Media/Legal Inquiry Protocol

    Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

    Media/Legal Inquiry Protocol
    The following media/legal inquiry protocol details how to both respond to media requests and proactively provide news and information. This protocol is intended to assist Band employees in reaching Band audiences effectively and efficiently, and helps provide a sound communication strategy and consistent messaging.

    If you receive a phone call from a member of the media:

    1. Write down the person’s name, media outlet, phone number, and reason for calling.
    2. Politely tell the person that someone will call him or her back shortly.
    3. Immediately call Katie Draper at 320-515-0846. Katie will coordinate with the media outlet and fulfill their request. (Please call Jamie Edwards at 612-850-2124 if Katie is unavailable).

    If a member of the media comes to a Band facility:

    1. Write down the person’s name, media outlet, and reason for coming.
    2. Politely ask the person to please wait a moment in the reception area while you contact someone who can assist him or her.
    3. Immediately call each person in this order until you reach one of them:
    • Katie Draper: 320-515-0846
    • Vivian LaMoore: 320-630-8195
    • Jamie Edwards: 612-850-2124

    Inaajimowin/Official Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Government Facebook Page
    Band employees often have news and information that interest Band members and our communities. When your department has news or updates to share via Inaajimowin or the Official Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Government Facebook page, please contact:

    Vivian LaMoore
    Phone: 320-630-8195
    Inaajimowin Editor/PIO
    Vivian.LaMoore@millelacsband.com

    Katie Draper
    Phone: 320-515-0846
    Director of Government Affairs
    Katie.Draper@millelacsband.com

    Legal Inquiry Process
    At times there may be investigators or other people handling other legal matters who may inquire with Band employees. If you receive a call or are approached by an investigator, please calmly follow these steps below:
    If an investigator calls:

    1. Write down the person’s name, what organization they represent, phone number, and reason for calling.
    2. Politely tell the person that someone will call him or her back shortly.
    3. Immediately call your department Commissioner to inform them of the call. The Commissioner will determine who will be the appropriate person to return the call.

    If an investigator comes to a Band facility:

    1. Write down the person’s name, what organization they represent, and reason for coming.
    2. Politely ask the person to please wait a moment in the reception area while you contact someone who can assist him or her.
    3. Immediately call your department Commissioner to inform them of the visitor. If you cannot reach your department Commissioner, please contact:
    • Caleb Dogeagle, Solicitor General: 320-241-1611
    • Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of DNR:763-221-0320
    • Tracy Burr, Commissioner of CMD: 320-362-4148
    • Raina Killspotted, Commissioner of EDU: 320-630-3423

    If someone is “serving court papers” you do not need to comply with the Legal Inquiry Process.
    If you have questions regarding any of these protocols, please call Katie Draper: 320-515-0846. Miigwech.