Tribal Government

Bryan v. Itasca County paved the way for the modern tribal gaming industry. The monument recognizes Leech Lake Band member Helen Bryan and her husband, Russell Bryan.

The Red Lake Nation's runoff election on July 15, 2026, included the chairman's race between the incumbent Darrell Seki Sr. and former Chairman Floyd "Buck" Jourdain.

The agreement provides funding for activities and programs, with three main areas where White Earth will take over responsibility — water and wild rice management, forestry and visitor services.

Members of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe bands cast ballots for secretary-treasurers and tribal council representatives on June 9, 2026.

The dispute drew the attention of international media and pilots' associations, raising concerns about the rights of distressed pilots while making emergency landings.

The May 20, 2026, Tribal Council election resulted in four runoff elections set to take place in July and featured some very close contests in the sovereign nation.

Candidates who receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary win their elections; otherwise, the top two vote-getters face off in a general election June 9, 2026.

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies heard public witness testimony from American Indian and Alaska Native leaders.

Darrin Smedsmo's vintage aircraft was impounded following an emergency landing within the Red Lake Nation in October 2025, and he is still waiting for a day in tribal court.

The court ruled that cannabis possession by Thompson, as an enrolled member on the White Earth band living on the reservation, became a civil matter once MN legalized recreational marijuana.