Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe - Aanjibimaadizing

06/19/2026

Get mental health support, education, and advocacy from NAMI—the nation’s largest grassroots organization for people affected by mental illness.

06/18/2026

All Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe government offices, including outer districts, HHS, clinics, and pharmacy, will be closed on Friday, June 19, 2026, in recognition of Juneteenth. Offices will remain closed on Monday, June 22, 2026, in honor of Aazhoomog Day.

06/18/2026

As we reach the longest day of the year, did you know that in a pinch, the white powder found on Azaadi (also known as Aspen) bark can offer minimal, short-term sun protection and may help soothe mild sunburn?

Azaadi is easy to find in Minnesota—home to more of these trees than any other state!

How to Identify Azaadi (Aspen)
🌳Smooth, whitish-green bark when young, turning gray and rough with age
🌳Distinct dark, eye-shaped scars where branches once grew
🌳Leaves with a pointed tip and finely toothed edges
🌳Unlike paper birch, its bark does not peel

How It Works

The white “bloom” on the bark is a natural coating the tree produces—especially on southern, sun-exposed sides—to protect itself from sun damage.

It may provide limited skin protection in two ways:

1. Physical barrier: The chalky powder can sit on the skin, block sun rays and reflect UV light, similar in principle to mineral sunscreens.

2. Natural compounds: Azaadi bark contains salicin, a plant compound related to aspirin, which has mild soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Natural extracts in Azaadi bark have also been considered microbial and skin conditioning.

The powder has a very low irritation potential. Those with sensitive skin can typically use it without worry, but it should be tested on a small area of skin first.

⚠️ Important: This is not a replacement for sunscreen. It offers very low SPF (around 5) and only minimal, short-term protections.

How to say Azaadi: https://ojibwe.lib.umn.edu/main-entry/azaadi-na

Identification: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/trees/quaking-aspen.html

06/18/2026

Save on School Supplies with K-12 Education Credit
School Supplies Season is Here! 📚 As you start stocking up on school supplies, remember that those receipts are worth keeping. Most purchases are eligible for the K-12 Education Credit or Subtraction, which can help you save money during the next tax season. Discover how to claim these valuable savings by visiting: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/k-12-education-subtraction-and-credit

06/18/2026

“Slow progress is still progress. Your speed doesn’t matter; forward is forward.”

Does it occasionally feel you’re making great progress towards your goals while other times it appears that nothing is happening?

Don’t be discouraged by what you cannot see, because plans can come together in unexpected ways. It may help to remember all you have done, instead of ruminating on the to-do list that may be weighing you down.

The thing is, goal attainment is not linear, because there are processes taking place behind the scenes beyond your awareness. It may seem nothing is happening to your way of thinking or that your goals are progressing too slowly. This is only your perception because you are invested in the outcome. Rigid expectations can make you feel disappointed, especially if things don’t happen according to your timeline.

But progress is not dependent on a linear pattern. We believe this model of progress and place expectations on how our goals will be accomplished. Be open to different rhythms, and to unexpected opportunities. When you focus on what you are moving towards, instead of everything that seems to be missing, life has a way of opening up.

“When you’re ready to quit, you are closer than you think.” - Bob Parsons

06/18/2026

Four days a year, the Minnesota Historical Society provides FREE admission to its historic sites and museums, including the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post.

Saturday, June 27 is our next Free Day. Walking tours of the site will be available at 11 and 2. Come out and enjoy our site! Also available is a kids craft! For a five dollar fee, kids of all ages are welcome to make a corn husk doll. We’ve seen some pretty creative work by our past visitors! We’re excited to see what you can make too.

Funding for free admission is provided by the State of Minnesota's Legacy Amendment, through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov. 4, 2008, and our generous donors and members.

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Who else needed this today? 🤍🌸🌿✨