New Chairman at Red Lake aiming to address range of issues

By Molly Miron

Pioneer Editor

      Red Lake Band of Chippewa Chairman Floyd “Buck” Jourdain has two years to accomplish many goals. And he has some innovative plans for tackling the hard issues.

      Jourdain was sworn in Tuesday as the fifth chairman of the Red Lake Nation. A gathering of more than 1,000 tribal members and guests in the Red Lake Humanities Center cheered and gave Jourdain a standing ovation as he raised his right hand and promised to support, honor and comply with the revised constitution and bylaws of the Red Lake Band and uphold Anishinabe traditions and culture.

      Jourdain replaces Interim Chairman George “Billy” King, one of the hereditary chiefs, who agreed to serve following the sudden death of Chairman Butch Brun in April 2003. King administered the oath of office to Jourdain, who, as his first duty swore in Redby Representative Allen Pemberton. Jourdain then administered the oath of office to newly elected Red Lake Reps. Donald Desjarlait and Donald “Dudie” May, Ponemah Rep. Glenda Martin and Little Rock Rep. Richard Barrett Sr.

      Jourdain also presented King with a Pendleton blanket in appreciation for his help to the band during a time of mourning for Brun.

      Spiritual Leader Tom Stillday, assisted by Greeting Spears, led the assembly in prayers and a pipe ceremony, asking the Creator for help for the nation and leaders. And Black Bear Crossing drum group sang honor songs and songs to the four directions.

      In his inaugural speech, Jourdain welcomed the tribal members and guests in Ojibwe, but acknowledged he has a limited command of the language. However, he said he is learning.

      He thanked his opponent, Roman Stately, and outgoing members of the Tribal Council, his family and all those who supported him in the election.

      At 40 years old, Jourdain is the youngest person to be elected Red Lake chairman, a success he referred to as the “passing of a torch from one generation of leaders to another.”

      In an acceptance speech interrupted numerous times by applause, he pledged to work to protect the sovereignty and culture of the Red Lake Nation and safeguard tribal lands.

      Jourdain also asked the Tribal Council members for their pledge to move ahead together and end deadlock and discord. Everyone’s effort is necessary to address problems such as unemployment, drug and alcohol addictions, lack of housing and loss of culture, Jourdain said.

      Management of the lake and working with state and federal gaming laws will be further challenges, he said.

      In the next few months, Jourdain said he will initiate an assessment of programs to make sure members receive the services they need. He said he will also assemble elders’ and young peoples’ advisory boards.

      As he drew his speech to a close, Jourdain told of spiritual experiences during his campaign. He said he was visiting some of the people in Duluth and a man gave him a carved staff saying every leader needs such a staff. He carried the staff in a symbolic run in June from the Red Lake West Narrows to Ponemah Point.

      Jourdain attached to the staff two eagle feathers he received from supporters Annie Herman and Dee Fitch.

      Fitch, whose husband died about 18 months ago, said she felt that working for Jourdain’s election was a gift to fill the void in her life. She also told Jourdain she had a dream of his success.

      “I do a lot of praying for good things to come to the reservation because there are so many needs,” Fitch said. One night, she said she dreamed of Jourdain on stage, playing a guitar and people applauding and calling his name.

      Although some of the details of the dream were different from the inauguration, Fitch said, “It must be today.”

      Jourdain said he would lead the band according to Anishinabe tradition and to honor the eagle feathers the two women gave him.

Bemidji Pioneer: www.bemidjipioneer.com