REGIONAL — Candidates for three contested Bois Forte Band tribal council races outlined their priorities during candidate forums held May 20 in Nett Lake and May 21 at the Vermilion Social Center ahead of the tribe’s June 9 general election.
The forums, facilitated by the Native Governance Center, featured candidates for secretary/treasurer and District I and District II representative seats. The forums were livestreamed and recorded for accessibility for those who could not attend.
Candidates frequently addressed issues including financial transparency, communication with band members, economic development, constitutional reform, treaty protections, and community services.

Secretary/treasurer
Incumbent secretary/treasurer Tara Geshick emphasized financial accountability, audit oversight, and long-term strategic planning during her remarks. Geshick said the tribe must continue strengthening financial controls, conducting regular reviews, and guarding against misuse of tribal funds. She pointed to quarterly financial reporting already taking place through RTC meetings and stressed the importance of measured, evidence-based economic development. Geshick also discussed the ongoing financial impacts of the COVID pandemic on Fortune Bay operations and said the tribe must prepare for future changes in gaming revenue. She highlighted her involvement in constitutional reform efforts and expressed support for broader recognition of federally recognized and First Nation blood quantum.
Secretary/treasurer candidate David Morrison Sr. focused much of his forum remarks on transparency, communication, and public access to tribal financial information. Morrison said band members should receive more regular updates on the finances and operations of tribal businesses, including Fortune Bay, and proposed quarterly financial meetings open to band members. He also advocated establishing independent boards of directors with financial and business experience to oversee tribal enterprises. Morrison repeatedly emphasized accessibility and communication between elected leaders and tribal members across all voting districts. He additionally voiced support for expanding recognition of federally recognized and First Nation blood quantum, citing past efforts to recognize additional Chippewa and Canadian First Nations ancestry.

District I representative
Incumbent District I representative Shane Drift focused heavily on economic development, treaty protection, and expanding services for Bois Forte members living outside the reservation. Drift pointed to accomplishments during his time in office, including new tribal facilities, quarterly financial reporting, and development of the tribe’s cannabis enterprise, which he described as a major long-term opportunity for the band. He also said he would continue advocating for protection of treaty rights, sacred sites, and wild rice areas within the 1854 and 1866 treaty territories. Drift advocated expanding tribal services and meetings in Duluth and the Twin Cities and said he would continue pushing for stronger communication and community input while maintaining what he described as an independent approach to leadership and decision-making.
Challenger Mildred Holmes centered much of her remarks on constitutional reform, cultural preservation, and strengthening community connections across generations. Holmes said her work with Minnesota Chippewa Tribe constitutional reform efforts since 2018 motivated her candidacy and emphasized concerns surrounding treaties, enrollment, and blood quantum issues. She also spoke about preserving language, traditions, and cultural education, particularly for younger tribal members and those raised away from the reservation. Holmes highlighted mentoring, teaching cultural classes, and supporting elders as priorities, while encouraging more intergenerational activities and community gatherings. She additionally discussed encouraging entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency, pointing to her own writing and publishing work as an example for younger tribal members.

District II representative
Incumbent District II representative Robert Moyer Jr. emphasized continuity, advocacy, and equal representation for Vermilion-area band members during his remarks. Moyer pointed to the launch and growth of the Ishkode cannabis enterprise as one of the tribe’s most significant recent accomplishments and said he would continue supporting economic development and tribal sovereignty efforts. He also stressed protection of treaty rights and natural resources within the 1854 and 1866 treaty areas while advocating for additional representation and services for Vermilion members through a proposed at-large position. Moyer said tribal leaders should remain accessible and responsive to band members, and he highlighted ongoing support efforts addressing housing insecurity, utility assistance, and homelessness within tribal communities.
Challenger Alanna Sherman focused much of her forum remarks on communication, community engagement, and collaborative leadership. Sherman said her work experience within tribal government and enterprise operations reinforced the importance of accountability, teamwork, and consistent communication with band members. She repeatedly emphasized holding regular community meetings to gather input from elders, youth, employees, and families about tribal priorities and services. Sherman also discussed improving workplace organization and customer service through clearer policies and procedures, drawing on her experience at Giants Ridge. Addressing homelessness and other community challenges, Sherman said tribal leaders should focus on listening to members’ specific needs, including mental health, substance abuse, and support services, before developing solutions.
Voting in the Bois Forte general election will take place Tuesday, June 9, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. District I voting will take place at the Nett Lake Government and Community Services Building, while District II voting will occur at the Vermilion Social Center. Voting will also be available at the Bois Forte urban offices in Duluth and Minneapolis.
Recordings of both candidate forums are available on the Bois Forte Tribal Government YouTube channel.