WASHINGTON, D.C. – Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn today issued the following statement on the passing of former Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Chief Executive Marge Anderson:
“Marge Anderson was a remarkable individual who will be forever remembered by her people and Indian Country as a trailblazer, a visionary and an undaunted defender of her tribe’s treaty rights. She was a formidable political leader who was elected twice to lead the Mille Lacs Band, and her courage and tenacity helped the Mille Lacs people regain, preserve and use their treaty rights.
“As the first female chief executive of any Minnesota tribe, Marge Anderson knew the importance of economic development in supporting and building Ojibwe families. Because she was not afraid to go the distance to bring job-creating businesses to her community, the Mille Lacs Band has been the beneficiary of her pursuit of long-term prosperity for her people.
“Marge Anderson was and will remain one of Indian Country’s most important tribal leaders of recent memory. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Anderson family and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe community.”
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