Red Lake leaders discuss boundaries, federal funding at State of the Band

Red Lake Tribal Chairman Darrell Seki Sr. highlighted efforts to restore the tribe’s historic boundaries and addressed federal funding during the 2026 State of the Band Address on Feb. 20 at the Oshkiimaajitahdah Community Center in Redby, Minnesota, according to the Duluth News Tribune. Seki said reclaiming the eastern portion of Upper Red Lake remains a priority and that the tribe is urging the U.S. Department of the Interior Solicitor’s Office and the Office of Tribal Justice to resume work on a legal opinion related to the intended 1889 boundaries.

Seki also discussed funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education and Indian Health Service, describing recent levels as essentially flat, according to the Duluth News Tribune. Tribal Secretary Sam Strong spoke about unity and said he will not seek reelection. The tribal council also passed a Jan. 13 resolution requiring a court order for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to enter Red Lake Nation, the newspaper reported.