# White Earth Band of Ojibwe (2018)

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aminn_chippewa_white_earth%3Ac5bf6c2ad11cda5b

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

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
IT

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

04

White Earth Hosts Minn. Senate
Investment Committee

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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.

06

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
18th year.

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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.
08

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

10

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.

12

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

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Human Resources Employment Highlights

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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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2017

2018
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

16

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

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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.

18

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

20

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
12
Numerical plates issued 658
Tax exempt plates issued
21
Veteran plates issued 29
Motor Cycle plates issued
10
Utility Trailer plates issued
10
Large Trailer plates issued
15
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.

22

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

$0
$0
$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.

24

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

26

© Copyright 2018 White Earth Reservation

White Earth Reservation
Business Committee
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 418
White Earth, MN 56591
www.whiteearth.com • www.facebook.com/WhiteEarthNation

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aminn_chippewa_white_earth%3Ac5bf6c2ad11cda5b. Public record. Not legal advice.