I wrote a letter to Frank Courteau on January 4 2002:
Nathan Steffenson
-contact info eliminated visit http://onamia.com/Nate -
4 January 2002
Frank Courteau
Chairman
-contact info eliminated visit http://www.co.mille-lacs.mn.us -
Chairman Frank Couteau,
Mille Lacs County's Budget seems to be out of order, not dollar wise, but misused. I heard county has budgeted $1 million towards a lawsuit against the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. I do not think the county will win. If the county does win, I think it will not do the county much good. I also heard on the governor's state of the state address that state aid to local government is a likely item that might be cut.
In this case it doesn't matter what the majority thinks, it matters what the courts decide. I do not think it will be in favor of the county. I am currently completely against your lawsuit. If a settlement needs to be made: You probably should try letting the band come up with a compromise, then the commissioners decide whether it is approve or not approved, instead of the other way around. Another option is to have an active discussion. The county cannot afford a $1 million dollar losing lawsuit. There are many other things in the county that this money could go towards.
This lawsuit will really only will hurt the county if it is lost. If the suit is won the county will most likely not benefit either, but it may also hurt the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe slightly.
If you have any justified reasons for this please tell me.
What percentage of the budget is this?
Sincerely,
[signed]
Nathan Steffenson
Thank you for your recent letter expressing your views concerning the reservation issue. While our opinions at this time differ, I do appreciate the sentiments expressed in your letter. You asked in your letter if I had "any justified reasons" for assuming the position I have. Enclosed please find several items that might help you better understand my position, and the significance of this issue:
It is hoped you will at least review these documents, and will do so with an open mind. Finally, you seem certain the County would lose any litigation brought to settle the dispute. Do not be so sure. Consider the following statement from Justice Van DeVanter in writing for the United States Supreme Court in U. S. v. Mille Lacs Band ofChippewa Indians (1913):
"The commission, the Secretary of Interior and the President, in seeking, obtaining and approving the relinquishment of that reservation, all treated it as within the purview of the act, and the Mille Lacs did the same ".
Thank you again for expressing your opinions to me.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Frank Courteau
Mille Lacs County Commissioner
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