Former Red Lake Tribal Chairman Bobby Whitefeather announced Friday his candidacy for the office of chairman for the Red Lake Band of Chippewa in the upcoming tribal elections May 17.
Whitefeather cited his observation of the Red Lake Tribe's need for experienced and effective leadership. He cited his past experience in tribal leadership as a former tribal treasurer, former tribal secretary and former tribal chairman.
He expressed his continuing concern that the Tribe needs to create jobs and economic development to address what he sees "as the decline of the stability of the Tribe."
He said in a press release that in his opinion, the effort in addressing all the issues that face the tribe has seemly to come to a "grinding halt." Problems such as high unemployment, lack of housing, and drug and alcohol abuse have increased in recent years and it will take courage and stamina to confront the many issues Red Lake members face, according to the press release.
"In the end, the children are the ones that bear the brunt of our failure to work together and care for one another," he said.
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In the announcement, he expressed hope that the recovery of natural resources and that the permanent trust fund "will be vehicles that will help in our efforts in years to come." He stated his desire to develop a long-term united strategic plan to stabilize the Red Lake Nation. He also emphasized his past experience as a visible tribal leader to bring the Tribe back to the status it once had as a "strong and forceful voice for the Red Lake Nation that made our demands known in the U.S. Congress and the White House."
The filing period continues until March 18.
