Updated Statement from Bois Forte RTC Regarding Incidents at Fortune Bay

Posted May 2, 2025

This is in follow up to the statement issued by the RTC on April 14, 2025, regarding incidents that occurred at Fortune Bay on April 11, 2025.  Since issuing its original statement, the RTC has reviewed additional reports and information regarding the incident, including Fortune Bay’s video footage on April 25 which is not available to Band members or the general public per the Bois Forte Data Privacy Ordinance.  The RTC also met on April 28 to discuss options moving forward and those discussions continue.  As we have said before, the RTC supports Fortune Bay and law enforcement fully investigating the incidents and taking all appropriate action to address the conduct.  Those investigations must run their course, and the RTC has not and will not interfere in those processes.

The RTC also notes that Band members have rights and remedies available to them under Article X, Section 3 of the Constitution of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Recall and Removal), the MCT Ordinance Implementing Constitutional Petition and Censure Processes, and the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council Code of Ethics. The processes under these laws are typically triggered by the filing of a petition or complaint with the designated body or official.  For more information on rights and remedies under MCT law, you can visit https://mnchippewatribe.org/governance/bylaws/ to access the MCT Bylaws and Ordinances.  You can also access a copy of the Bois Forte Reservation Tribal Council Code of Ethics by visiting https://boisforte.com/resources/policies-procedures/ or requesting a copy via email (executiveassistant@boisforte-nsn.gov) or in person at the Tribal Government Building in Nett Lake.