White Earth

Wilder Research Study, Projected Population Numbers for Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Based on Varied Enrollment Criteria

Victoria Sweet1 Comment

In 2012-2013, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) contracted with Wilder Research to conduct a study and produce population projections for MCT as a whole as well as for the six member Bands: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs and White Earth. In 2013-2014, MCT again contracted with Wilder Research to update the existing projections and to add an additional alternative enrollment criteria scenerio to the study.

The study looks at projected population numbers based on three possible enrollment criteria, all different from the current criteria in use: 1/4 Ojibwe blood including any U.S. and Canadian Ojibwe tribes, 1/8 MCT blood, and lineal descent. The White Earth Nation posted a summary of the findings of the study here.

The complete report can be found here.

Interesting to review for anyone discussing enrollment and possible changes to membership criteria.

White Earth Nation Taking over Human Services Cases from Surrounding Counties

Victoria Sweet

In 2011, the Minnesota legislature authorized White Earth to take over all human services programs for tribal members and families in surrounding counties.

Bill text here.

With more tribes looking at options to provide more services for tribal members residing off reservations, it will be interesting to see how this implementation process will work for White Earth.

News coverage on the transfer here.

Before the transfer began, White Earth was offering some human services programs, including tribal child care assistance, child welfare programs, disability waivered services and food distribution programs.

However, people also qualified for several other programs that only the counties offered.

That meant a lot of back and forth and confusion for recipients who were juggling programs from different agencies.

The complete transfer – the first of its kind in Minnesota – will mean people will have their cases streamlined into one place where they can receive all benefits together.

Document with the transfer proposal for Mahnomen county cases here.

H/T to Adrea Korthase!

Job Posting: White Earth Constitutional Reform Project Director

Victoria Sweet

The White Earth Reservation Tribal Council is currently seeking a qualified applicant who will be responsible for the effective management of the White Earth Constitutional Reform Project including organizing and overseeing community development, referendum vote to approve voting districts for the White Earth Nation, legislative election and successful initiation of the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the White Earth Nation government.

Link to job posting here.