Filled with wisdom and connection, many look forward to Bi-Wiidoopamishinaang (Elder Events) throughout the year. The Mille Lacs Band Elders’ teachings are impactful, and their perspectives influence MLCV’s business decisions — decisions guided by the goal of preserving the legacy of past generations while enhancing our community’s present and future. That is why it’s important for MLCV to engage with Elders, share initiatives, and create a space for their valuable input. Our Bi-Wiidoopamishinaang (Elder Events) do just that.

Bi-wiidoopamishinaang (Elder Event)

MLCV hosts the Bi-wiidoopamishinaang (Elder Event) at the Grand Casino Mille Lacs Events Center every other month. This event started in 2019 but was paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July 2022, over 80 guests celebrated its return, which continues to be held bi-monthly. The events begin at 10:30 a.m. and include a traditional Ojibwe prayer, a presentation often led by a field expert on a unique topic, open-floor questions and discussions, bingo with prizes, and a shared lunch offering more time to connect.

Elder Events are a crucial initiative to MLCV’s community engagement efforts — identifying key stakeholders and executing an engagement plan that results in strategic relationships — within Pillar One of MLCV’s Strategic Plan.

Through Elder Events, MLCV honors the contributions of our Elders and seeks their opinions to continue shaping our organization's and community's future.

2024 Bi-Wiidoopamishinaang (Elder Event) Mid-Year Recap

February 29, 2024

Speaker: James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw

Topic: The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings

MLCV welcomed James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, a Turtle Mountain descendant and author of the book The Seven Generations and The Seven Grandfather Teachings. James was taught the Ojibwe language by Elders and Native linguistic specialists in college and has held tight to it ever since — passing down his knowledge to preschoolers, college students, and beyond for the last 20 years. James shares stories and teachings of the Ojibwe language, making them relevant to today’s world through social media and public speaking with wit, intelligence, and inspiration. MLCV Elders had a chance to hear first-hand from James and learn about his book, which delivers Indigenous wisdom and brings its readers closer to Mino bimaadiziwin, ‘the good life.’ Keep an eye out this fall for his first children’s book, Wisdom Weavers, which unravels the meaning of dream catchers and dives into the Ojibwe language.

April 25, 2024

Speaker: Daniel Lemm

Topic: ESG

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) is a set of standards for a company’s behavior used by socially conscious investors to screen potential investments. Daniel Lemm, Chief Financial Officer with the Blandin Foundation, joined MLCV to discuss ESG and how the model may relate to how MLCV does business. It’s about making mutually beneficial decisions for profits, people, and the planet. Elders gained insight into MLCV’s strategic plan to build tribal economy, leadership capacity, and financial capacity, aligning with creating shared value. There are specific standards that need to be achieved to successfully be an ESG organization - many of which MLCV is already meeting, like energy usage/efficiency with the incorporation of solar array panels or community engagement with programs like the Tribal Economy Business Incubator or Summer Youth Internship. Elders learned more about how MLCV operates in responsible investment and witnessed the pledge to continue to strive for ESG in decision-making processes and incorporate ESG-related issues.

June 27, 2024

Speaker: Cameron Wind

Topic: Live Cam Construction Updates

MLCV Elders heard from MLCV’s Senior Construction Project Manager, Cameron Wind, for Live Cam…live! Cameron shared updates on the Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley Hotel Renovation Project. Construction began in September 2023, and during just over nine months, the hotel rooms and lobby have entirely transformed. Standout improvements include an overall much brighter environment, themed suites, and the incorporation of Ojibwe cultural designs like one-of-a-kind locally made Anishinaabe art pieces throughout. Though an impact will undoubtedly be had on new and returning guests, local establishments, and the casino, the construction process brought many opportunities, including 66 Band members employed through TERO. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies and grand re-openings took place on July 11 and 12.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Elder Event on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Grand Casino Mille Lacs. All Mille Lacs Band Elders are welcome. Follow our Facebook page for more details on the occasion and subsequent events.

This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Senior Communications Strategist. Hannah is a storyteller responsible for executing internal and external MLCV communications and capturing impactful moments within MLCV’s portfolio.