COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
October 2006, in response to an alarming escalation of yourth violence, gang activity, and and out-of-control truancy rate with American Indian youth of greater Leech Lake, a volunteer group of concerned citizens began to work on solutions. The citizens formed a coalition comprised of diverse representatives of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Cass County and Cass Lake Bena Schools, later known as the Greater Leech Lake Adolescent Treatment Program Steering Committee (GLLATP).
Through the impetus of the GLLATP, needs and solution evolved from meeting with community. American Indian youth and family answered with a specific solution to survive the changing environment while maintaining family and cultural ties throughout the healing process: A local youth drug and alcohol treatment center with a foundation of American Indian culture and spirituality.
The goal of the GLLATP is to deliver a plan to successfully develop and implement a new and effective model for servings its' American Indian youth at a time of incredible need. The development is underway of a new and innovative adolescent treatment modality based on Ojibwe culture and tested chemical dependency policy and practices. To complete the goal, GLLATP will analyze the feasibility of site and facility to be located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
- March 2007, Chairman Goggleye of the Leech Lake Band of OJibwe, Greg Ramey and Luann Frazer, Cass Lake Bena Schools, two American Indian youth, Shayna Seelye and Beth Ann Michaud, provided testimony to MN Legislators presenting the need for funding of the study.
- June 2007, MN Legislature allocates $150,000 for a two-year study at Leech Lake.
- July-October 2007, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, in collaboration with the GLLATP, conducted the search for a Project Consultant to guide the project.
- December 2007, an American Indian Consultant hired to direct the study project.
- January-February 2008, Mission and Vision Statement, beginning of Stakeholder Analysis, regional meeting of stakeholders, and Working Draft of Comprehensive Feasibility Study.
- March-May 2008, Partnering and development of Programs and Services.
- June-August 2008, Feasibility Study, Site and Facility Analysis and Sustainability, and invoke evaluation and next steps year two of grant.