Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe facts for kids
Members of a Leech Lake Ojibwe delegation to Washington, 1899
|
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 9,426 (2014) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 United States ( Minnesota) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Ojibwe | |
| Religion | |
| Midewiwin, Roman Catholicism, Methodism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other bands of Minnesota Chippewa and other Ojibwe people |
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is a group of Ojibwe people living in Minnesota. They are also known as the Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. In their own language, Ojibwe, they are called Gaa-zagaskwaajimekaag Ojibweg. This band is one of six groups that form the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. In 2014, there were over 9,400 members. Their home is the Leech Lake Indian Reservation, which has eleven communities organized into three main areas.
Contents
How the Leech Lake Band is Governed
The Leech Lake Band is part of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. This tribe also includes the Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Mille Lacs, and White Earth bands. The Leech Lake Band follows a special set of rules called a tribal constitution. This constitution was created after the Indian Reorganization Act in 1934.
The constitution set up a way for the band to govern itself. This government is run by a group called the "Reservation Tribal Council." This council has a chairperson, a secretary-treasurer, and three representatives. Each representative comes from one of the three main areas of the reservation. These leaders are chosen by the people in elections every four years. Their election times are spread out so not everyone is elected at once.
The current Tribal Council members are:
- Chairman Faron Jackson Sr.
- Secretary/Treasurer Leonard Fineday
- District I Representative Kyle Fairbanks
- District II Representative Steven White
- District III Representative LeRoy Staples-Fairbanks III
Community and Business Efforts
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe runs several businesses to help their community. They operate three casinos: Cedar Lakes Casino and Hotel in Cass Lake, Northern Lights in Walker, and White Oak in Deer River. The Cedar Lakes Casino Hotel opened in 2019, replacing the old Palace Casino and Hotel.
The Band also has a Business Development Division. This division runs the Che-We-Ka-E-Gon Complex in Cass Lake. This complex includes a convenience store, a gas station, a gift shop, and an office supply store. They also operate the Northern Lights Express, which is another gas station near the Northern Lights Casino.
Learning and Education
The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is very focused on education. They have started two important schools for their community. The Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School is open to all students from kindergarten through 12th grade. They also have the Leech Lake Tribal College, where students can earn associate degrees.
Like the Red Lake and White Earth Bands, the Leech Lake Band has a special tradition. They are known for singing hymns in the Ojibwe language.
Well-Known Leech Lake Band Members
Many people from the Leech Lake Band have become well-known for their work and contributions. Here are a few:
- Dennis Banks: He helped start the American Indian Movement and was a writer and advocate for Indigenous people.
- Skip Finn (1948–2018): He was a state senator and an Ojibwe attorney.
- Elaine Fleming: She was the first Anishinaabe mayor of Cass Lake, Minnesota. She also led the Arts and Humanities department at Leech Lake Tribal College.
- Ozaawindib: This person was a guide for Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who was an important explorer.
- John Smith: He was a chief who was said to have lived for 137 years.
- Anton Treuer: He is a professor of the Ojibwe language at Bemidji State University and writes books about Ojibwe history.
- David Treuer: He is a well-known author.
- Delina White: She is an artist, activist, and clothing designer.
- Ne-Dah-Ness Rose Greene: She is a photography artist and activist.
