MILLE LACS RESERVATION — Virgil Wind was sworn in on Tuesday, July 9, by the Honorable Chief Justice Rhonda Sam as chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Wind replaces Melanie Benjamin, who was first elected as chief executive in 2000 and did not seek reelection. Wind previously served as District 1 representative, a position he had since 2020.
"I stand up here today as a testament to those investments and the hope that was instilled in me over the years. Throughout this next phase of my journey, I hope to give that love back to my people. With these supports, there is no telling what heights we can reach, or how sturdy a foundation we can provide for each other," Wind said at the ceremony, according to a news release.
"You see, it is the certainty of the foundation that provides for the beauty and integrity of all that is built upon it. The foundation of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is our people and our children. It’s you.
That’s something that none of us should ever forget." The Mille Lacs Band also swore in Carolyn Beaulieu to the position of District 1 representative; and swore in three members to the Nay Ah Shing School Board — LeAnn Benjamin as chairperson, Semira Kimpson as District 1 board member and Sami Thomas as District 2 board member..
