White Earth Band of Ojibwe (2018)

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FISCAL YEAR

2018

White Earth Band of Ojibwe

State of the Nation Report

WHITE EARTH RESERVATION

where opportunities become success stories

A great leader gone too soon...

Terrence “Terry” Tibbetts, Chairman of White Earth Reservation, left this world on March 17, 2019. Terry was an

exceptional man who bestowed confidence in his people and the change they wished to see in the world. Terry had such

a deep passion for White Earth Reservation and devoted his life to making positive impacts in the communities he served

while in Public Works and as an elected official. While Terry’s passing causes great grief amongst many, his legacy is what

will live on for future generations.

During White Earth Reservation’s State of the Nation, the State of Minnesota will proclaim April 4, 2019 as “Terrence

Tibbetts Day.” It is moments like these that Terry’s memory will live on through our hearts and through his devotion for

education for all children, a strong cultural and traditional lifestyle, economic independence, and through his profound

leadership that has created numerous avenues for growth and prosperity for White Earth Reservation.

While preparing for our 2019 State of the Nation, Terry was adamant that we speak about the partnerships White Earth

has created with our delegates and to recognize all of our programs who have achieved great success this fiscal year. One

of the most special things about Terry was his encouragement of those around him to seek out opportunities for growth

and success while assisting you along the way. This is why Terry had such meaningful friendships with those across the

reservation and nationwide. Terry believed in White Earth’s vision and helped other see it too.

The White Earth Reservation Business Committee, the White Earth Reservation, and numerous family and friends are at

a loss without our leader. We are deeply saddened, but we will move forward. As Terry would say, “our work here is not

complete.” White Earth will take the skills Terry has taught us and we will push forward with a vision of purpose and hope.

A purpose to enrich our lives with our traditional values and hope for our future generations.

–The White Earth Reservation Business Committee

Terry’s Obituary

Terrance Dennis Tibbetts was born September 24, 1958, in White Earth, MN, the son of Burnham “BL” and Marian “Babe”

(Sargent) Tibbetts. His given name is Nii-Gah-Nii-Mosay, which means “Walks First”. Terry was a lifelong resident of

Naytahwaush. He attended Naytahwaush Elementary School and Mahnomen High School. On January 6, 1979, Terry was

united in marriage to Carol Warren. The couple made their home in Naytahwaush where they raised their family of seven

children.

Terry’s career with the White Earth Tribe spanned 35+ years. He began as a public works employee and worked his way

up. Following 22 years of dedicated service to public works, Terry was elected as the District II Representative in 2006 and

served in that position until 2014. He was then elected Chairman of the White Earth Nation in 2016 and led the largest

tribe in Minnesota. He represented all three districts on the reservation and all White Earth

enrollees off the reservation.

Hunting, fishing, walking in the woods and being in the great outdoors were all things

Terry enjoyed. He also liked attending and participating at pow wows, traveling, visiting

and meeting new people. Terry’s greatest love was always his family, especially his wife

and grandchildren. However, his passion was serving the people of the White Earth

Nation. He was a member of the Community Council and spent many hours helping

with the success of the Harvest Festival held each fall in Naytahwaush. Terry was also a

founding member of the Naytahwaush Community Charter School, caring immensely

about our youth and their future and education. Although, gone to soon from this world,

Terry will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

ADMINISTRATION & DIRECTORS

White Earth Reservation Business Committee

Eugene “Umsy” Tibbetts

Leonard Alan Roy

Vice Chairman

Secretary/Treasurer

Raymond Auginaush, Sr.

Kathy Goodwin

District I Representative

District II Representative

Directors

Randy Goodwin

Executive Director

Joan LaVoy

Chief Operating Officer

Ben Bement

Human Services

Patricia Butler

Health

David DeGroat

Judicial; Chief Judge

Michael Bowman, Sr.

Interim Public Works

Mike LaRoque

Public Safety

Veronica Newcomer

Judicial; Lead Attorney

Barb Fabre

Interim Education

Scott Omlid

Finance

Lori Thompson

Judicial; Court Administrator

Vacant

Economic Development

Steven Howard

Housing

Jessica Tolifson

Interim White Earth Enterprises

Karl Biederman

Christie Haverkamp

Compliance

Clinton Alexander

Behavioral Health; Acting Director

Monica Hedstrom

Natural Resources

Nakoa Graff

Human Resources

Vision: The White Reservation Earth Business Committee will be a proactive organization that makes

sound decisions promoting mino-bimaadiziwin (The Good Life). The White Earth Nation will be a safe place

where all people have access to quality employment, housing, education, health and human services.

While we protect our inherent right to self-governance and identity, we are a community of respect where

cultural, historical and environmental assets are treasured and conserved for future generations.

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HISTORY

Anishinaabe and Giizhik (Cedar)

Giizhik Zagaswe”idiwag

(Cedar Ceremony)

The story of where the Cedar Ceremony originated from is a very old story. We are not sure how old this story is, but

we can make a guess that this was around the first flood, close to the creation story. This was when we Anishinaabe

were all still living near the East Coast.

It is said at one point in time, the Anishinaabe were having a very hard time. There was this young boy, about 10 years

old, who decided to fast for the well-being of the Anishinaabeg people. This was not a common practice and everyone

discouraged him from this saying he was too young. However, the little boy was determined as he knew within his

heart that this needed to be done for the Anishinaabeg. It doesn’t say how long he fasted, but he did. When he came

back from his fast he had been given spiritual gifts for all Anishinaabeg to use. One of the gifts was guidance for a

relationship with one of the strongest medicines, cedar. Cedar is alive, responsive, and conscious. From that young

boy’s and the Creator’s love for us, we have many gifts and ceremonies with sacred cedar.

Cedar is a natural anti-bacterial agent. As such, it can be simmered, or used as smudge to clean the air to prevent

sickness. We drink it to heal our bodies when sick. The cedar bath has been with the Anishenaabe for generations to

purify us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. The Cedar Ceremony used by White Earth comes directly

from the Midewiwin to ease grief and for healing; this is a very powerful way to heal from generational trauma.

The Cultural Division has been making sure that all individuals have access to original teaching and ceremonies; we

are creating a path in order to move forward in a positive way. The Culture Division ensures that as a tribal community

we are keeping our original instructions gifted from the Creator. For many years we have not had the pleasure of

learning or the opportunity of participating in our ceremonies. However, we have experienced a shift where we can

offer our traditional ways of being, healing, and understanding again. The Cultural Division’s plan is to keep moving

forward in a good way by continuing to offer several types of healing ceremonies and teachings; Naming Ceremony,

Sweat Lodge Ceremony, sweat lodge teachings, talking circles, fasting camps, and teachings on traditional medicines.

We have been offering the Cedar Ceremony to tribal members in several communities here on White Earth Reservation.

In addition, we have brought the Cedar Ceremony to tribal members in Bemidji, Duluth, and Minneapolis. Turnout is

always high with a minimum of 60 and sometimes as many as 90 individuals

attending one Cedar Ceremony. Cedar Ceremony is only one ceremony that

can heal from all types of trauma. The Cultural Division will

continue to offer these ceremonies to all

that wish to heal. We look forward to

seeing you at the next Cedar Ceremony.

Miigwech!

White Earth Reservation Business Committee

Cultural Division

White Earth Hosts Minn. Senate

Investment Committee

In 2017, the White Earth Reservation Business Committee purchased the

Strawberry Lake Christian Retreat in rural White Earth with the intention

to make it an opiate treatment facility. White Earth recently welcomed

members of the Minnesota Senate Investment Committee to tour the

facility. White Earth is requesting money to help with renovations.

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White Earth RBC Welcomes U.S. Senator

Amy Klobuchar

The White Earth Reservation Business Committee and key staff members

welcomed Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar on Aug. 11 at the

government Center. The main topic of conversation was the opioid

epidemic and its impact on White Earth Reservation. From left are District

II Representative Kathy Goodwin, Senator Amy Klobuchar and White Earth

Chairman Terry Tibbetts.

HUD Grant Money Targets Youth Homelessness

White Earth Reservation Business Committee accepts a Youth Homelessness

Demonstration Grant check for $1,405,047 from the U.S. Department of

Housing and Urban Development on July 27. The money will be used to target

youth homelessness by White Earth, Red Lake, and Leech Lake Reservations.

Giwanikimin Supportive Housing Case Manager Melissa Keezer sits on the

Northwest Minnesota Continuum of Care Council, which will make decisions on

how the $1.41 million in Youth Homelessness HUD grant funds will be used.

Drug Court Receives Final Approval From Minn. Judicial Council

After months of planning by justice system and tribal officials, a proposal to establish a joint White Earth NationMahnomen County drug court program has received final approval from the Minnesota Judicial Council, the

policymaking body of the Minnesota Judicial Branch. This new drug court program represents a partnership between

state, local, and tribal governments aimed at reducing drug abuse throughout Mahnomen County and the greater

White Earth Nation tribal lands.

The program, officially called the White Earth Tribal and Mahnomen County Healing to Wellness Drug Court, targets

high-risk, high-need felony offenders whose substance abuse problems caused or contributed to their current

involvement with the criminal justice system. Through the program, district court and tribal judges work closely

with prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, social workers, and other justice system partners to develop

a strategy that will pressure an offender into completing a treatment program and abstaining from repeating the

behaviors that brought them to court. The ultimate goal is address the underlying addiction that resulted in the

offender’s criminal offense, and have them leave the program sober, law-abiding, and with a stable living situation.

GOVERNMENT

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White Earth Receives Grant to Address

Opioid Overdose

White Earth Reservation Business

Committee Voices Opposition to Line 3

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

has awarded White Earth Reservation Business Council

a four-year grant to enhance efforts of the White Earth

Drug Task Force’s Overdose Response Committee to

address opioid misuse and overdose. The Substance

Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

(SAMHSA) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention

(CSAP) will provide funding as part of the Comprehensive

Addiction and Recovery Act to train and equip first

responders and other key community sectors with

naloxone for treatment of known or suspected opioid

overdose and to develop processes and protocols that

support appropriate treatment and recovery services for

individuals receiving opioid overdose reversal drugs.

The White Earth Reservation Business Committee continues

to strongly oppose Enbridge’s proposed Line 3 replacement

project. Clearly, any benefit the pipeline will provide for its

Canadian owners is outweighed by the risks the tar sands

pipeline will present to the residents, the environment, the

waters, the wild rice, and many other things that we value.

The Line 3 preferred route travels through the 1855 Treaty

Ceded territory and puts at risk sacred wild rice lakes and

rice beds, along with an area where Native American rights to

hunt, fish, and gather continue to remain intact. This decision

was made without the Minnesota Department of Commerce

properly consulting with the impacted tribal nations.

White Earth Reservation Business Committee Commitment to Ojibwe Language

In 2010, the White Earth Reservation Business Committee (RBC) declared Ojibwe as the official language. At a quarterly

meeting held Sept. 6, the RBC reaffirmed its commitment to language revitalization on the reservation. A task force will be

created to develop a strategy which will include an immersion school to increase Ojibwe proficiency skills in tribal youth.

White Earth RBC Passes Balanced budget for FY 2019

During a special meeting held Sept. 24, the White Earth Reservation Business Committee (RBC) passed a balanced budget for

Fiscal Year (FY) 2019. After four years of deficit spending by the previous administration, strategic decisions have been made

to balance a $12 million general fund budget deficit. Major costs under prior leadership with long-term impacts included $26

million invested in marginal gaming ventures. These investments have impacted tribal programs and services now and into

the future. The current RBC members, Terrence Tibbetts, Leonard Alan Roy, Eugene Tibbetts, Kathy Goodwin, and Raymond

Auginaush, were involved in the current budget process and voted 4-0 to approve the FY19 general fund budget.

The approved budget of $20,414,284 supports multiple programs and initiatives, which include the Elderly Nutrition and

Assistance Programs, Cultural Programs, Pow Wows, Boys, Girls Clubs, and Public Safety among others.

Key staff worked diligently to identify areas where reductions could be made. At the discretion of division directors, cuts as

high as 40 percent were made to individual program budgets, which resulted in lay-offs, transfers, and employees that had

work hours reduced. Considerable cuts were made to line-items, with minimal impact on services to White Earth members.

To re-balance tribal needs and the general fund, two additional grant writers will be hired. The Business Committee will

engage heavily at the federal and state levels, as well as with non-profits and foundations to secure funding and free-up

general fund resources.

The FY19 budget includes a set-aside of $250,000 for government program audits. A set-aside for the Other Governmental

Project has been proposed to include investigations of expenditures related to the Star Lake and Bagley Casino ventures. As

of the quarter 3 financial report delivered at the Sept. 6 Quarterly Meeting, the RBC had $1.5 million in general fund cash.

COMMUNITY

WE Family Office in Cass Lake Hosts

Community Meal

The NEWE Family Office in Cass Lake, Minn., hosted

another successful holiday community meal with more

than 375 meals served. We had a raffle of rice and a gift

card donated by the tribal council, which was won by

Julietta Greyhawk. We had a visit from Santa and he had

gifts for all the kids.

Natural Resources Releasing Sturgeon

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White Earth Natural Resources released 1,000 eightinch sturgeon in White Earth Lake and 1,000 eight-inch

sturgeon in Round Lake. White Earth has a 20-year

management strategy in coordination with the United

States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Rainy River

First Nations (Canada). White Earth is currently in the

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White Earth Enrollees Win Canoes at

Annual Drawing

The Annual Tribal Canoe Drawing was held June 6 at the

Shooting Star Casino. Five lucky tribal members walked

away with a 17-foot Osagian Canoe with paddles. From

left are Ronald Fairbanks, Norma (Jean) Bakka, Diane

Madigan, Jessica Frederick, and Nicole LaFrinier. The

Shooting Star donated the canoes and the White Earth

Reservation Business Committee and the White Earth

Natural Resources Department sponsored the event.

Festival for Fathers & Families

Many thanks to all that helped with the annual Festival

for Fathers & Families event held March 31 at the

Shooting Star Casino Event Center. There are so many

of you that supported our children and families at the

festival; the committee is truly appreciative. Festival

for Fathers & Families had more than 1,000 people who

attended the event. They were able to visit more than

50 vendor tables which were comprised of White Earth

Reservation Business Committee programs and outside

community member booths.

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Annual Spring Pet Clinic Sees More Than 460 Reservation Animals

This year’s annual spring pet clinic for the White Earth Reservation was a great success with two locations this past

year. The first was at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex and the second at the Rice Lake Community Center. There was

a combined total of 462 animals (cats and dogs) treated this year. More than 220 pets were treated at the Naytahwaush

Sports Complex, consisting of 26 spays, 29 neuters, and 183 rabies vaccines given. More than 240 pets were seen at the

Rice Lake Community Center consisting of 54 surgeries and 188 wellness/physicals. Please continue to help keep pet

populations under control and diseases at bay by utilizing the White Earth Pet Clinic yearly.

White Earth Community Farmers’ Market

Annual White Earth Parade

The White Earth Community Farmers’ Market will be

opening late spring of 2019 on Thursdays from 3-6 p.m.

on Main Street in Mahnomen. They offer locally grown

produce, baked goods, and crafts. The market is a

collaboration between White Earth Public Health, MC4QL

Project, city of Mahnomen, and the White Earth Tribal and

Community College Extension Program.

The annual White Earth Substance Abuse Sobriety Parade

was held June 6 in White Earth Village. Twenty-four floats

participated in the popular event. The top three floats

were: 1. Acute Care, 2. White Earth Police Department,

and 3. Mental Health. After the parade, more than 750

people were treated to a picnic-style lunch and door

prizes outside the White Earth Community Center.

Serving Up a Meal at Summer Picnic in

Minneapolis

Breastfeeding Walk

Volunteers served up a delicious meal for White Earth

enrollees, family, and friends at the 2018 Annual Summer

Picnic held July 21 at Waubun Park in Minneapolis. The

White Earth Urban Community Council hosted the event

and the White Earth Urban Liaison office assisted.

The White Earth WIC and LIFE program held a

Breastfeeding Walk on Aug. 16 in Naytahwaush as part of

the Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The breastfeeding

walk was held for local moms and community members

to show mothers their support they have in their

breastfeeding journey.

150th Annual White Earth Celebration Pow Wow

More than 800 registered dancers attended the 150th Annual White Earth Reservation Celebration

and Pow Wow held June 9-11.

2017/2018 royalty are:

»» Sonoma Hanks (Jr. Princess) | Joseph Harper, Jr. (Jr. Brave)

»» Sophie Rojas (Sr. Princess) | Dominic Bellanger (Sr. Brave)

White Earth Reservation Pow Wows

POW WOW

»» Honoring Our Mothers Pow Wow - Mahnomen

»» Harvest Fest Pow Wow - Naytahwaush

»» Rice Lake Memorial Day Pow Wow - Rice Lake

»» Pine Point School Pow Wow - Pine Point

»» Circle of Life Pow Wow - White Earth

»» Annual White Earth Celebration and Pow

Wow - White Earth

»» Naytahwaush Community Charter Schools Naytahwaush

»» Mahnomen Public Schools Pow Wow Mahnomen

»» Shooting Star Contest Pow Wow - Mahnomen

»» New Year’s Eve Pow Wow- Mahnomen

»» Pine Point Pow Wow - Pine Point

»» Head Start Pow Wow - Rice Lake

VETERANS

WE Veterans Association Names Newly Elected Officers

The White Earth Veterans Association Honor Guard recently held an election to select the following officers for their

organization: Bob Pawlitschek - Commander, Everette Goodwin III – Vice Commander, Sherald Hanks – Treasurer, Tom

Spry – Secretary, Louis Stuvland - Sergeant at Arms, Sherald Hanks and Dana Harington – shared Chaplin, Don York –

Quartermaster, Sherald Hanks - Ceremonial Commander, and Milton LaDoux – Historian.

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White Earth Veterans Association Honor Guard members in front row from left: Peter Thompson - Army, Ray Auginaush

- Army, Alan Roy - active Army Reserve, and Sherald Hanks - Army. Back row from left: Bob Pawlitschek - Army, Steve

Anderson - retired Army, Don York - Air Force, Dean Johnson - Army, Louis “Skip” Stuvland - Air Force, Everette “Biscuit”

Goodwin III - Navy, Gordon Boswell - Marines, Milton LaDoux - Army, Tom Spry - Army, Bruce Goodwin - Navy, and Dana

Harington - retired Army. Members not pictured: Pete Domagalla - Army, Robert Durant - Army, Bill Brown - Army, Tim St.

Clair - Army, Travis Roy - Army, Bill Trautner - Army, and Curt Pawlitschek - Air Force.

The White Earth Nation

Veterans’ Powwow

The White Earth Veterans’ Pow Wow was

held Nov. 4-5 at the Shooting Star Casino in

Mahnomen. The MC was Murphy Thomas and

the Spiritual Advisor was Ricky White. Lucas

Hisgun was the Arena Director and the Host

Drum was Song Warrior and Co-Host Drum was

Smokey Hill.

White Earth Honor Guard Remembers:

Ervin “Porky” Thompson

David Soyring

Steven “Bill” Smith

Robert Nickaboine

Lyle Warren

Alvin Hill

Melvin Manypenny

Earl Erion

Daniel Goodwin

Richard “Dick” Roy

Ervin “Sandy” Goodwin Sr.

Richard “Dick” LaVoy

Michael Mehr

Floyd DeGroat

Robert Stevens

Oscar “Sunfish” Oppegard

Kenneth “Babe” Jackson

White Earth Reservation Elder Wellness Program

Gaawaabaabaganikaak ogikaag minwanjige!

“White Earth Elder Eating Good!”

The White Earth Reservation Elderly Wellness Program (EWP) is for elders 55+ and is funded through the White Earth

Tribal Health Division. EWP’s mission is to promote better health by providing accurate and culturally sensitive

nutrition, physical fitness, and health information with a focus on those with the greatest need.

Here are some serviced offered to elders:

»» Congregate meals

»» Home delivered meals

»» Nutrition education

»» Nutrition counseling

»» Information and referral services

»» Social events

»» Employment opportunities

»» Exercise sessions

»» Transportation

* Elder meals: EWP serves meals to elders every week day at designated EWP sites. Meals are free for elders 55+

and their spouses with a suggested elder donation of $4; anyone else can purchase a meal for $6. Lunch is usually

served from 11:30am–12:30pm.

* Home delivery: If an elder is in need of a home delivered meal, they will receive an assessment by the White

Earth Home Health Agency or the Long Term Care team to determine eligibility. Elders who are eligible for home

delivered meals are:

»» Homebound without transportation or a caretaker to prepare nutritious meals for them

»» Must have a medical condition that makes them unable to attend a Congregate dining site

»» Residing within our service area

Elderly Wellness Program Contact Information

ELBOW LAKE: Pat Kubat, Site Controller

Phone: 218-734-2315

E-mail: Patricia.Kubat@whiteearth-nsn.gov

Office: Danielle Sutherland, Nutrition Coordinator

Phone: 218-983-3286, EX 1274

E-mail: Danielle.Sutherland@whiteearth-nsn.gov

NAYTAHWAUSH: Tim Rindahl, Site Supervisor

Phone: 218-934-5554, EX 3237 or 3238

E-mail: Tim.Rindahl@whiteearth-nsn.gov

RTC Dining Cook/ON-CALL Aide: CINDY BEMENT

Phone: 218-983-3285 ext. 5226

PINE POINT: Angie Clark, Interim -Site Supervisor

Phone: 218-573-2210

E-mail: Angela.Clark@whiteearth-nsn.gov

RICE LAKE: Sherry Halberg, Site Supervisorl

Phone: 218-694-2795 or ext. 6357

E-mail: Sherry.Halberg@whiteearth.com

WHITE EARTH: Will McArthur, Interim-Site Supervisor

Phone: 218-983-3744, (C) 218-849-9761

E-mail: William.McArthur@whiteearth-nsn.gov

ELDERS

Elder Wellness Admin Office

Address: White Earth Health Division, Elder Wellness

Program

26246 Crane Rd

White Earth, MN 56591

Mailing Address - All EWP sites

Elderly Wellness Program

P.O. Box 327

White Earth, MN 56591

Elder Events in Fiscal Year 2018

Around 400 elders, spouses, and caregivers attended the 2017 Annual Christmas Celebration held Dec. 7 at Shooting Star Casino.

Over 350 elders attended the White Earth Elders annual Summer Picnic on July 27 at Waubun City Park. Elders could

visit resource booths, enjoy a picnic-style lunch, play bingo, and win door prizes. Several White Earth programs helped

prepare and serve the food, along with several area youth.

The annual Take an Elder Fishing was held Aug. 9 at Little Elbow Lake Park. Several elders attended and were able to fish,

catch some sun, and take home prepared fish.

Elders Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

The White Earth Council of Elders recently honored Geraldine Bugg, left,

and Rose Anderson, right, with a Lifetime Achievement Award during

a party at Biimaadiiziiwiin in White Earth. Rose, 95, and Geraldine, 85,

combine for 180 years of experience and wisdom.

YOUTH

Pine Point Students Shine at 10th Annual White Earth

American Indian Regional Science Fair

This year was the 10th anniversary of the White Earth Indian Science Fair held Dec.

8 at Circle of Life Academy. Pine Point School brought home the top five projects.

Seventy students from three schools participated in this year’s science fair.

Thirty-six projects were displayed on subjects ranging from “Volcanoes,” “Folding

Paper Airplanes,” to “Bouncy Eggs,” to name a few. The science fair targeted all

students from the 4th through 8th grades and was supported with funds from the

University of Minnesota Extension 4-H and American Indian Science and Engineering

Society (AISES) Northstar Chapter and CTL Resources from Hayward, Wis.

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Students in each grade were encouraged to develop a science fair exhibit with help from their teachers, after school

staff, families, or friends and present it on a poster board. They needed to think through the process of how to ask a

testable question and then figure out how to come up with a way to solve the problem. At the science fair, students had

to stand next to their poster and explain their study to four separate judges who score them on the content and quality

of their poster and their ability to get the message across in a short period of time. American Indian culture was also

encouraged in the discussion.

Students Participate in Recycling Projects

Students at the Naytahwaush Community Charter School have

been participating in recycling projects for a service learning

project. One of the projects included saving pop tabs for the

Ronald McDonald House. Students saved 40 pounds of pop

tabs. It takes approximately 1,267 tabs to make a pound, so the

students discovered they have recycled approximately over 50,000

tabs! The tabs will be taken to the nearest Ronald McDonald

House in honor of a local family.

Rez Youth Help Sort Seeds to be Used in

Reservation Gardens

Early in 2018, the White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP)

received a project grant from the Food, Farm, and Communications

Fund. The goal of the grant is to increase and strengthen the link

between where our local foods come from and the producers and

growers of those foods. One of the shortest and most direst ways

to do that is to start with individuals and families who grow their

own gardens here on the White Earth Reservation. The WELRP

collaborated with the Boys and Girls Club of the White Earth

Reservation to package and distribute approximately 44 different

types of garden seeds that are most commonly grown in this area.

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NCCS Robotics Teams Rock in Sectional Tourney

The Naytahwaush Community Charter School’s Robotics Teams did very well at the First Lego League Sectional

Tournament in Northolm, Minn. Of the 22 teams represented, Naytahwaush brought home silver and bronze medals.

The fifth grade team placed near the top of their division with a Robot Performance Award. Students are already

planning their robot designs and projects for next year’s competition.

Second Annual #treatyo’self Youth Event

The second annual #treatyo’self Youth Event was held June 20 at Pine Point School. Students from grades 6-12 were

invited to the event, which featured hair cuts, manicures, mud pit, Ninja course, photo booth, live DJ, and much more.

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White Earth Reservation Boys & Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Clubs of White Earth Reservation have had a fantastic fiscal year 2018. While serving approximately

40,770 meals, going on field trips to places like Skyzone and the Headwaters, and holding their first ever pow wow in

Pine Point, our youth have been busy! Here are a few more highlights from this past year:

»» Orphaned Starfish Foundation donates $21,000 to create a computer lab at the

Mahnomen Boys & Girls Club

»» White Earth Boys & Girls Club youth spent the day at the Minnesota State Capitol

taking part in a legislative session where they were acknowledged by applause

from the floor

»» Mahnomen Boys & Girls Club staff held a toy bingo fund raiser netting $10,000 to

be used to support youth field trips and program supplies

»» Youth attend the Lieutenant Governor Forum at St. Paul Boys and Girls Club in

honor of Peggie Flanigan and Donna Bergstrom

»» Eight Youth spent the week at the Close-Up event in Washington DC to learn

more about the government and how to use their voice to help support the communities in which they live

»» Callaway and Rice Lake youth were nominated and received the Outstanding Youth award at the American

Indian Mental Health Conference held at the Shooting Star Casino

»» The Boys & Girls Club was awarded the TRAIL Grant which supports diabetes education at clubs

»» The Boys & Girls Club held bike rodeos in partnership with White Earth Police Department

»» Gizhiigin Arts Incubator received $5,435 to produce Seven Values Community Mural in collaboration with

Mahnomen Boys and Girls Club

Human Resources Employment Highlights

In 2017, White Earth headquarters employed 1,033 staff, with 503 being White Earth enrolled and 92 being descendants. In contrast,

during 2018, White Earth employed 1,117 employees with 537 being White Earth enrolled and 93 being descendants. The tribal

government also went from having 922 full-time employees in 2017, to 978 full-time staff members in 2018. As White Earth Reservation

continues to grow, so do our employment numbers!

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White Earth Enrolled–49%

White Earth Descendant–9%

MCT Enrolled–2%

Enrolled in Other Tribes–7%

Non-enrolled–33%

White Earth Enrolled–48%

White Earth Descendant–8%

MCT Enrolled–3%

Enrolled in Other Tribes–8%

Non-enrolled–33%

White Earth Child Support

MOMS Program

With collaboration between the state of Minnesota and

White Earth Nation Child Support (WENCS), WENCS worked

with non-custodial parents (NCP) and set up payment plan

agreements to help elevate past due support owed to the

state. For fiscal year 2018, WENCS was able to write off

$28,573.59 across multiple NCP cases where debt was owed

to Minnesota.

The MOMS Program helps pregnant and postpartum

moms and their partners struggling with opioid addiction

by offering holistic healing treatment in a nonjudgmental

setting. Services include outpatient substance abuse

treatment, mental health treatment, cultural healing,

medication assisted treatment, pregnancy, and

postpartum case management and education.

Performance Measures FY 2018:

»» There were 1,577 cases opened at any time during the

fiscal year; of those 1,577 cases, we have a support order

on 1,159 at a percentage of 73% of cases established with

an order, a 7% increase from FY 2017

»» At the end of FY 2018, WENCS had 1,148 opened cases,

serviced 969 active custodial parents, 1152 active noncustodial parents, and 1,722 active children within their

case load

»» There were 1,437 children needing paternity established

in cases open anytime during fiscal year, with 1,265 cases

of paternity concluded; paternity established at 88%

»» $686,539.54 was collected in FY 2018, increasing our

total collections by $73,411.87; WENCS collected 69% of

current collections due

»» Past-due support collected for 2018 is $58,387.12.

»» WENCS increased total collections by over $75,000.00

»» MOMS Program served over 70 women in FY2018

»» In FY 2018, there were 23 graduates who were

employed full-time as Substance Abuse counselors,

counselor aides, peer support, intake, reception,

security, and parent helpers

»» 32 successful graduates; four parent couple graduates;

90%+ retention rate long term

»» 31/32 graduates had long-term sobriety of over three

years

»» By FY 2018, 42 children who were previously in foster

care prior to the parent starting the MOMS Program

were successfully reunited

»» 42 children remained at home and never entered into

foster care due to the MOMS program and Giizhawaaso

program

»» In FY 2018, the MOMS Program was awarded

the Minnesota Department of Human Services

Commissioners Circle of Excellence Award

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White Earth Public Transit

It has been a very busy and productive year for White Earth Public Transit.

Through the competitive grant process, Transit was awarded funds to purchase

two new buses; one of those buses is propane fueled, which lowers greenhouse

gases. Through the same grant, Transit was able to covert two gasoline powered

buses to Bi-Fuel (propane and gasoline).

Inside the coach, Transit has added 32in TV monitors and, with the help of the

IT department and Marketing & Communications, we implemented the Reach

Communications system to allow passengers new updates and happenings from

around the reservation.

White Earth Public Transit driver Clarence Skala won the 2018 Operator of the

Year award from the Minnesota Public Transit Association; this is the second

award Transit has won. White Earth Public Transit continues to be innovators and

set new standards for the rural and tribal transit Industry. Thanks for riding with

us in FY 2018!

In 2018 White Earth Public Transit

added two bike racks to all of its

buses to help keep their clients

mobile and to promote a healthy

and active lifestyle.

DNA Testing

On May 1, 2018, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe entered into an agreement with LabCorp Identity Testing to provide genetic

parentage testing services (DNA). This agreement, supported by Tribal Executive Committee Resolution No. 54-18, offers a

low cost option for DNA testing (specimen collection and laboratory services). This agreement also provides the Minnesota

Chippewa Tribe and the Enrollment Review Committee the capability to utilize DNA test results for the purposes of determining

paternity/maternity for enrollment. In FY 2018, there was a total of six (6) DNA requests received and processed.

White Earth Water & Sewer

Water & Sewer’s goal is to provide continuously safe drinking water

to our tribal communities, in accordance with the Federal Safe

Drinking Water Act. The tribe’s community water systems produces

approximately 190,000 gallons of water per day; this includes White

Earth, Naytahwaush, Rice Lake, Pine Point, Elbow Lake, and the

Chippewa Ranch. The community systems also provide continuous

wastewater service to ensure public safety as well contributing to a

clean environment in five tribal communities. All community systems

maintain compliance with the United States EPA, and our employees are

licensed drinking water operators as well as wastewater operators. The

department is also excited that construction of a new 250,000-gallon

tank in Naytahwaush has begun and will be completed in 2019.

Our department also serves residential wells and septic systems with repair calls, pumping tanks, and various winter

services (i.e. thawing frozen lines). During the construction season, employees build residential septic systems and

excavate water lines to clean drinking water wells for tribal home owners. Beyond septic work, Water & Sewer also

handles and coordinates elder snow plowing and lawn mowing throughout the reservation.

LIGHTS

HEADQUARTER HIGHLIG

White Earth Public Health Services

White Earth Public Health continues to grow their services for the reservation.

Here are some highlights from FY 2018:

»» There were 17,769 visits to our five fitness centers located on the reservation

in the communities of White Earth, Mahnomen, Rice Lake, and Naytahwaush.

»» We provided a new service to our Tribal Public Health Podiatry Clinic: AnkleBrachial Index (ABI) which is a procedure provided in the Health Division

podiatry clinic, Mobile Unit Podiatry Clinic, and at the homes of clients. ABI

checks clients for peripheral artery disease which can be heightened for

clients with diabetes.

»» White Earth Coordination, Assessment, Resources, and Education (WECARE)

received the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services Circle

of Excellence Award. WECARE is a two-generational data-based program

which engages the client and child in a meaningful way in the development of their own case management plan.

WECARE’s computerized system provides an efficient and effective way to link families to services they need.

»» Public Health received the Public Health Accreditation grant which will move White Earth Public Health towards

Public Health Accreditation. The goal of Public Health Accreditation is to improve and protect the public’s health by

advancing the quality and performance of Tribal Public Health Departments and their programs. Currently, there

are only two tribes in the United States that have achieved this honor.

Enrollment Numbers in FY 2018

White Earth Fleet Department

Total Enrolled Members: 18,109

New Enrolled Members: 114 (age 0+)

Deaths (reported): 275

Band Transfers: 16 (White Earth to Leech Lake or Bois Forte)

Relinquishments: 7 (to outside MCT)

Descendant certifications: 260

Enrollment Cards: 1,000

During FY 2018, Fleet had a very successful year with

1,277 customers. Beyond public need, Fleet also

maintains White Earth GSA vehicles, Transit buses,

Maintenance vehicles, and much more for all RBC

programs. With their two Department of Transportation

employees and newly added tools, Fleet is even more

prepared to serve the community in FY 2019!

White Earth Conservation Law Enforcement Department

The law enforcement section consists of five full-time Conservation Officers (CO), one Chief CO, and four field

officers. All officers are assigned to enforce and protect the Indian Hunting and Fishing Treaty Rights on White Earth

Reservation. The vastness of the area presents numerous challenges for the enforcement of Conservation regulations.

Conservation is in charge of the regulation and monitoring of game limits, seasons, and illegal activities. These

activities are regulated under the White Earth Reservation Conservation and Environmental Codes. Some activities

regulated are limits in hunting, fishing, netting, leeching, spearing, trapping, and wild rice harvesting.

The White Earth Reservation encompasses 1,296 square miles. This includes 530 lakes, 300 miles of rivers and streams,

951 miles of county, State, Federal, BIA roads (not including logging roads and trails), and 1,500 miles of snowmobile

trails.

LIGHTS

Environmental Program

Land Office is Making an Impact

The Environmental Program has had a great year of

success and growth. In FY 2018 we were able to distribute

radon tests and provided instruction on how to properly

sample for radon. Test results were compiled and reported

to the U.S. EPA. Furthermore, we were able to provide

radon education to tribal members at various functions.

The White Earth Land Office continues to dive into records

finding approximately 2,700 acres of land that has been

identified and should be titled to White Earth Reservation.

The White Earth Land Office is working to correct the titles

and return of those acres.

The Environmental Program was also able to collaborate

with the White Earth Solid Waste Transfer Station and

Becker County on the purchase of cardboard recycling

bins. Additionally, with the help of the Hill Murray student

group, we constructed compost bins for local areas.

In addition to finding lost land, the Land department

purchased 1,319 acres of land for Natural Resource use;

including hunting, gathering, and forestry management.

Furthermore, 324 acres were bought for the White Earth

Behavioral Health Services and Men’s Acute Care Program.

White Earth Family Care Services also purchased property

located near Strawberry Lake.

Soaring to Success, Maadaadizi Workforce Center

White Earth Maadaadizi Workforce Center has a variety of programs to empower participants who want to reach

their employment and training goals and work towards self sufficiency. In FY 2018, Maadaadizi Workforce Center

served 1,015 unduplicated participants. Through the Workforce Center, multiple trainings were offered (CDL,

welding, construction-related, PCA, etc.) which continue to increase their involvement with constituents on White

Earth Reservation. Beyond training, the center also assists with career interest assessments, job searches, access to

computer labs, financial literacy, and much more. Stop in today and see how the Workforce Center can help you!

Water Resources

White Earth Water Resources staff worked on and completed a

multitude of projects in FY 2018. Some of the projects include:

climate change, recycling, shore land improvements, aquatic

invasive monitoring, and many more.

Here are some specific highlights:

Walleyes stocked:

»» 93,500 two-inch walleyes stock in 2018

»» 91,000 walleye fingerlings stocked in 2018

Sturgeons stocked:

»» White Lake: 2,059 seven to eight Inch fish

»» Round Lake: 1,835 six to seven inch fish

»» Wild Rice River: 5,218 six to eight inch fish

Aquatic invasive species monitoring for Zebra Mussels:

»» 125 lakes/ponds surveyed in the tri-county area

»» Co-operation with Mahnomen County, NRCS, and MN DNR

The Wildlife Program had a successful fiscal

year. There were able to: plant eight acres of

Pollinator Prairie planting, mow 100 acres of

brush encroachment on prairie management

areas, repair culvert structure on Mosquito

Creek access road, band 213 ducks, and check

and maintained 127 Wood Duck nesting boxes

with a 47% success rate.

Economic Development: Continuing Our Growth

Economic Development has continued to focus on business development with the Integrated Business Development

System (IBDS). IBDS is fully functioning with continued funding from the State of Minnesota Department of Employment

and Economic Development until June of 2020. Economic Development is also working in conjunction with the

County of Mahnomen, the city and townships within Mahnomen County, and the Headwaters Regional Development

Commission (HRDC) as an Economic Development Authority (EDA). This “Greater Mahnomen EDA” will target tourism

enhancement and increasing the housing stock as two main issues of interest to our region.

Other projects Economic Development are working on are the Gizhiigin Art Accelerator and clean energy. Gizhiigin Art

Accelerator continues to secure funding for assisting artistic entrepreneurs and assisting with developing new artists.

White Earth continues to pursue and implement it’s clean energy strategy and the 750 Kilo Watt (KW) wind turbine is

now functioning at full capacity and will be commissioned this upcoming year.

Continuing good work, White Earth Grants department was successful in receiving over $8.1 million in awards for the

year (this does not include all automated grants or grant carryover from previous years). Grant Writers work with many

programs in securing an array of government and foundation support for projects and services.

White Earth Ambulance

White Earth LIFE Program

During FY 2018, the White Earth Ambulance, along

with the Naytahwaush Ambulance, responded to 960

calls for service. Currently there are 21 staff members

employed with four full-time paramedics, three part-time

paramedics, 10 full time EMTs, and four part-time EMTs.

The main ambulance base is in White Earth, but a satellite

station is located in Naytahwaush.

The LIFE Program continues to grow and provide services

across the reservation. Here is a snapshot of some of our

accomplishments:

»» Services were provided to 143 Families and 172 Children

»» 1,418 immunizations provided; 386 for children 0-18 &

1,032 for adults

»» Services provided to 250 clients

»» 11,233 completed home care visits

»» 560 clients provided an annual assessment and

6-month contact

»» 150 Individuals provided with a Life Line phone

»» 2.200 meals provided each month (includes meals at

all ENP sites and home delivered meals)

Wild Rice

White Earth Food Sovereignty shows off their White Earth

Mobile Market while serving community members healthy

foods like bison burgers, strawberry honey tea, smoothies,

and more during a local pow wow. The White Earth Food

Sovereignty Initiative helps bring together and organize

community-driven efforts that aid in establishing a

sustainable and sovereign food system based in traditional

methods of planting, gathering, harvest, hunting, and

fishing protected by tribal policy.

2018 was a successful year for the White Earth Wild Rice

program. In total, the RBC purchased 109,791 pounds

of green rice; 90,000 pounds of green rice alone was

harvested on Lower Rice Lake. Unlike wild rice producing

waters throughout the State of Minnesota, our area lakes

were not impacted by the summer hail storms.

Natural Resources was able to seed 2,500 lbs total in the

following lakes: Net Lake, McCraney Lake, Rat Lake, and

Big Rock Lake.

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Tribal Historic Preservation Department

The Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) continued the process

of locating, organizing, repairing and photographing items that are

part of tribal archives. The goal is for cultural heritage items of White

Earth to be more accessible and properly cared for. Here are some of

our achievements in FY 2018: photographing half of the known artifacts

and cultural items in the White Earth archives, locating cultural and

historical resources from White Earth that are currently part of museums

and collections across the country and world, recording oral histories from White Earth elders, document cultural

resources locations for our internal use, and utilizing the Tribal Digital Stewardship Cohort Program offered to White

Earth through Washington State University Libraries Pullman.

White Earth Harm Reduction

White Earth Cultural Program

White Earth Reservation has taken an active stand on

the war against opioids. With support from tribal leaders

and community members, White Earth Harm Reduction

continues to lead efforts regionally and nationally to

coordinate the roles of public safety and all health programs

to shift the fundamental approach of the opioid epidemic.

In White Earth alone in 2018, there were 228 naloxone

rescuers trained (most of these were by group/class

training and trainer teams often included a harm-reduction

trainer). There were also 31 successful naloxone saves by

ambulance or first responder staff.

The Cultural Division is committed to providing access

to Anishinaabe traditional healing methods and

wellness activities. The Cultural Division understands

the widespread impact of trauma and is committed

to providing a solid cultural foundation that creates

paths to wellness. The Cultural Division offers several

types of healing ceremonies and wellness activities

to all RBC staff, clients, and community members.

Every one of us have been given a gift from the Creator

and our ceremonies, our stories, our medicines, and

our teachings are the key to unlocking the traditional

knowledge within each individual’s journey.

Agricultural Program

Resource & Supportive Services

The Agriculture Program had an extremely busy fiscal year

and completed a multitude of projects. Here is a snapshot

of some of our accomplishments:

Resource and Supportive Services has had a busy and

successful fiscal year in their various programs, especially

Constituents, Homeless, and Energy Assistance and

Weatherization programs. Through the Resource and

Supportive Services Constituents Program, they have

provided assistance for medical appointments to almost

1,700 individuals and helped with funeral donation

requests to the 161 enrolled members lost during this fiscal

year. The Homeless Program served 212 households in FY

2018 and they also received a $1.4 million grant to provide

services to homeless youth in our region. Energy Assistance

and Weatherization provided upkeep and repair services to

45 homes (furnace or water heater repair) and assistance to

942 households (utility assistance or furnace repair) during

last year’s heating season.

»» Tilled over 50 community gardens for tribal members

»» Built raised garden beds for future distribution

»» Assisted with the White Earth Farmers’ Market

»» Utilized grant funding from Good Food Access

Program to secure aid in our Mobile Market and to

purchase various tools/items for food goods

»» Constructed a 20’x36’ greenhouse for growing starter

plants for the 2019 crop year

»» Planted and studied six varieties of corn in

conjunction with Iowa State University

»» Planted approximately 10 acres of hemp for research

LIGHTS

White Earth Sanitation

White Earth Sanitation is a reservation-owned entity that

picks up trash for an average of 1,700 customers weekly.

The Waubun transfer station is open M-F 8am-4:30pm

and Saturdays 8am-noon.

Satellite stations:

Rice Lake – Monday 8am-4:30pm

Naytahwaush – Tuesday 8am-4:30pm

Elbow Lake – Wednesday 8am-4:30pm

White Earth – Thursday 8am-4:30pm

Pine Point – Friday 9am-4:30pm

Sanitation purchased 20 cardboard

dumpsters spring of 2018 and a baler.

ENTERPRISES

White Earth Enterprise Building

Before and after photos of the White Earth Enterprise building. Enterprises completed the new

addition for White Earth Business Products and renovated the kitchen and bathroom for staff.

Business Products has over 25,000 office supply items and can assist you in creating custom apparel

and promotional items. Stop in today to check out the changes!

White Earth Builders

White Earth Builders was created in 2001 and

constructs buildings/structures on and off White

Earth Reservation. White Earth Builders was able

to complete a variety of projects during fiscal

year 2018:

»» Mahnomen Head Start

»» Rice Lake Community Center Addition

»» Rice Lake Community Center Kitchen

Remodel

»» White Earth Foods Remodel (Food

Distribution)

»» Shooting Star Casino Buffet Remodel

»» Naytahwaush MOMS-MAT modular office

»» White Earth Enterprise Remodel

»» Naytahwaush Child Advocacy Center

PUBLIC SAFETY

2018 Calls for Service Information

2018 Motor Vehicle Statistics

Within the White Earth Reservation boundaries,

there were 19,412 calls for service. White Earth Public

Safety responded to 15,521 or 75%* of those calls.

Issued permits, plates, etc.

Total

Vehicles seized: 11

Firearms off the streets: 27

Amount of drug arrests: 131

Identification cards 1,273

Natural Resource Permits 1,813

Deer tags 1,948

Commercial Leech and Minnow Permit

112

Canine registrations 44

Seasonal Use Permits 54

Balsam Permits

Numerical plates issued 658

Tax exempt plates issued

Veteran plates issued 29

Motor Cycle plates issued

Utility Trailer plates issued

Large Trailer plates issued

RV plates issued 27

Lifetime trailer sticker 35

Recreational vehicle registrations

127

Vehicle tab renewals 4,105

Anonymous Tip Line: 1-877-410-8550

Revenue total $147,910.75

42 marijuana plants seized

$63,000

7.5kg processed marijuana

$ 51,282

10g cocaine $1,090

132g methamphetamine

$12,672

75g heroin $15,900

10 dosage units hallucinogens

$180

1g butane hash oil

$59

Pharmaceuticals $3,864

Total street value

$148,047

*Other emergency services responded to the remainder.

Public Safety holding IMPACT Picnics

White Earth Public Safety joined forces with the IMPACT Coalition which discusses and acts on ways to combat the opioid

epidemic in Polk, Norman, and Mahnomen Counties. This new committee gathered a group of people and conducted

picnics that held a learning component. During the picnics, local community members were able to gather and receive

information and education materials about combating drug abuse in a safe, family setting. The coalition partnered

with a variety of different agencies like United Valley Bank in Mahnomen and White Earth government programs to host

an expo to offer people resources regarding drug abuse and treatment, including Narcan training, Narcan kits, and

Harm Reduction services. Other services offered were: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health, and Civil

Commitments. IMPACT picnics were held in the communities of Mahnomen, White Earth, Naytahwaush, Pine Point, and

Rice Lake. Roughly 1,497 total people attended the six events.

White Earth Reservation Business Committee

Fiscal Year 2018 Financial Overview

White Earth Nation continues to grow and expand as we increase the resources we offer our tribal members through

programs and services. With an expenditure increase from $88.2 million in 2017 to $99.5 million in 2018, we have

invested more revenue into community service efforts, culture and recreation, conservation of natural resources,

human services, education, and health services. Increasing our spending in these areas will invest in future generations

and will protect our resources.

Total tribal expenditures is comprised of two different funding sources: general fund and other funding sources. The

general fund consists of income from gaming revenue, cigarette tax, and sales tax as allocated by the Reservation Business

Committee. Other funding sources is composed of grants and third party billing revenues. Both grants and third party billing

provide White Earth Reservation the ability to expand on services, advanced programing, and innovative care. With the

expansion of other funding sources, employment opportunities have grown.

In fiscal year 2018, out of the $99.5 million of total expenditures spent, over $58.4 million was designated for payroll

and benefits for the tribal government. This number is further explained when coupled with the figures and data found

on our Human Resources highlights on page 15. When payroll and benefits from Shooting Star Casinos Mahnomen and

Bagley are combined with the tribal government total, employment expenditures increased by $35 million totaling over

$93.4 million annually for both entities.

Tribal Government Areas

Community Service FY2017

Community Service FY2018

Culture & Recreation FY2017

Culture & Recreation FY2018

Economic Development FY2017

Economic Development FY2018

Transportation FY2017

Transportation FY2018

General

Fund

$854,866

$1,179,257

$2,000,818

$2,382,685

$172,695

$170,910

Other

Funding

Sources

Total Tribal

Expenditures

$529,168

$672,251

$181,288

$153,467

$3,566,014

$3,000,275

$854,866

$1,179,257

$2,529,986

$3,054,936

$353,983

$324,377

$3,576,102

$3,140,804

Conservation of Natural Resources FY2017

Conservation of Natural Resources FY2018

$10,088

$140,529

$1,379,111 $2,137,166

$1,717,416 $2,557,774

Public Safety FY2017

Public Safety FY2018

Human Services FY2017

Human Services FY2018

Education FY2017

Education FY2018

Health Services FY2017

Health Services FY2018

General Government FY2017

General Government FY2018

$2,920,269

$2,796,718

$1,313,599

$2,008,558

$38,169

$414,005

$1,770,832

$2,151,512

$7,231,318

$8,198,403

Totals for Fiscal Year 2017

Totals for Fiscal Year 2018

$3,516,277

$4,275,190

$768,505

$869,057

$29,053,647

$35,629,825

$9,900,357

$10,267,696

$18,302,343

$21,957,046

$6,119,378

$3,255,271

$3,688,774

$3,665,775

$30,367,246

$37,638,383

$9,938,526

$10,681,701

$20,073,175

$24,108,558

$13,350,696

$11,453,674

$17,691,765 $70,557,866

$21,159,993 $78,362,662

$88,249,631

$99,522,655

FINANCIALS

FY 18 & FY 19 Audits

Audits are used to examine organizations to ensure their finances are in accordance with federal and internal

guidelines. The White Earth Reservation Business Committee (WERBC) authorized resolution #001-19-002 which would

allow audit expenditures up to $250,000 by auditing five areas.

»» Fiscal Year 2018: the general audits conducted in 2017-2018 were for the WERBC, Shooting Star Casino, Housing,

White Earth Tribal and Community College, and White Earth Enterprises. All five audits resulted in no major

discrepancies listed.

»» Fiscal Year 2019: five initial special audits were requested for Star Lake Casino, Bagley Casino, culture fund, micro

loan program, and BIA roads. A sixth audit was requested for Circle of Life Academy (COLA). Results are still pending

for the audits listed.

As White Earth looks into financial matters, the WERBC will use transparency to inform the public of all findings.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures are categorized as funds used for an organization’s fixed assets like land, buildings, equipment,

etc. For fiscal year 2018, total capital expenditures were $13.8 million with major projects costing:

»» Mahnomen Head Start; project cost $974,000

»» Congregate Housing phase 2; project cost $840,000

»» Naytahwaush Drum Hall; project cost $642,000

»» Child Advocacy Center; project cost $375,000

»» WE Tribal Health Building remodel; project cost $168,000

»» WE Family Office Cass Lake remodel; project cost $100,000

»» WE Food Distribution remodel; project cost $144,000

»» WE Enterprises remodel/addition; project cost $289,000

Shooting Star Casinos Mahnomen & Bagley Fiscal Year 2018 Financial Review

SSC revenue

Operating expenses

Operating income

Non-operating revenue (expenses)

Net income

Fiscal Year 2018

$102,678,967

$93,466,288

$9,212,679

($5,149,387)

$3,793,292

Fiscal Year 2017

$103,070,835

$93,544,940,

$9,525,895

$170,580

$9,696,475

Fiscal Year 2016

$96,712,379

$87,829,221

$8,883,158,

$179,577

$9,062,735

Fiscal Year 2015

$91,609,704

$85,075,418

$6,534,286

$129,643

$6,663,929

EBITA

Payroll & fringe benefits

$12,158,340

$34,971,261

$18,340,349

$34,955,367

$15,926,577

$33,031,058

$13,356,160

$32,342,989

»» Mahnomen Casino: Shooting Star Casino Mahnomen had a total revenue of $94.7 million with a total expenditure of

$ 91.9 million generating a net income of $2.8 million.

»» Bagley Casino: Shooting Star Casino Bagley had a total revenue of $8 million with a total expenditure of $7 million

creating a net income of $1 million.

»» Star Lake Casino: the discontinued Shooting Star Casino Star Lake project cost $9.4 million. These expenses were

attributed to land purchases, electrical utilities, architect fees, engineering fees, contractor fees, soil testing, and

loan procurement consulting fees.

You won’t be forgotten...

Steven "Punky" W. Clark

June 17, 1953 - August 27, 2018

The White Earth Reservation Business Committee (WERBC) was deeply sadden over the unexpected passing of our

former Business Committee member and District I Representative Steven “Punky” Clark. Punky was a dedicated

member of White Earth Reservation who had such a passion for the community and constituents he served. Punky

will always be remembered as a kind soul who had a smile on his face and a joke on the tip of his tongue. Serving on

the WERBC from 2014 until 2018 as both our District I Representative and Vice Chairman, Punky was a huge supporter

of community involvement, helping others, and keeping our reservation safe from opioids and the pipeline.

During his time on the Business Committee, Punky was able to assist on a variety of projects, specifically:

»» White Earth Reservation Drug Task Force

»» Strengthening WERBC culture and traditional values

»» Shooting Star Casino Bagley

»» Rice Lake Community Center addition

»» Rice Lake Community Center kitchen remodel

»» White Earth Family Office in Cass Lake

Punky’s legacy does not stop with his passing; he was an important asset to his district and reservation, a great friend

and neighbor to many, a loving father and husband, and a man who enjoyed life. Punky was able to accomplish

much during his time serving on the Business Committee and for that his constituents are grateful. The WERBC

thanks Punky for his service and his hard work. It is never an easy day when we lose a member, much less a strong

community leader. Our thoughts are with Punky’s family and friends as they continue to heal from this devastating

loss. Chi-Miigwech for everything, Punky. You will dearly be missed.

–The White Earth Reservation Business Committee

Punky’s obituary

Punky was born in Minneapolis, MN on June 17, 1953 to Melvin Clark and Norma Almquist. He attended Nay Tah

Waush Elementary and graduated from Mahnomen High School in June of 1972. After graduation, Punky started

working doing drywall. He continued to do drywall work for much of his life, at one point operating his own

construction company, “Clark’s Construction.” He also worked for White Earth Housing Authority as a Housing

Inspector and as maintenance at the Nay Tah Waush Sports complex. In June of 2014, Punky was elected as the

District 1 Representative for the White Earth Tribal Council and served until July

2018 when he retired. He also served as President of the Bagley Youth Hockey

Association and as Chairman of Title VII Indian Education Committee in addition

to being a member of the White Earth Reservation Boys and Girls Club. Punky

also was a foster parent for many years.

Punky loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed watching hockey, traveling to his

kids’ football and hockey games, and was a passionate Minnesota Twins Fan.

Most of all, he loved his family and cherished his grandchildren. Baby Vada was

the light of his life and after retiring, he would watch her at his “Papa’s daycare.”

Punky was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He was so giving that

his family donated his corneas in hopes to help someone else see. He was a

good man with a wonderful sense of humor and a distinct laugh. He had a big

heart and was always joking and laughing to brighten anyone’s day. He will be

tremendously missed.

Programs and Services Directory

Behavioral Health

218-983-3286

Men’s Acute Care Facility

218-936-5830

Circle Back Center

218-983-3285 ext 6402

Mental Health

218-983-3286

Oshki Manidoo 218-751-6553

Substance Abuse

218-983-3286 ext 1297

Women’s Wellbriety Facility

218-751-6553 ext 6202

MOMs Program 218-936-2442

Urban MOMs Program

612-872-8208

MAT Program 218-983-3286

Urban MAT Program

612-872-8208

WESA 218-983-3286

Urban WESA 612-872-8208

Juvenile Wellness

218-983-3026

Indian Child Welfare

218-983-4647

Mental Health

218-983-3285 ext 1284

Dream Catcher Home Services

218-983-3011

Business Enterprises

White Earth Builders

218-473-2145

White Earth Building Supply

218-473-2145

White Earth Business Products

218-473-2146

White Earth Sanitation

218-473-3222

White Earth Market

218-936-3112

Compliance

218-935-2148

Economic Development

218-983-4640

Gizhiigin 218-936-3100

Education 218-983-4642

Circle of Life Academy

218-983-4180

Early Intervention Program

218-983-3285 ext 5306

Head Start

218-983-3285 ext 1353

MSUM/White Earth

University Program

218-983-3285 ext 5301

Scholarships 218-983-4642

White Earth Child Care

218-983-3285 ext 1380

Boys & Girls Clubs

Callaway 218-375-2220

Elbow Lake

218-734-2419

Mahnomen 218-936-6010

Naytahwaush 218-935-5554

Pine Point

218-573-3328

Rice Lake

218-694-3539

White Earth

218-983-3174

Energy Assistance Program

Enrollment & Vital Statistics

Finance

218-473-2711

218-983-4643

218-983-4645

Health

218-983-3286

Community Health

218-983-3286

Elderly Nutrition

218-983-3286 ext 1266

Diabetes Project

218-983-3286 ext 1356

Health Education

218-983-3286 ext 1356

White Earth Ambulance

218-983-3286 ext 1263

Human Resources

218-983-4646

Human Services

218-935-5554

DOVE 218-983-4656

Employment and Training

218-935-5554

Food Distribution

218-935-2233

Homeless Program

218-983-5554 ext 3263

Resource & Support

218-935-5554

Vocational Rehab

218-935-5554

Housing 218-473-4663

Judicial Services

Child Support Enforcement

218-983-4641

Court 218-983-4648

Legal 218-983-4649

Marketing & Communications

Creative Services

218-983-3285 ext 5907

General Communication Needs

218-983-3285 ext 5917

Public Relations/Newspaper

218-983-3285 ext 5903

Natural Resources

218-935-2488

Conservation 218-935-2578

Emergency Management

218-935-2488

Environmental Affairs

218-935-2488

Fisheries 218-573-3007

Forestry 218-935-5967

Invasive Species

218-935-2488

Land Office

218-983-4650

Pesticides 218-935-2488

Underground Storage Tanks

218-935-2488

Water Quality

218-935-2488

Wetlands/Prairie Restoration

218-935-2488 ext 2102

Wildlife

218-935-2488 ext 2102

Zoning/Land

218-983-3285 ext 5800

Public Works

218-983-3202

Fleet 218-983-3292

Transit 218-983-3283

Water & Sewer

218-983-3202

Veterans Service Office

218-983-3285 ext 5904

White Earth Land Settlement 218-751-6619

Weatherization Program

218-473-4663

White Earth Public Safety

218-983-4651

Crime and Elder Abuse Tip Line

877-410-8550

Dispatch 218-983-3263

White Earth Reservation

Business Committee

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 418

White Earth, MN 56591

www.whiteearth.com • www.facebook.com/WhiteEarthNation

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.