Tuesday, June 7, 2022 – Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reclaims land taken decades ago

More than six decades after it errantly took land away from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the federal government is returning nearly 12,000 acres. The transaction resolves a dispute over the Minnesota tribe’s land that began when federal officials improperly interpreted a U.S. Department of Interior order and started selling off what was clearly Leech Lake land. Reversing the process was no easy feat and required a unique collaboration with county officials. Today on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce speaks with Faron Jackson Sr. (Ojibwe), chairman of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; Ben Benoit (Ojibwe), environmental director for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; and Josh Stevenson, Cass County Administrator.