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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Jan. 28, 2010

Bois Forte finances solid, Chairman reports in State of the Band address

No layoffs and mild growth, despite slow economy

TOWER, MINN. – More than 600 members of Bois Forte Band of Chippewa attended the annual State of the Band, a day-long celebration of the Band’s progress in a hard year.

Although some serious cost cutting and belt tightening was called for last year, the Band did not cut any jobs or wages, Tribal Chairman Kevin Leecy reported. Instead, it negotiated new terms with vendors, refinanced loans, held off on new purchases and did some disciplined belt tightening. That resourcefulness, combined with resilience, made for a successful year, Tribal Leecy said, and led to the State of the Band theme, self-determination.

“Self-determination means setting one’s own goals,” Tribal Leecy said in his address, “and it also means having the resolve to go out and achieve those goals.” The concept ties closely to the Band’s sovereign status, which must be continually defend, he added.

“The recession has made us get more creative and more aggressive in seeking sources of funding beyond our businesses,” Tribal Leecy continued, noting that, to date, the Band has received more than $5.5 million from the American Recovery and Retirement Act, which the Band used to create jobs through major infrastructure improvements such as roads, housing, sewer and water projects. 

Tribal Chairman Leecy made several announcements in his address:

* Despite high unemployment on the Iron Range and a downturn in tourism, Bois Forte’s businesses are solid and its resort casino, Fortune Bay, reported a two percent increase.

* All Tribal government programs will be fully funded in 2010.

* Elders who gave up their annual trip last year because of the recession will travel this year to Niagara Falls, N.Y., in October.

Tribal Leecy praised the Band’s high voter turnout at the last election. Voting is about to get even easier, he said, announcing that the Band has ordered electronic voting machines that will be conveniently located in Nett Lake, Vermilion and Minneapolis. 

In addition to honoring Elders, this year’s State of the Band recognized the vital contributions of youth, featuring their artwork and writing throughout the ballroom. The event provided a wide array of activities and services, including speeches from Tribal leaders, an Elders bake sale, Tribal government booths with information and educational games, flu vaccinations, confidential presentations to members on the Band’s finances, and a traditional drum ceremony. As usual, attendees were able to renew their Tribal IDs and their 1854 IDs. After feasting, Band members enjoyed a music and comedy show with Williams and Ree.

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa is located in northern Minnesota on Lake Vermilion near Tower, Minn.

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