Reservation Area: 837,120 acres Tribal Land: 56,116 acres Tribal Enrollment: 20,852 (1995) Communities: White Earth (tribal
headquarters), Callaway, Ogema,
Waubun, Mahnomen and Bejou. Number of Residents: 4,546 (1995)
BRIEF HISTORY/BACKGROUND
The reservation was established by treaty in 1867. The Clapp Amendment of 1906 reduced land transfer restrictions, leading to significant acreage loss for the tribe. The White Earth Land Recovery Project, a nonprofit advocacy group, works to rebuild the land base through contesting government-owned lands on the reservation and promoting other alternatives to do so. The Band is part of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.
Governance
Type of Government: Representative government though the five-member Tribal Council, serving four-year staggered terms.
Election Process: Enrolled tribal members elect council members. Those not living on the reservation may vote through absentee ballots.
Employment (1995)
Labor Force: 1,910
Unemployment: 55%
Economic Development
Tribal Businesses: Manitok Marketing Program, casinos, White Earth Garment Manufacturing Company, Ojibway Lumber and Building Supply, joint ownership of Manitok Mall, limousine company
Other Businesses: Wild rice mill, Waubun Steel, trucking companies, limousine company, construction related businesses
School Attendance
Circle of Life School Enrollment
(1997-1998):
Elementary (K-6): 187
Junior High (7-8): 44
High School (9-12): 84
Public schools (1997-1998):
Pine Point: 59
Waubun: 402
Mahnomen: 471
Health Care (1994)
Number of Clinics: 1
Number of Doctors: 3.0 (FTE)
Casinos
Number: 1- Shooting Star Casino, Mahnomen