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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 22, 2009

Bois Forte plans community healing service after fire

Traditional ceremony and community meal step toward healing

NETT LAKE, MINN. – The destruction of Bois Forte Tribal Headquarters in a July 20 fire is a huge loss for the close-knit community that relied on the programs and services delivered by staff who worked in the building offices. Secretary-Treasurer Dave Morrison told a gathering of management staff, “Last night several Elders called to express their sorrow over the fire that destroyed the building. Some of them said it was like losing a member of our community.”

Aware that the fire, the suspected cause of arson, and the loss of work space are all factors that will adversely impact Band members, the Tribal Council decided to hold a healing ceremony this week at the site of the burned-out structure.

Tribal Chair Kevin Leecy said, “We all agreed it was important to come together and see if we can do something to ease the loss and grief many people in the community are feeling. We know there is strength when we work together and we also want to ask the spirits to guide us and provide direction in our rebuilding.”

The traditional ceremony will be under a tent next to the burned structure at 9 a.m. Friday morning, followed by a community fish fry served by employees of Fortune Bay Resort Casino.

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