Mille Lacs Band Removes Benjamin From Office

Following a joint session of elected officials Wednesday on the Mille Lacs Reservation, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has removed Melanie Benjamin as Chief Exective. Herbert Weyaus, Sr. was appointed to serve as the Band's interim Chief Executive; Sandra Blake was appointed to serve as the interim Secretary-Treasurer. The move follows a process established by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) Constitution. On September 29, a petition with 361 signatures was submitted to the Mille Lacs Band Assembly asking for the removal of Benjamin, citing ethical charges. The MCT requires signatures from at least 20-percent of the Band's eligible voters, or a minimum of 241 signers. "A change in leadership is always difficult for a community," said Weyaus. "I hope we can come together during this time to move the Band forward in a positive direction." This tribal government action does not impact Grand Casino MIlle Lacs or Grand Casino Hinckley. Benjami was first elected Chief Exective in 2000 and began her third four-year term in July of this year.