Kevin Leecy, the chairman of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, wants the Chippewa Tribe of Minnesota to expand its membership requirements.

The Chippewa Tribe is a federally recognized tribe with six distinct bands that each have their own recognition. The Chippewa Tribe currently requires all members to have at least one-fourth Minnesota Chippewa blood.

Leecy says the requirement is too strict. He wants the tribe to recognize blood from all Chippewa tribes, including Red Lake in Minnesota, Turtle Mountain in North Dakota, Chippewa Cree in Montana and Ojibwe First Nations in Canada.

White Earth Chairwoman Erma Vizenor supports the idea. She said the Chippewa Tribe is "self-terminating" by basing membership on Minnesota Chippewa blood.

Get the Story:
MEMBERSHIP DEBATE:The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa chairman wants to re-examine tribal membership requirements. (The Duluth News Tribune 3/21)

Relevant Links:
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe - http://www.mnchippewatribe.org

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