Historic joint meeting held between White Earth Nation, Bemidji City Council

Apr. 30—For the first time in history on Monday, the Bemidji City Council sat across from members of the White Earth Tribal Council in a formal joint meeting at the Sanford Center.

Years in the making, the meeting allowed the councils to discuss shared issues and ways the two governments could partner moving forward.

"It's good to come here and meet with the city council," said Michael Fairbanks, chairman of White Earth Nation. "These are the open arms that we expected. I really appreciate the hospitality and what we're doing tonight."

Following a blessing, shared meal and an exchange of gifts, the discussion began — ranging from White Earth's plans for the Ridgeway property it purchased in Bemidji to ways the nation hopes to partner with the city to combat human trafficking.

The first item on the agenda was an update from White Earth on its plans for the Ridgeway property

that it purchased in 2022

. At the time, the property was home to dramatically rundown apartments that posed a danger to the people who lived there.

Since then, White Earth shared that it has demolished three of the buildings, keeping the fourth that was in the best condition so that the remaining residents would have a place to live.

The exact plans for what White Earth wants to develop on the property are still being discussed, but the plan will likely include housing and some services in connection with its recovery center Oshki Manidoo.

"We want to build a new apartment complex, along with maybe a small clinic to provide some services and maybe some townhomes," said Jacob Syverson, a land analyst with White Earth. "Right now we're really just trying to narrow it down."

The Bemidji council shared their support for this vision and for White Earth's commitment to investing in the community and helping those in recovery.

"This represents a fresh new start for that area and its much-needed housing," shared Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince.

The meeting also saw a discussion on a bill discussed in the Minnesota legislature to transfer state-owned land in White Earth State Forest back to the nation. The bill quickly became controversial, with opposition forming from local groups who believed that the tribe would limit access to those lands.

Fairbanks reiterated in Monday's joint meeting that White Earth has no intention of limiting access to the lands if they were transferred back under the nation's jurisdiction.

"We're not here to block anyone, this is open to all residents and citizens," he said.

Since the bill started receiving opposition, Fairbanks shared that White Earth has been prioritizing education around what the bill would entail and its intentions. This has included discussions with affected communities and proposing amendments to the bill that would clarify that the lands would be open to all Minnesota residents and citizens for perpetuity.

"I think we've come a long ways with education," Fairbanks said. "We're still going to push forward what we're doing."

White Earth's representatives also spoke about why they are seeking the land's return, emphasizing that they want to protect and preserve it from being polluted or destroyed.

"The Anishinaabe, we're the stewards of the land. We've been here many, many, many years," Fairbanks shared. "I think a lot of (politicians) are worshiping at the altar not for a healthy planet, but for money... that's hurting our water, our lands, our resources."

During this discussion, White Earth asked the Bemidji City Council whether it would consider signing a letter of support for the lands being transferred back to the nation.

Also discussed during the meeting was White Earth's operation of recreational and medicinal cannabis dispensaries, and the potential for it to expand outside of the nation's borders if an agreement can be reached between the nation and the state of Minnesota.

If an agreement is formed for White Earth to begin operating its business outside of its boundaries, it asked the Bemidji City Council to consider a partnership and whether it would allow a White Earth dispensary in the city.

"We're doing it the right way, following the rules, and we're very proud of it," Fairbanks said. "Hopefully these are things we can work with you to be a partner with moving forward."

Due to the early nature of the discussion, the council did not make any formal commitment.

The final topic discussed during the meeting was how to combat human trafficking in the region, with White Earth informing Bemidji that it would be seeking to reestablish the Tribes United Against Sex Trafficking Task Force that was previously operated by the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

"Human trafficking is very serious. If you don't think you have it, if you don't think it's going on, you're in the dark," explained Michael LaRoque, White Earth's secretary-treasurer. "We are going to be looking at putting in for (the task force grant) and picking up the ball."

If White Earth receives the grant, the task force would be reformed and it would look to partner with area law enforcement agencies like the Bemidji Police Department. The Bemidji City Council was very supportive of this effort and how it could help address the issue of human trafficking in the region.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing how this can grow in our area," shared Ward 4 Councilor Emelie Rivera.

The meeting ended with both parties sharing their gratitude for the time and conversation, and with hopes that the relationship between White Earth and the city of Bemidji will continue to grow stronger.