Copyright © 1999 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Press Conference Statements
by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians
Executive Branch of Tribal Government
March 24, 1999

Marge Anderson
Chief Executive

I want to say first mii gwetch, which means "thank you", in my People's language.

Mii gwetch to the members of the Mille Lacs Band, whose belief in our cause never faltered. Mii gwetch to our ancestors, who struggled against all odds to preserve our culture and our traditions. And mii gwetch to the Great Spirit, for guiding us during the long, difficult journey we have made, and for showing us safely home.

Today, the United State has kept a promise. A promise that our rights are not just words on paper. A promise that agreements are made to be honored, not broken.

In the months leading up to this historic decision, I have spoken to Band members and to many others in the region. I have urged them to respect whatever decision the Supreme Court rendered, and to respect the very real feelings this decision raises.

We cannot afford to pull away from each other at this critical time. Instead, we must make the effort to reach out to each other, so that together, we can heal the old wounds and care for the lands and the lakes that we all love.

In the days and weeks ahead, as we all adjust to the news of the Supreme Court's decision, I hope we can remember the words of the Ojibwe prayer:

Grandfather,
Sacred One, Teach us love, compassion, and honor
That we may heal the earth
And heal each other.

Mii gwetch.

---

Herb Wyaus
Secretary/Treasurer

As a tribal government official, it saddened me that my People were denied their rights.

As an American Indian, it saddened me that my People were cut off from our culture and our spiritual traditions.

Today, my sadness is gone.

We are thankful that the nation's highest court has seen things our way.

We are thankful that everyone in the country now knows that our rights are real.

As a sovereign nation, we accept the responsibility that comes with the Supreme Courts's decision.

We understand that we are all part of the sacred hoop of the world.

And we are ready to work with our Band members and our non-Indian neighbors to protect the natural environment. Mii gwetch.

---

Don Wedll
Commissioner of Natural Resources

The Mille Lacs Band's goal from the very beginning of this legal process was to uphold a long tradition of care and respect for the natural environment.

Long before there was a state called Minnesota or a country called, America, the Mille Lacs Ojibwe hunted, fished and riced respectfully and responsibly.

The Ojibwe culture taught Band members to be good stewards of the environment, and to protect and preserve the resources. Band members learned these lessons well, and they passed them on through the generations.

Today's Mille Lacs Band members share their ancestors" commitment to the natural environment.

The Mille Lacs Band tribal government has enacted responsible management plans so that everyone, Indian and non-Indian, can continue to enjoy this regions's natural resources. We pledge to continue these efforts, and we welcome the opportunity to work with our neighbors in the region as we move forward.