Government Affairs

The mission of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Office of Government Affairs is to help preserve, protect,
and defend the inherent sovereign rights, authority, and interests of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and its
membership through effective inter-governmental relations, advocacy, and communications with external
governments and others.

The Office of Government Affairs is committed to promoting and maintaining the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
as a respected, self-governing Tribal nation, regional business leader, and ally at the local, state, and federal
levels. We actively engage other governments and communities through effective strategic advocacy and
collaboration for the benefit of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and its neighbors. The Office of Government
Affairs works closely with the Chief Executive’s office, pursuant to Title 4 section 3 of Mille Lacs Band
Statutes, to assist with the responsibility of conducting external affairs with other governments. The Office
of Government Affairs also works with appointed officials and elected officials, as authorized by the Chief
Executive, to assist in developing and maintaining healthy government-to-government relationships with
external governments, key staff and others.

Local Government/Area Relations
MLBO’s Office of Government Affairs focuses on area relations to build bridges with neighboring local
governments, including counties, cities, townships, school boards, and other regional partners.
The goal is to educate others as we protect and honor the Mille Lacs Band’s sovereign status and cultural
integrity. With communities spread throughout multiple counties, cities, and towns across East Central
Minnesota, we are deliberate in our advocacy to further develop our infrastructure, protect our Tribal
citizens, our territories and our treaty resources.

The Band promotes cooperative economic growth and other healthy partnerships across our region that have
improved the lives of many local citizens in addition to the benefits received by our Tribal citizens. We are
really proud of that fact. Our goal is to continue these efforts to build strong, interconnected relationships
with neighbors and allies based on mutual respect, honesty, and good intentions.

We understand that some of the most important relationships begin at the local level. We believe when
relationships are improved problem-solving becomes easier and more effective for everyone. To make these
collaborative efforts work, we schedule regular meetings or attend local meetings to remain visible and to
keep the lines of communication open.

Through the partnerships that have been developed we gather small working groups that focus on issues,
including public safety, land use, health and human services, economic, and infrastructure development.
We also believe relationships are healthier when we are learning from each other. Whether it’s through site
tours, ride-a-longs, or shared trainings, we want our partners to understand how our system of governance
works and how we can all work better together.

Over the next year, we will be focusing on action and momentum. We will be developing a database of
important contacts across the region and a communication plan so the right people can connect quickly. We
will continue organizing community tours to help strengthen our partnerships with city and county leaders.
This kind of regular collaboration helps not just our Band, but the surrounding neighboring communities
as well.

Looking three to five years ahead, our goal is to turn these partnerships into real community results. We
want to work together on local crime and road projects, housing for families and Elders, clean water and
environmental stewardship, youth programs, and coordinated public safety and health efforts.

We also want to see cultural projects across the region, like Ojibwe language signage or art, that tell the
story of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to welcome visitors as well as everyone who calls this region home.
We are committed to helping our partners learn and respect Native culture, to understand the strength of our
sovereignty, and to recognize what it means to be the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. By sharing
our history and values, we can build understanding, trust, and cooperation that benefits all of us.

Our approach will always stay solution-focused and people-centered, listening first, addressing issues
directly, and turning conversations into action, side by side with our local partners, we can continue building
on long standing relationships and growing new ones. Increasing awareness and strengthening connections
that honor our past while creating a brighter future for the Mille Lacs Band and our neighbors.