Chairman of Fond du Lac Band denies gaming license was revoked

Friday, March 11, 2016

Photo of Black Bear Casino Resort from Facebook. Photo of Wally Dupuis from Fond du Lac Band

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The interim chairman of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa of Minnesota is under fire for allegedly using tribal casino resources to promote his election bid.

Wally Dupuis has been leading the tribe since the departure of Karen Diver, who now works at the White House. He's officially filed for the chairman's post and is also seeking his District 1 seat.

But rival District 1 candidate Danielle Martineau is accusing Dupuis of misuing tribal resources. She claims he sent out a campaign mailer using the Black Bear Casino Resort postage permit, WDIO reported.

Dupuis is denying any wrongdoing, the station reported. He also denies that his gaming license was temporarily revoked, something Martineau claims happened at a business committee meeting this week.

"I believe that it questions his integrity and his job duties that he can perform for all of us Band members here for Fond du Lac," Martineau told WDIO. She also claims three caisno employees have are being investigated in connection with the incident.

The tribe's primary takes place April 5. The general election will be held June 14.

Get the Story:
Fond du Lac Band Chairman Allegedly Has Gaming License Suspended (WDIO 3/10)
Turmoil on FDL reservation: Investigation into chairperson and casino employees (NNCNOW.com 3/10)
Candidates file to run for Fond du Lac tribal council (The Duluth News Tribune 2/16)