news                        CONTACT:

                                                                                                      Helen Wilkie

                                                                                                      651-260-2420

                                                                                                      helenwilkie@comcast.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 22, 2009

Arson suspected in Bois Forte Tribal Headquarters fire

Up to $14,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction

NETT LAKE, MINN. – The Bois Forte Tribal Council announced today that preliminary analysis indicates that the July 20 fire that destroyed the tribal headquarters was arson.

Bois Forte Police, the State Fire Marshal, the FBI and BIA are all involved in the investigation and have not issued a final report. However, Tribal Leaders disclosed that the fire was ignited in two separate places in the building, indicating it had been intentionally set.

The Tribal Council, their insurance company, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, and Crime Stoppers have created a reward fund of up to $14,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the fire.

Tribal Chair Kevin Leecy encouraged anyone with information to call the Nett Lake Police Department at 218-757-3237 or 866-638-0905. Anyone with information who wishes to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

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