District III

April 2026 District 3 Report

As March comes to a close our community prepares to welcome the arrival of April and the sweet Sugarbush season. The days are getting longer and the sap is beginning to flow. It’s a season that brings us together, share stories and enjoy the gifts from mama akii- mother earth.

3-10 Tribal leaders and staff traveled to the Minnesota State Capital to meet with Minnesota state legislators to discuss key tribal priorities including the protection of wild rice, funding to support tribal communities and support for the rental assistance bill. These conversations focused on strengthening partnerships and ensuring that tribal perspectives are included in state policy discussions.

We attended the wild rice hearing for SF3749 a bill that would recognize the inherent right of wild rice to exist and flourish in Minnesota. The hearing
highlighted the cultural, environmental, and spiritual importance of wild rice to tribal nations and the need for protections that support its sustainability. We
attended environmental hearings regarding water permitting and the potential impacts on natural resources. These discussions emphasized the importance of responsible environmental stewardship and protecting water quality for future generations.

That evening, we attended the MCT Legislative Dinner, which brought together tribal leaders, tribal businesses, state legislators, state agency commissioners and tribal relations staff. The event provided an opportunity to build relationships, discuss shared priorities, and continue meaningful dialogue between tribal governments and state leadership.

3-12 I attended the annual Native American Youth Science and Engineering Fair at Pine Point School. Students in grade 4-8 from Pine Point School, Naytahwaush Community and Charter School, Red Lake, and Nay Ah Shing School showed off their science and engineering skills. Each project was graded by judges. Congratulations to all the students for participation and to the top six youth that placed and will be awarded with the trip to Disney World.

3-18 Congratulations to Alexis Lerud for being named the 2026 Boys and Girls Club of White Earth Youth of the Year. A celebration in her honor was held at the Shooting Star Casino Event Center. Alexis is a member of the Pine Point Club, one of eight Clubs throughout the reservation. She travelled to the Twin Cities and represent White Earth at the Minnesota Boys and Girls Clubs 2026 Youth of the
Year Competition on March 25. Each year I look forward to the Youth of the Year event.

3-25 I had the opportunity to join Boys & Girls Club staff and youth for the Minnesota Youth of the Year event held at the Minnesota Twins stadium. The
event started with a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium giving youth a look into a professional sports environment followed by a reception and the official
Youth of the Year selection for Minnesota.

This year’s Youth of the Year representative, a candidate from Central Minnesota was selected to advance to the national competition and was awarded a $20,000 scholarship. In addition, all participating youth received scholarship funding in recognition of their leadership and personal achievements. The event was a great celebration for our young leaders across the state.

I want to commend the youth for their participation. In order to be considered, youth completed an application, prepare a resume, write and memorize a speech and then confidently deliver that speech in front of an audience. Public speaking can be challenging! This experience will serve them well in many aspects of their lives.

3-26 Staff and youth continued their experience with a visit to the Minnesota State Capitol. During this visit they had the opportunity to meet with Governor Tim Walz and state legislators. Youth participants shared their personal stories, speaking to the impact that the Boys & Girls Club has had on their lives from providing safe spaces to opportunities. These conversations not only elevated youth voice but also created a space for connection with policy makers. It was an experience that encouraged young people to see themselves as leaders, advocates and changemakers within their communities.

Bison Update
Our White Earth Nation bison program continues to grow and strengthen as a vital component of our cultural and food sovereignty efforts. This past fall, we welcomed 45 surplus bison bringing our total herd to 55 animals. These bison are strategically housed at two separate locations to support herd health, breeding and harvest management. At our Mahnomen site, we currently care for 16 bison.
These animals are primarily males and are two years of age or older. This site supports our harvest operations, which are now entering their second year.

Beginning at the end of April, we will harvest two bison per month in partnership with B&T Meats for processing. The meat is distributed to the Naytahwaush Food Shelf and included in elder food boxes. In addition, a portion of the harvest is reserved for special community needs and events including powwows, fishing derbies, Earth Day gatherings, ceremonial use and gifts for dignitaries and honored guests. Planning is also underway for our second annual community traditional harvest, scheduled for 2026.

At the Spence pasture located between Makonce and Naytahwaush, we maintain our primary breeding herd of 39 bison. This herd currently includes two bulls, 14 adult females, 16 female yearlings and 7 calves born in 2025. Looking ahead, we anticipate approximately eight calves in 2026 with some already expected to be born in the spring around May. As part of our commitment to respecting the
natural behavior of the herd, these bison are managed as wild animals. We do not intervene in their reproductive processes allowing natural cycles to guide herd growth. Calving success can vary from year to year and it is uncommon for every adult female to produce a calf annually. This variability is a normal and important aspect of maintaining a healthy, resilient herd.

Miigwech

Contact information:
Laura Lee Erickson
laura.erickson@whiteearth-nsn.gov
Office: 218-935-6238
Cell: 218-401-1153
Facebook: VOTE LAURA LEE

Assistant for District 3
Tiffany Swiers
Office: 218-935-6235
Cell: 218-997-9124
tiffany.swiers@whiteearth-nsn.gov