District II

March 2026 District 2 Report

Boozhoo Anishinaabe,
White Earth State Forest MOU
On Feb. 3, the White Earth Nation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the
State of Minnesota regarding the management of the White Earth State Forest. The signing took place at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.

The agreement allows the Tribe to formally collaborate with State agencies on forest management while establishing a pathway toward the long-term goal of returning the land to Tribal ownership and stewardship. The MOU represents a meaningful step forward in honoring Tribal sovereignty and advancing land back initiatives within ancestral territories.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education Consultation
On Feb. 13, the Reservation Business Committee (RBC) met with the Minnesota Office of
Higher Education for consultation on tribal education priorities. Discussion included the American Indian Scholars Waiver, with updates on the program and ongoing efforts with the Minnesota State system, funding allocation reductions impacting Tribal students, updates from the Minnesota P-20 Education Partnership, development of 2026 legislative priorities, review of new statewide higher education attainment goals following the conclusion of the 2015–2025 goal period, and discussion of the White Earth Tribal and Community College audit.

NCAI in Washington, D.C.
White Earth participated in the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) sessions in
Washington, D.C., engaging in federal advocacy and agency consultations.

Congressional Meetings
Meetings were held with the offices of Tina Smith, Amy Klobuchar, and Betty McCollum.
Discussions focused on infrastructure funding, environmental protections, and concerns related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minneapolis.

Boundary Waters Protection
The office of Tina Smith shared that they are opposing legislation that would open mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Protection of the Boundary Waters is important to the Tribe, as any contamination or pollution would directly impact wild rice harvesting and limit cultural access to these pristine waters and lands.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Consultation
White Earth met with Josh Coursey, Senior Advisor to the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. During the meeting, positive updates were shared regarding the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge MOU and ongoing collaboration between Federal and Tribal agencies.

A federal report expected in late May or early June will assess the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System to identify sites that may no longer align with federal missions. Tribal leaders view this as a timely opportunity for Tribes to assume management authority over local refuges and hatcheries, strengthening stewardship responsibilities and advancing Tribal self-governance.

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