Five tribal leaders met with the police chief and mayor in Duluth, Minnesota, to discuss their concerns with police treatment of Native Americans.

Erma Vizenor, the chairwoman of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, said the meeting was productive and that another one is planned. This past year, two of her tribal members have been killed in police incidents, including David Croud, who died in October after a confrontation with officers.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has investigated the incident and has turned over its report to the Washington County Attorney's Office for consideration of any charges against the officers involved. Vizenor said her tribe should have played a role in the investigation.

Duluth Mayor Herb Bergson said he hopes to meet with tribal leader on a regular basis to improve relations.

Get the Story:
Tribal leaders address racial tensions (The Duluth News Tribune 11/10)
Man's death brings Indians, Duluth officials together (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 11/10)
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Relevant Links:
Minnesota Indian Affairs Council - http://www.cri-bsu.org/IA_web/htdocs

Related Stories:
Tribal leaders to meet with police, mayor in Duluth (11/9)
Ojibwe man who scuffled with police dies in Duluth (10/20)
Officers in fatal shooting of Indian man back on job (06/13)
White Earth man fatally shot by sheriff's deputies (05/17)