support Available

Feeling overwhelmed or stressed? You’re not alone. Call the Distress Line at 1-800-985-5990 anytime for free, confidential support.

Red Cross Relief Distribution – TODAY

Pow Wow Grounds (Cass Lake)

3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

The Red Cross is distributing:

Rakes, tarps, trash bags, and gloves

Recovery information and service referrals

Debris Removal Safety – Be Alert on the Roads

Heavy equipment and tree removal crews are actively working across the affected areas of the Reservation.

Please use extra caution on narrow and rural roads where visibility may be limited.

–Yield to loggers and equipment operators

–Slow down in work zones

–Avoid areas with downed trees or low-hanging limbs

–NEVER approach equipment or active work sites

Red Cross Damage Assessments

Red Cross crews will be canvassing storm-impacted areas today to assess damages and offer support directly to residents.

Let’s Take Care of Each Other

Please check on your neighbors—especially elders and people with health issues. Stay hydrated, stay alert, and reach out if you need help.

Daily Storm Response Update – June 26, 2025

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Emergency Operations Center ActivatedThe Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe has officially activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is now set up and operating out of Cedar Lakes Casino in Cass Lake. The EOC team is meeting regularly to assess storm-related impacts, coordinate response efforts, and prioritize community needs.

The EOC brings together key personnel from Tribal departments and partner agencies to streamline decision-making, allocate resources, and ensure clear communication with the public.

We will continue to provide daily updates as cleanup and recovery efforts progress. Miigwech for your patience and support.

🤝 Governor Walz Tours Storm-Damaged AreasTribal officials from Leech Lake, Red Lake and White Earth met with Governor Tim Walz yesterday as he toured the Bemidji and southern Lake Bemidji corridors in Beltrami County to assess the effects of the severe weekend storms.

During the tour, Governor Walz described the damage as “unprecedented,” noting the destruction wrought by hurricane-force winds.

Discussions with tribal officials focused on the impact to tribal communities and the need for ongoing support in the recovery process. Governor Walz reaffirmed the state’s commitment to support recovery, saying Minnesota stands ready to use its disaster assistance contingency fund if federal aid thresholds are not met.

RESOURCES

📞 Tree Removal Assistance Available
Leech Lake Tribal Police Dispatch is taking calls from tribal members requesting tree removal from their property.
Call: 218-335-8277
Public Works is prioritizing requests that affect emergency access. Daily call lists are shared each morning for response.

🚨 Crisis Support Contact Information
Tribal members in need of help with housing, food, transportation, or other storm-related support can contact:
Cindy Wilson, Crisis Response Manager
📞 218-317-3611
🕗 Available Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

📄 Legal Help with Insurance Forms
Anishinaabe Legal Services is offering brief legal advice and assistance with completing insurance forms for those impacted by the storm.
📞 Call: 800-422-1335
Tribal members needing this support are encouraged to reach out to ALS directly.

⚠️ Price Gouging & Contractor Scam Warning
PUBLIC NOTICE: Please be aware of scams and price gouging related to storm cleanup and tree removal services. While many reputable businesses are providing fair and insured services, some are overcharging or operating without proper credentials.

✅ Always request proof of bonding, insurance, and licensure.
✅ Get a written pricing quote before agreeing to services.

💲 Emergency tree removal during the crisis response phase should not exceed $10,000 per day (up to 10 hours).
💲 Standard recovery phase pricing should not exceed $5,000 per day for typical services.

Protect yourself and report any suspicious activity.

🌲 Timber Theft Warning – Tribal Natural Resources
PUBLIC NOTICE: The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is actively monitoring potential timber theft following the recent storm. Trees and woody debris on tribally owned or U.S. trust lands for the Band are the property of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Tribal Government.

Salvaging or removing timber from these lands without authorization from the Reservation Business Committee is illegal.

🔍 If you witness or are aware of illegal timber salvaging, report it immediately to Tribal Police Dispatch at (218) 335-8277.

The Band will pursue all available legal remedies against unauthorized removal of its resources.

Storm Debris Disposal Sites Open
To support community cleanup, two designated dump sites have been opened for storm debris disposal:

📍 Buck Lake Site
Located at the intersection of Ten Mile and Chief Boyd Road
📍 Cass Lake Site
Located just south of the Nary Road (see attached map for details)

Please Note:
• Wood debris only — no household garbage, shingles, siding, tin, etc.
• Solid Waste does not accept storm debris or yard waste, but will continue accepting standard waste materials.

Miigwech for keeping our communities safe and clear as recovery continues.

Executive Summary – Storm Response Efforts (June 21–23, 2025)

From June 21–23, 2025, the Leech Lake Reservation was struck by a severe storm that caused widespread damage across multiple communities, especially in the Mission area. High winds knocked down thousands of trees, damaged infrastructure, disrupted communications, and left many without power or safe shelter. Tribal police, first responders, and community volunteers acted immediately to protect lives and assist residents during and after the storm.

Immediate Response Highlights:

• Sirens sounded at approximately 1:00 AM as the storm hit during the Leech Lake Days Powwow, prompting emergency sheltering efforts at the Veterans Building.
• Officers and volunteers searched the grounds to ensure all attendees were safe, including successfully locating children whose tent had been destroyed by a fallen tree.
• Chainsaw crews, including Leech Lake DRM firefighters, police officers, and community volunteers, worked through the night and into the next day clearing roads and driveways under extreme heat and humidity.
• Over six pallets of water were distributed due to dangerously high temperatures and water service interruptions.
• Communications failures in the Cass Lake area caused additional distress as people were unable to contact loved ones or emergency services.
• Signs of emotional distress and trauma were observed in affected community members.

Ongoing Support and Resource Mobilization:

• Meals and bottled water were distributed with assistance from the American Red Cross (200 meals), Leech Lake Gaming (175 meals), and local Indian Councils.
• Community donations included critical equipment like chainsaws, fuel, and oil, as well as discounted repairs from local businesses.
• Many residents remain in need of assistance due to damage to homes, lack of insurance, or limited mobility. -Housing assessments and debris removal efforts are still underway.
• Over 50 Leech Lake Band employees assisted with cleanup and resource distribution on June 23.

Current Status:

• No fatalities have been reported.
• Power restoration is progressing steadily.Access to water and food has improved.
• Damage assessments and long-term recovery planning are ongoing, with external assistance being requested.

This storm revealed both the strength of the Leech Lake community and the limitations of local resources when facing widespread disaster. Continued coordination and support will be essential in the days and weeks ahead.

The Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee extends our heartfelt thanks to all staff and volunteers who stepped up in the face of disaster. Your commitment to protecting and serving our communities has been nothing short of extraordinary. We also ask our citizens for continued patience as we work together to recover, rebuild, and restore the safety and wellbeing of all our communities.