The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is calling on successful gaming tribes to create a $50 million foundation to help poorer tribes in Minnesota.

Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin announced the proposal during her State of the Band Address. She said the money would be used to provide grants to the other tribes.

"As a band, we have an obligation to share with people who do not have enough," she was quoted as saying. "Let's move beyond the schoolyard bullies who want to divide us."

The idea is intended to help the White Earth, Red Lake and Leech Lake bands, who are the most populous tribes in the state and also the poorest. The tribes have not benefited from gaming as much as others.

White Earth executive director Ron Valiant said he welcomed the support. But he said it wouldn't stop the three tribes from seeking an urban casino in the Twin Cities, an idea the Mille Lacs Band and other tribes oppose.

"We do appreciate this offer, but we feel like we would rather go and earn the money ourselves instead of taking the money from other tribes," Valiant told the Associated Press.

Get the Story:
Fund for poor tribes proposed (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/12)
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Tribal Leader Says Casinos Must Share Wealth (AP 1/11)
Coalition pledges opposition to more gambling in state (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 1/12)
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