RBC District I candidate: Wally Dupuis (incumbent)

Q What in your personal background, characteristics and/or qualifications makes you good for this job?

A My dedication to the Band shows in my years of service to FDL Law Enforcement and Tribal Council. I have 10 years experience as District I Representative and seven months as RBC Chairman. It is my passion to help others and help my community thrive. My integrity, dedication, and dependability speak for themselves. My positive attitude, experience, and strong working knowledge of our enterprises and programs make me qualified for the District 1 seat.

Q What motivated you to run for the RBC District I seat?

A My motivation in running is for our membership to have self-sufficiency. My unwavering commitment to building a safe and healthy community has always been my goal. We have made great progress in our efforts and I will continue working to make strides to keep our community safe and healthy.

Q What do you think are the top two issues facing the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and how would you go about tackling those?

A The No. 1 issue facing the Fond du Lac Band is now the coronavirus. Using my experience with and knowledge of outside agencies to seek out forms of funding will help us through this pandemic - that's imperative. It is also important that the Fond du Lac Band continue to monitor the services that the band provides, ensuring that each program can sufficiently operate with minimum impact on a limited budget.

The second issue is the drug problem that is a nationwide issue. Each and every day we deal with the effects of addiction. In an effort to address this problem, we are continuing to expand our treatment facilities and services in not only Fond du Lac, but Duluth and the Twin Cities area. We are also in the initial stages of expansion of our Tagwii and CAIR facilities.

Q What's one issue you think the RBC has handled well over the past two years?

A The issue the RBC has handled well in the last few years has been the Highway 23 project. We have worked diligently with MnDOT to develop a reburial plan and ultimately a new culturally recognized cemetery. Upon completion of this project, we will have an eternal memorial to those who came before us.

Q The pandemic and subsequent closure of the band's two casinos was a big financial hit to the reservation. How do you think the RBC can help the reservation broaden its economic base moving forward?

A We have several new properties we have purchased in the past few years that would give us a good start for prospering business aspects.

RBC District I

Wally Dupuis (incumbent)

The RBC is using community input along with our economic development committee to brainstorm as to what type of program we will design to help our community and our financial future. We are open-minded to new ideas and we have the property to expand on such ideas.

Q How can voters find out more about you?

A I have always made myself available whether it be through social media, good old-fashioned phone calls or just stopping over for coffee. I try my hardest to have an open door policy; however with the pandemic, I have relied on calls and texting. Please feel free to contact me anytime, phone or text at 218-428-9828 or email me at [email protected].