Voters opt for new FDL leader

Two of three incumbents were upset in Tuesday's elections for leadership of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Bruce Savage will be the new chairman of the Reservation Business Committee, defeating two-term incumbent Kevin Dupuis Sr., by 52 votes, 478 to 426. Earl Otis defeated Roger Smith 104 to 69 for District 3 (Brookston) representative. District 1 (Cloquet) incumbent Wally Dupuis defeated Michelle DeBolt, 343 to 233. All three were elected to four-year terms that will begin in July.

Secretary-treasurer Robert Abramowski and District 2 (Sawyer) representative Brad Blacketter were not up for election, as the RBC, or tribal council, has staggered terms for its five members.

"I would like to thank the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa members for participating in our 2024 General Election," Savage told the Pine Knot. "Exercising your right to vote is important."

Savage outlined his plan for leadership throughout his campaign. It included fixes to employee retention and recruitment, barriers for students seeking college programs, grant funding that matches reservation needs, enhancing programming for youth, developing a community safety board, and coordinated response with other tribes to the opioid crisis.

Savage, who owns Spirit Lake Native Farms, is not new to the RBC. The small-business owner served as District 2 (Sawyer) rep from 2016 to 2022.

Otis, on the other hand, is new to politics. A former activities director and boys coach at the Fond du Lac Ojibwe School, Otis said he thinks people voted for him because he got out and visited people.

"I talked to elders and other people, and I was honest," he said. "I told them I would be there for them."

Elections were held Tuesday for the six Ojibwe tribes that make up the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. Tribal leaders make decisions on topics related to regional and state politics, including cannabis dispensaries and growing facilities and the restoration of tribal lands.

Minnesota Public Radio News contributed this story. For more on state stories with local significance, visit mprnews.org

******

How they voted

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa held an election Tuesday for leadership of the Reservation Business Council. Here is how the voting went:

Chairman

Bruce Savage: 478

Kevin DuPuis (I): 426

District 1 Rep

Wally Dupuis (I): 343

Michelle DeBolt: 233

District 3 Rep

Earl Otis: 104

Roger Smith: (I): 69