Editorial Nation: White Earth Indian Reservation:A New Begining

Monday, December 8, 2008

White Earth Indian Reservation:A New Begining

After twenty years as tribal chief Chip Wadena (Kare 11 Television) was finally out of office. On his way to prison for embezzlement of tribal funds, Wadena, who now holds a criminal record can’t run for any tribal office in white Earth Indian Reservation anymore. His criminal record has “proved him unfit for office” says tribal members (Robertson).

According to Erma Vizenour, current Chief and first women chairperson to sit on tribal government, “White Earth has paid their dues and has a fresh start” (Grunderson). Erma grew up in White Earth Indian Reservation and in 1980’s became a vocal critic for the misleading of then tribal chief and government leader Chip Wadena.

After Wadena was convicted on federal corruption charges, Vizenor was appointed secretary and that’s were her mission really started. Vizenor says “she hopes to make a difference to the children who are living with the same poverty I did” (Grunderson). In a recent interview with public radio, Wadena who was recently discharged said “it’s tough to just walk away from something you have known for your whole life” (Robertson). Afterwards he signed up to run for office in the next White earth Tribal Election. But Wadena is now talking of renewed service to his people, Vizenor is acting upon it.

Vizenor says “there’s a critical need for jobs, and reforming the tribal constitution is imperative to prevent future corruption” (Roberston). Even though constitutional reform would most likely keep Wadena from entering any elections vizenor says it’s what the people want not her intentions.

Wadena promises a brighter future and that his concentration will be on family again. However one supporter commented, “it doesn’t really matter anyhow conditions have been this way for so long to hope it would be different” (Roberston).

After the news broke of Wadena’s pending run for office, The U.S. District Court of Duluth handed down a series of indictments involving Wadena and business partner Guillermo Gonzales, for allegedly defrauding car owners by evading taxes and concealing car title status (Oakes). The Federal Grand Jury is expected to hand down indictments this week following an investigation into the criminal acts of Wadena and his business partner (Robertson, Wadena Attempts Comeback, Despite Criminal Indictment).

Vizenor has no comment on this current situation. Meanwhile White Tribe Reservation is starting to flourish under its new commander and chief, Erma Vizenor. As she takes the helm with fresh blood and a new generation to lead them, the tribal community of White Earth can expect to see change and have hope for a brighter future for many years to come.