Chairman

May 2026 Chairman's Report

Aaniin Boozhoo Gaa-waabaabiganikaag
Niminwendam Waabaminaan!

Zaagibagaa-giizis-Giizis!

Aaniish inaa akawe ninga-gaagiizomaag aadi-
zookaanag.

Weweni-sago-na

Greetings White Earth Nation I am Happy to See You!

It is already May!
Everyone Be Safe & Stay Safe,

Omagakiig gaye binesiiwag iwide agwajiing noongom! The frogs and birds are outside today! Ziigwan has finally sprung. As we all know when all the goon, snow has melted and the lakes and rivers wake up, it is then the time we cannot tell our sacred Creation Stories, aadizookaanag so, we must ask to borrow different ones from our local membership family stories or other tribe’s. So, this month I have one from our Haudenosaunee relatives this month.

In a large village where all nine clans lived together, each family kept its own longhouse, marked by a carved symbol above the doorway. One evening, an old man emerged from the forest and wandered into the village. He looked worn from travel—his clothes torn, his moccasins thin, his hair all snarled up. Hunger gnawed at him, and he hoped only for a warm place to rest and a little food.

He approached the first longhouse, where a wolf was carved above the door. He knocked, and the Wolf Clan Mother appeared. The old man asked gently for shelter and something to eat. She looked him over with disgust and snapped at him to leave, pulling a deerskin across the entrance.

He moved on to the next house, marked by a hawk. Before he could even speak, the Hawk Clan Mother drove him away, blocking her doorway with a stick. And so, it went from one longhouse to another the Deer Clan, the Beaver Clan, the Heron, the Snipe, the Eel each turned him away. Some mocked him, others simply shut him out. With every refusal, he bent lower, his steps slower, his hunger sharper.

At last, at the far edge of the village, he came upon a small, worn longhouse with a bear carved above the door. Smoke drifted from a single fire. With little hope left, he knocked.

The Bear Clan Mother opened the door and saw him clearly—his frailty, his hunger, his exhaustion. Her expression softened. “Grandfather,” she said, “you should not be out in the cold. Come inside and warm yourself.” She brought him in, sat him on her best furs, and offered what little food her family had—a bowl of corn soup, given freely.

When the old man asked why she would help a stranger, she answered simply: “It is what we are taught. We honor our elders and care for those who travel.” That night, as he slept, she quietly mended his worn moccasins.

In the morning, the old man awoke with a harsh cough. The Bear Clan Mother insisted he stay until he recovered. In return, he offered her a gift. He described a tree in the forest and asked her to bring back its leaves. She found it just as he said. He showed her how to make a tea, and when he drank it, his cough disappeared.
“Remember this,” he told her. “These leaves are medicine.”

The next day, he woke with a different ailment. Again, he guided her to a plant, and again she learned how to use it for healing. Day after day, this continued. Each illness brought a new lesson, each remedy a new piece of knowledge. She listened carefully and promised to remember and share what she learned.

After many days, the old man rose, fully well, ready to leave. Before he departed, she went to gather strawberries for his journey. But when she returned, she saw a brilliant light shining from her longhouse. Fearing fire—or worse—she rushed forward.

In the doorway stood a young man, glowing with a gentle radiance. As she trembled, he spoke calmly: “Do not be afraid. I am the Creator. I came to your
village in the form of that old man. I sought kindness, but only you welcomed me. Because you remembered your teachings, I have given you a gift—the knowledge of medicine.”

He told her to carry this knowledge to her people, to heal and to teach others.

From that day on, the Bear Clan became known for their understanding of medicine—a gift born from compassion, humility, and the simple act of welcoming a stranger.

The White Earth Nation General Election will be held on Tuesday, June 9 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. This issue of the Anishinaabeg Today includes articles from the top two candidates for the Secretary-Treasurer, District 1 and District 2 representative
positions. I encourage everyone to read carefully what each candidate has to say. Ask questions, and reflect before deciding who you feel will best represent you, your family, and our Nation.

This issue also contains important information on who can vote, polling locations, an absentee ballot request, and contact information if you have election
questions.

Early voting is currently open at the election office, located behind the Shooting Star Casino. They are open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. They will also be open for additional hours on Saturday, May 9 (Mother’s Day Powwow) from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m., May 25 (Memorial Day) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and June 6 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can reach the election office at 218-936-5622 or elec-
tionboard@whiteearth-nsn.gov

Current and updated election information will be shared through the White Earth website, White Earth Facebook page, the Anishinaabeg Today, and the election office. Also consider attending upcoming candidate forums in your area to help in making informed decisions.

Miigwech and thank you to everyone who takes the time to stay informed and getting involved, by casting your vote for the future of our Nation.

Chi-miigwech bizindawiyeg miinawaa anooj
ninda-gikinoo’amaadiwin,
Baamaapii wiingezin.
Miigwech bizindawiyeg.
Gigawaabamininim naagaj.
Take it easy.
Thank you for listening and continuing to learn together,
See you all later.
Chairman Michael Fairbanks