District II

October 2025 District 2 Report

Boozhoo Anishinaabe,
Road and Sidewalk Improvements
Clark Road improvements are underway, with the gravel portion on track for completion this fall and paving planned for spring 2026. Tribal DOT also secured Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) grant funding for three major shared-use
path and sidewalk projects designed to improve safety and accessibility:

• A shared-use path from Naytahwaush Clinic to
  the Sports Complex
• A shared-use path from College Road to
  Highway 59 in Mahnomen
• Sidewalks (and potential lighting upgrades) on
  Tower Street and New Circle Drive in Naytahwaush
  Surveying and design work will take place this fall and winter. Once complete, the Tribal Finance Contracting Department will oversee the bidding process for construction. These improvements are funded through MnDOT’s Safe Routes for All and Safe Routes to School grants.

Naytahwaush Fiber Internet Project Moving Forward
The Arvig fiber internet project in Naytahwaush is now in its full buildout phase. Materials are already on-site, and construction crews began under-ground work in mid-September.

Construction progress:
Arvig began drilling duct Wednesday, Sept. 17, continued Thursday, Sept. 18, and was only delayed by rain on Friday, Sept. 19. To date, 2,990 feet of duct have been placed in the ground.

Next Steps:
With no weather or unplanned interruptions, all duct installation should be complete
within 23 working days. The project includes 3.86 miles of fiber cable to plow and pull into the duct system. Cable placement and pulling are estimated to take an additional 12 working days after duct installation.

Target completion:
The mainline portion of the buildout is planned for completion the week of Nov. 10, weather permitting. Once finished, the project will deliver faster, more reliable internet service to the Naytahwaush community. Supporting education, healthcare, small
businesses, and future economic development opportunities on the reservation.

Back-to-School Events
As the school year kicked off, back-to-school events were hosted at Circle of Life Academy and Naytahwaush Charter School. Students received supplies, participated in fun activities, and even enjoyed free haircuts to start the year feeling confident and
supported.

Wild Rice Season Sets a Record
This year’s wild rice season yielded a record-breaking 320,699 pounds of manoomin. Despite patchy growth on Lower Rice Lake and varying ripening times across reservation lakes, the harvest stands as a historic high for the White Earth Nation. Miigwech to all the traditional harvesters whose dedication keeps this vital cultural practice alive for future generations.

Harvest Fest Powwow
This year’s Harvest Fest Powwow was a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and the changing seasons. Despite the rain, the powwow went on with strong attendance and lively spirit. Miigwech to the Powwow Committee, Community Council, and all the volunteers whose hard work and dedication made this year’s event a success.

ICWA Courts
White Earth leadership continues to meet with ICWA court judges, and State-Tribal partners to develop a comprehensive blueprint to improve Minnesota’s child protection system and prevent unnecessary entry of children and families into the system. Final recommendations are due January 2026.

Miigwech for your continued support and involvement.

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