MLCV’s Bi-wiidoopamishinaang (Elder Event) brings Mille Lacs Band Elders and MLCV Leaders together under one roof. Each Elder Event begins with a Traditional Ojibwe prayer, which greets the morning presentation unique to each occasion with insightful education related to MLCV’s mission and current initiatives. Afterward, MLCV volunteers host bingo games with prizes and a shared meal.

However, the most meaningful part is when the microphone is turned, and Elders speak to MLCV. Beth Gruber, MLCV’s Director of Planning and Community Engagement, describes the cherished moments, “Hearing about grandbabies, graduations, and retirements makes the work we do feel invaluable. It is an honor to celebrate these milestones and listen to the stories that shape their lives.”

“Hearing about grandbabies, graduations, and retirements makes the work we do feel invaluable. It is an honor to celebrate these milestones and listen to the stories that shape their lives.”

— Beth Gruber

If you happen to walk by, you’d likely hear the comfort of chatter and spot gleaming faces filled with the joy of reunion. What’s happening here is beautiful. Influential, actually – and for all.

Elder Events offer MLCV Leaders and community Elders a space to grow a mutualistic relationship. For MLCV Leaders, it is an opportunity to press pause on the tasks at hand. To slow down and be present with the people behind the purpose. Volunteers like MLCV’s Chief People and Culture Officer, Tawnya Stewart, voice just that, “I look forward to the Elder Events to chat with the many friends I’ve made. It’s how I build relationships with the community and stay engaged.” This experience aligns with Pillar One of MLCV’s Strategic Plan, which focuses on community engagement and fostering strategic relationships.

“I look forward to the Elder Events to chat with the many friends I’ve made. It’s how I build relationships with the community and stay engaged.”

— Tawnya Stewart

Moreover, Elders’ shared wisdom guides MLCV’s business decisions — from the naming of Red Willow Estates to the design of Sugar Maple Crossing, to name a few. Beth notes, “It is a way we can interact with and hear Elder’s perspectives, concerns, and questions.” It is how MLCV continues to ensure that the voices of past generations dance among the present and are a spectacle for years to come. For the Elders, they have a place to connect and socialize, which is incredibly important for emotional well-being. And their sought-after knowledge is valued and appreciated by all.

Attendance has continued to grow since its inception in 2019, and the desire to maintain these events with their bi-monthly cadence has grown with it. Through these efforts, MLCV invests in the community and strengthens its commitment to building authentic relationships, staying engaged, and paving the way for future generations. As Tawnya shares, “Who knows—maybe we can start something for the younger generation, too.”

Bi-Wiidoopamishinaang (Elder Event) 2024 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.

August 29, 2024

Speaker: Nicole Sawyer

Topic: MLCV 2024 Internship Program

A recap of the 2024 MLCV Internship Program was presented. Twenty Mille Lacs Band Member youths completed the program, strengthening their sense of self and broadening their knowledge in industry-specific areas. Partnering with the Executive Office, DIG and Gaming, Communications, Legal, Finance, Procurement, Talent, People and Culture, Economic Development, SLOTCO, and Lake Leaf, Interns participated in a career day, one-on-one “days in the life,” resume writing, networking, and more. Special moments like exploring the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post and attending the Grand Casino Mille Lacs Hotel ribbon-cutting marked core memories as students prepare for the rest of their lives. Interns walked away with their heads held a little higher, empowered to play a prominent role in the Mille Lacs Band community and be role models for generations to follow.

October 31, 2024

Speaker: N/A

Topic: Halloween Celebration

Elders enjoyed a lively Halloween-themed event filled with community connection! Complete with a first through third place karaoke contest (shoutout Patsy Cline) AND costume contest (bringing back the 70’s!); guests embraced the holiday’s festivities. Even the lunch menu got spooky with Goooulash, and Halloween brownies. Elders were encouraged to participate in the Mille Lacs Band Trunk or Treat presented by the Office of Chief Executive Wind and the Mille Lacs Band departments later that day. An invitation was extended to all for a November 8 sneak peek of the Hinckley Tribal Economy Business Incubator and Sugar Maple Crossing, hosted by MLCV’s Economic Development team.

December 19, 2024

Speaker: N/A

Topic: Documentary Viewing

A documentary titled "Finding Manoomin: A Search for the Spirit of Wild Rice" was shown to Elder Event guests. Leah Lemm, a Mille Lacs Band Member and MPR News Senior Editor, produced the film, beautifully capturing the interconnectedness of the Mille Lacs Band of the Ojibwe community through the art of wild rice harvesting. In the documentary, Leah shows viewers the vulnerability of learning something new, the importance of preserving traditions, and the deep appreciation of Elders.

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