Grand Opening held for new buildings at Red Lake

As the blessing, opening prayer and drum ceremony took place at the new Red Lake Nation Capitol building a young eagle soared overhead. Red Lake Nation spiritual advisor Eugene Stillday spoke of a vision of an eagle that came to him in a dream. He thought it was a premonition that it should appear that day. Several people spoke during the opening ceremony for the “New Capitol”.

There were about 200 people who were in the natural wood grain open air area surrounding the pavilion where the Battle River Singers drum group performed honor songs. Two buildings, the new tribal college building with an eagle head in the center with a wing span of 300 feet and the government center with an eagle with a wing span of 213 feet long. DSGW with Erik Wedge and Julie Spiering is a Minnesota firm with offices in Duluth, Virginia, Grand Rapids and Lake Elmo did the work for the project.

Dan King, the Red Lake Nation College President was the Master of Ceremonies for the event. He stated that the planning for the buildings, which includes the Government Center and the Red Lake Nation College, began five years ago. The tribal council and the hereditary chiefs voted for the $21.4 million project. A grant from the United States Department of Agriculture helped to pay for the new capitol center. 

Darrell Seki, Sr. the Tribal Chairman thanked the dignitaries for attending both in Ojibwe and English. He also thanked the tribal council because he said it takes more than one person to get things accomplished on the reservation.

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton made comments at the Veteran’s Memorial dedication. He wanted the youth in attendance to promise to stay in school, graduate and become leaders of the Red Lake Nation, the State of Minnesota and the United States.

Other officials who spoke included: Eugene McArthur, Red Lake Nation College Development Director, U.S. Congressman, Collin Peterson, Minnesota 7th District; Colleen Landkamer, MN State Director for USDA Rural development; Rod Skoe MN State Senator from the 2nd District and Dave Hancock State Representative for District 2A.

The day continued with the community lunch at noon provided by the Red Lake Tribal Council.

Tours were given of the Red Lake Government Center and the Red Lake National College. 

A mini pow wow with tribal drums and dancers was open to the public at the new Red Lake Pow Wow Grounds. 

At 8:00 p.m. there was a Community movie night.