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National
Leech Lake Band debates banishment policy


Members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe are debating a banishment policy to prevent violent crimes on the reservation.

Chairman George Goggleye Jr. supports banishment. But when he asked leaders on the reservation what they think, the Indian Councils recommended against such a policy.

Secretary-Treasurer Archie LaRose opposes banishment. He and others say the tool could be used as a weapon to punish people who don't agree with the tribal leadership.

The debate comes amid the release of a tribal member from prison. Wakinyan McArthur, 27, has a criminal record and is said to one of the main leaders of the Native Mob gang. His probation prohibits him from going to the reservation.

Get the Story:
Leech Lake Band split on revival of banishment (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/23)
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Relevant Links:
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe - http://www.llojibwe.com

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