Elaine Fleming facts for kids

Elaine Fleming is an important leader who served as the mayor of Cass Lake, Minnesota. She was first elected to this role in 2003. Cass Lake is a small community, located within the lands of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation.

Fleming is also a professor at Leech Lake Tribal College. She made history by becoming the first Native American mayor of Cass Lake. She is part of the Green Party of Minnesota, which focuses on environmental protection and social justice. She also helped organize "Rock the Vote - Rez Style," encouraging young people to vote.

Protecting Her Community

Cass Lake was once a Superfund site. This means it was a place where chemicals were dumped by a company called St. Regis Paper Company, causing pollution. Elaine Fleming worked hard to address this issue. She spoke out about the pollution, calling it a serious problem for her community.

Becoming Mayor

Elaine Fleming was first elected mayor by a very close vote. She won her first term by just seven votes! For her second term, she was elected through a "write-in" campaign. This means people wrote her name on the ballot even though it wasn't printed there. She served two terms as mayor, finishing her time in office in 2006.

Helping Animals

Besides her work in politics and education, Elaine Fleming also cares deeply about animals. Since 2011, she has been involved in animal rescue efforts, helping animals in need.