LYDELL J. "JONNY R" ROBERTS FOR CHAIRMAN OF RED LAKE

Boozhoo, indinawemaaganidog. Misko Ginew indizhinikaaz. Miskwagamii Wiizaga’igan indonjibaa. Makwa indodem.

Hello, my realtives! My name is Lydell J. “Jonny R” Robertsand I am running for Chairman of the Red Lake Nation!  I am a husband, father of 12, and entrepreneur. I was born in Minneapolis, MN and raised in the Little Rock District since I was 3 years old. Over the years, I’ve worked in numerous tribal programs and schools, which has given me a unique perspective on what our community has experienced and what the needs are.

The Red Lake Nation needs bold, passionate leaders that can bring fresh ideas that will embrace adapting to survive in today’s world. Our ancestors took a huge risk hundreds of years ago by migrating to “where the food grows on water (wild rice)”. Without that willingness to take a chance, we would not be where we are today. Now is the time for another bold risk by exploring new ideas, which is necessary for the Red Lake Nation to adapt to survive.

We are well into the Age of Information and our elected leaders need to understand right now how important it is for our tribal members to receive up-to-date information on what is happening in our communities. Misinformation can be very dangerous to our families and friends due to unverified rumors. There is no reason for the Red Lake Nation to be so far behind the rest of the world when it comes to what the tools of technology have to offer. It is dangerous and reckless for our leadership to continue to let misinformation endanger our community.

I realize that I am an outsider with very little tribal politics experience (and even less money), but over the years, if there was something I was passionate about, I took the time to learn how to pursue it. Whether it was working with the youth and families, video production, comedy, podcasting, or acting, I learned by studying and observing those who were just as passionate about those areas. I feel that our tribe is so far behind everyone else regarding bold new ideas, it is time for an outsider with knowledge and experience to step forward and pursue interests that would benefit our people as we’re well into the 21st century, or at the very least, push our current leaders towards making use of the tools of technology.

Embrace the future.

Miigwech and I look forward to meeting you all during this campaign season!

Lydell. J. “Jonny R” Roberts

@JonnyR4RedLake (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)

Jonnyr4redlake@gmail.com

Jonnyr4redlake.com