District II

January 2026 District 2 Report

Boozhoo Anishinaabe,
Health and Safety Disbursement
At the November RBC meeting, a $300 Health and Safety disbursement for Tribal members was
approved. To qualify, applicants must be enrolled members of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and 18 years of age or older. Applications were accepted through Dec. 31, 2025.

RBC Christmas Party
The RBC Christmas Party was very well attended this year. Chi-Miigwech to all the employees who
attended and helped coordinate the event. The White Earth Nation now employs more than 2,100 employees, and that number continues to grow.

DHS Consultation
Tribal leaders and staff met this week to address several priorities affecting health care services and reimbursement for the White Earth Nation. The discussion centered on ensuring tribal programs can continue delivering behavioral health and recovery services while remaining compliant with state and federal Medicaid requirements.

Topics included Medicaid billing compliance, credentialing and licensing rules for tribal health
providers, and documentation standards for peer recovery support services. Participants also reviewed reimbursement timelines and rates for outpatient mental health services, including those provided in specialized treatment settings, as well as requirements under MinnesotaCare for submitting claims to managed care organizations.

The meeting also addressed telehealth policy, with a focus on reimbursement for audio-only services, which remain critical for serving patients in rural areas with limited broadband access. Tribal representatives emphasized the importance of clear guidance and fair reimbursement to support access to culturally appropriate, community based care.

USFWS Consultation
The White Earth Nation recently participated in a consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) regarding the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge. The Tribe is pursuing a larger role in managing portions of the refuge through a formal agreement with USFWS.

Using federal law that allows tribes to carry out certain governmental functions, the Nation is seeking authority and funding to help manage water resources including the protection of wild rice along with forestry, cultural, and visitor services. This effort is about strengthening Tribal stewardship, honoring cultural connections to the land, and building a long-term partnership that reflects the Tribe’s historical ties to the area.

Contacts
Eugene Sommers
Email: Eugene.Sommers@whiteearth-nsn.gov
Office Phone: 218-935-6250
Cell Phone: 218-396-9502

Christopher Vanwert Jr
Chrstopher.Vanwert@whiteearth-nsn.gov
Cell Phone: 218-850-2533