Bois Forte Tribal Chairman Kevin Leecy told more than 600 band members last Thursday that tribal enterprises have managed to weather the economic downturn, without cuts in employment or wages.

Leecy made his comments during his annual State of the Band address, at Fortune Bay Resort Casino, on Lake Vermilion.

Although some serious cost cutting and belt tightening was needed last year, Leecy said the Band was able to cut costs by negotiating new terms with vendors, refinancing loans, holding off on new purchases and through some disciplined belt tightening. That resourcefulness, combined with resilience, made for a successful year, Chairman Leecy said.

According to Leecy, the Band’s response to the recession fits well with its overall goal of self-determination. “Self-determination means setting one’s own goals,” Leecy said, “and it also means having the resolve to go out and achieve those goals.”

The concept ties closely to the Band’s sovereign status, which must be continually defended, he added. “The recession has made us get more creative and more aggressive in seeking sources of funding beyond our businesses,” Leecy added. Among the new sources of funding is the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has provided the Band with more than $5.5 million— money that was used to create jobs through major infrastructure improvements such as roads, housing, and sewer and water projects. 

Other highlights of Chairman Leecy’s address include:

• Despite high unemployment on the Iron Range and a downturn in tourism, Bois Forte’s businesses are solid and its resort casino, Fortune Bay, reported a two percent increase.

• All Tribal government programs will be fully funded in 2010.

• Elders who gave up their annual trip last year because of the recession will travel this year to Niagara Falls, N.Y., in October.

Leecy praised the Band’s high voter turnout at the last election and he said voting is about to get even easier with the purchase of electronic voting machines that will be conveniently located in Nett Lake, Vermilion and Minneapolis. 

In addition to honoring elders, this year’s State of the Band recognized the vital contributions of youth, featuring their artwork and writing throughout the ballroom. The event provided a wide array of activities and services, including speeches from tribal leaders, an elders bake sale, tribal government booths with information and educational games, flu vaccinations, confidential presentations to members on the Band’s finances, and a traditional drum ceremony. After feasting, Band members enjoyed a music and comedy show with Williams and Ree.