Update on the Ongoing Search for Peter Michael Martin
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa – Cloquet, Minnesota (April 25, 2024) – The Fond du Lac Band is continuing its determined search for Peter Michael Martin, who was last seen on Friday, March 8, 2024. Following three weeks of direction and leadership from the Fond du Lac Police Department (FDLPD), the Fond du Lac Band activated a full Emergency Command Center (EOC) on Monday, April 1, 2024, and division leaders have met daily since then to coordinate resources and carry out strategies in the search for Peter.
Since the activation of the full EOC in early April, extensive surveying efforts have taken place across the Fond du Lac Reservation, spanning over 150 miles of varied terrain, including trail systems, lakes, and rivers, far beyond the initial Mahnomen neighborhood where Peter was last seen. These significant efforts are being carried out by technically skilled staff and dedicated volunteers who provide unwavering support.
As the search progresses, the next step will be to transition from a fully activated EOC to a partial activation, which reflects the wishes of Peter Michael Martin's immediate family and the completion of search efforts in the initial area of interest and across much of the Fond du Lac Reservation. This move will allow for greater utilization of volunteers and ensure that search and rescue units continue to operate effectively in future search efforts.
The scope of the investigation remains unchanged, all leads are being documented and investigated that are pertaining to the case, and the investigation is active and ongoing. In addition to on-going efforts by the FDLPD, St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office (SLCSO) and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (MN BCA), there are collaborative efforts with neighboring communities, law enforcement and state agencies to continue to strengthen investigative efforts.
As of today, Peter Michael Martin remains considered a missing person; however, the Fond du Lac Band, EOC, and law enforcement remain vigilant and committed to responding to any developments and exhausting all resources in the search for Peter.
Fond du Lac Police Department | 218-878-8040
St. Louis County Sheriff's Office | 218-726-2340
Reminder that these are the official sources for all Missing Person leads for Peter Michael Martin.
To stay connected to all Missing Relative Updates please visit this website or our social media channels, including Facebook, search Fond du Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
For all Media Inquiries, please contact, Caleb Dunlap, Communication Director for the Fond du Lac Band at calebdunlap@fdlrez.com or 218-481-2814.
Click Here for the Press Release dated 3/13/24
Click Here for the Press Release dated 3/21/24
Click Here for the Press Release dated 3/28/24
Click Here for the Press Release dated 4/25/24
See past Missing Relative updates here.
Nagaajiwanaang, “Where the Water Stops,” is the name of the homelands of the Fond du Lac Band at the time of the 1854 Treaty. We retained this name in Ojibwemowin for the present-day Fond du lac Reservation that was established under the 1854 La Pointe Treaty. Nagaajiwanaang (Fond du Lac Band) is one of the six Bands of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. There are three districts that make up the Fond du Lac Reservation: Bapashkominitigong (Cloquet), Gwaaba’iganing (Sawyer), and Ashkibwaakaaning (Brookston). Today, our Band includes over 4,000 members. We have always been, and continue to be, a proud sovereign Ojibwe nation. We uphold all of our rights retained and agreed to within the 1825, 1826, 1837, 1842, 1847, and 1854 Treaties.
FOND DU LAC SOCIAL MEDIA:
Recent Additions:
Grief Ceremony - Opening, May 14, Closing May 17
Elders Movie Mornings - May 5, June 2
Elders Spring Banquet - May 7
Elders Telling Stories - April 24, Brookston CC
Fond du Lac Health Fair - June 11
MONKEY CLAUS GAME EXCHANGES
SUI LAUNCH TOKEN EXCHANGES
| 4/26 | Child Abuse Prevention Walk/Brunch: The Child Abuse Prevention Walk/Brunch will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Meet at the Human Services lower level parking lot. Click here for full details. |
| 4/26 | 2024 General Election Absentee Ballot Notice: If you require an absentee ballot to vote in the General Election on June 11, 2024, you can submit a form requesting an absentee ballot. Click here to download the Absentee Ballot Request Form, and send the completed form to General Reservation Election Board, P.O. Box 430, Cloquet, MN, 55720. |
| 4/26 | RBC Meeting Notice: The next RBC Program/Development meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, 2024, 9:00 am, and is open to FDL Band members via Zoom. Click the Zoom Link for access. The meeting ID is 847 689 6955 and the passcode is 38517. Alternatively, you can call into the meeting by calling (312) 626-6799. Either method will put you in a waiting area. Meeting access will be granted upon Band membership verification. Click here to read this meeting's agenda. |
| 4/25 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Update on the Ongoing Search for Peter Michael Martin. The Fond du Lac Band is continuing its determined search for Peter Michael Martin, who was last seen on Friday, March 8, 2024.Click here to read the full press release. |
| 4/25 | General Election Notice: A Regular Minnesota Chippewa Tribal Election of the FOND DU LAC Reservation Business Committee will be held on June 11, 2024, to fill the following positions: Chairperson, District I (Cloquet) and District III (Brookston). gateio to read the official notice. |
| 4/25 | Exciting Announcement! Get ready to engage with our community like never before! The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is delighted to share that our new and enhanced website will launch at FDLBAND.org, starting Monday, April 29, 2024! This marks a significant step forward in modernizing our online presence and enhancing user experience. Join us as we initiate a new era of digital engagement for the Fond du Lac Band, offering our members and wider community a user-friendly gateway to information and resources. Don't miss out—mark your calendars and be part of this exciting journey! Click here for a preview of the new site features! |
| 4/24 | Request for Proposals: FDL Housing is seeking sealed bids for a Residential Renovation project located at 1282 Mission Road. Cloquet, Mn. 55720. The project will include removal existing sidewalks and installing new sidewalks. The deadline for submitting bids is June 18, 2024, 3:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 4/24 | Request for Proposals: FDL Housing is seeking sealed bids for a Residential Roof replacement project located at 1657 Jarvi Rd Cloquet, Mn. 55720. The project will include roof tear off and installation of new drip edge, underlayment and ice and water membrane and roof accessories and ridge cap. The deadline for submitting bids is May 28, 2024, 3:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 4/24 | Chi-aya’aag Dibaajimowaad: Elders Telling Stories. Monthly gatherings will rotate between the FDL Community Centers of each district, from 5 pm - 7 pm. The next scheduled date is Wednesday, May 29th, at the Cloquet Community Center. Click here to see the 2024 schedule. |
| 4/23 | Gookonaanig Endaawaad Immersion Preschool Open House: May 7th and May 16th, 4-6 pm, at 111 Brevador Road Cloquet, MN 55720. Come and tour the pre-school and get answers to any questions you may have. Miigwech! Open House Flyer - Ojibwe | Open House Flyer - English |
| 4/23 | Free Trees Available: Free trees, extras from the earth day celebration, are available at the Resource Management front desk. White spruce and red pine are available. If you have questions about these tree species and what sites they perform well on, contact Alex Mehne at alexandermehne@fdlrez.com. |
| 4/23 | Transit Closure: FDL Transit will be closed on Monday, April 29th for staff training. Thank you. |
| 4/23 | Cultural Ceremonies Update: Come join the Cultural Ceremonies at the FDL Language and Cultural Center throughout the month of April. The remaining April dates are April 23, 24, 25, 30. gate.io app for details. |
| 4/23 | 2024 Gitigaan Classes: Gitigaan classes will be held every Tuesday from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. Click here for the full 2024 schedule of classes and click here for April class descriptions. The postponed class, Garden Tool Maintenance, has been rescheduled for Thursday, June 6th. Click here for details on this class. See the FDL Agriculture Gitigaan page here for full details on the FDL Gitigaan program. Classes are subject to change. For further details and updates follow @FDLGitigaan on Facebook or Instagram. Contact CamiFischer@fdlrez.com with any questions. |
| 4/22 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve have received nearly $350,000 to create a plan for the restoration and future stewardship of 10.9 acres of land regained by the Band at the western end of Lake Superior’s Gibiskising Minis (land bridge, Wisconsin Point). Click here to read the full press release. |
| 4/19 | Chairman Dupuis Awarded Outstanding Tribal Leader Award: Chairman Kevin R. Dupuis Sr. has been awarded the Outstanding Tribal Leader award at the 39th Annual Minnesota Indian Education Association (MIEA) Conference. See details and an image of the award below: Chairman Dupuis Award Details | Award Image |
| 4/19 | General Election Lottery Results: On Friday, April 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., the Reservation Business Committee held a lottery to determine the order in which the candidates in the General Election for the 2024 Regular Election will appear on the ballot. Click here to view the lottery results. |
| 4/19 | Ojibwe Immersion Summer Camp: Applications are now open to attend the Ojibwe Language Immersion Summer Camp from June 26 - July 3, 2024, at the Cloquet Forestry Center. Applications are due by noon, April 29, 2024. See details and registration information below. Ojibwe Immersion Summer Camp Flyer - Ojibwe Ojibwe Immersion Summer Camp Flyer - English |
| 4/19 | Fire Danger Update: The Fire Danger will remain low today, with chance of some light snow. This weekend it will be drier with gusty winds which will make the Fire Danger rise to moderate for tomorrow and perhaps high going into next week. Green up is coming soon, but for now the surface fuels are still very susceptible to ignition. Please exercise caution if burning. Burn permits can be obtained from Resource Management. Contact Amy Skrivanek at 218-878-7118 or amyskrivanek@fdlrez.com |
| 4/18 | Kiwenz Park Opening: FDL Parks and Recreation Dept. would like to announce the opening of Kiwenz Park and Recreation Area and Bassett Beach for day use, coming May 1st, 2024. We have attached general rules for the area and welcome your comments and ideas as we move into the summer. Please contact the department with inquiries at 218-878-7107. Click here for details and general rules. |
| 4/18 | Grief Ceremony: A traditional Grief Ceremony will be held in May, at the Anishinaabewigamig Culture Center. The Opening Ceremony will be held on May 14, 10 am. and the Closing Ceremony on May 17, 10 am. Click here for details. |
| 4/17 | Request for Proposals: The Fond du Lac Food Distribution Program is soliciting proposals from qualified individuals to create artwork incorporating Native American Traditional Foods. We are seeking individuals with experience in artwork. The deadline for submitting bids is May 28, 2024, 4:30 pm. Click here for details. |
| 4/17 | Elder Activities: Elders Movie Mornings - May 5, June 2 Elders Spring Banquet - May 7 Elder Chanhassen Dinner Theater Trip - May 15-16 Elder Defensive Driving Class |
| 4/15 | Request for Proposals: The Fond du Lac Education Division is seeking sealed bids to install a water softening system at the Fond du Lac Ojibwe School, 49 University Road, Cloquet, MN. The deadline for submitting bids is April 30, 2024, 4:00 pm. Click here for details. |
| 4/15 | Daily Work of Grief - Reflections and Healing: A virtual presentation for care partners and professionals who support those living with dementia. The presentation will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 from 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Registration is required. Click here for full details. |
| 4/12 | FDL Election Office Closure: The FDL election office will be closed until we receive the ballots from the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) office. The projected date for receiving these ballots is May 10. If you have any questions or concerns during this period, please contact General Election Chairperson Sue Connor at 218-590-0969. We truly appreciate your understanding and cooperation. |
| 4/12 | Letter of Apology to FDL Community: The FDL Human Services Division has issued a letter of apology to the Fond du Lac Community for premature release of information about the cancelation of the Prevention/Intervention Department's summer youth camp. Please click here to read the apology letter. |
| 4/12 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Fond du Lac Police Department Responds to Firearm-Related Incident in the Early Hours of April 11. Click here to read the full press release. |
| 4/12 | 2024 Spring Spearing & Netting Update: Fond du Lac Resource Management has opened Mille Lacs Lake Spearing and Netting as of Friday, April 12th. The landing will be determined FRIDAY morning based on weather conditions. The weather for the weekend looks great, and the Ogaa have started to spawn! Contact FDL Fisheries Biologist Eric Torvinen, 218-348-1691, erictorvinen@fdlrez.com, with any questions. Resource Management would like to announce that a boat ride program will be made available for 2024 spring harvest at Mille Lacs Lake. Fond du Lac Band Members, aged 65 or older, will be offered a boat ride to set their nets. See details below. Spring Spearing & Netting has started as of April 4th! Resource Management will be using the same online sign-up, and permit distribution system in 2024 as it has the last few years. During the morning hours, FDL Resource Management Staff will be sending out a mass email and text to Band members who have signed up (signup using the link listed below). Spearing/Netting Elder Boat Ride Details 2024 Spearing/Netting Details | Spearing/Netting Sign-up |
| 4/11 | Sawyer Community Members: There will be a Private Well Owner Seminar held at the Sawyer Community Center on Tuesday, May 14, from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm. Information will be provided on well construction, maintenance, water quality and testing. Preregistration is encouraged. Click here for details. |
| 4/10 | Request for Proposals: The Fond du Lac Royalty Coordinator is soliciting proposals from individuals to make beaded crowns/hats/sashes for FDL Royalty. The deadline for submitting bids is April 30, 2024, 4:30 pm. Click here for details. |
| 4/8 | Fish Composting: This spearing and netting season, Fond du Lac’s Environmental Program is interested in collecting your fish waste and turning it into compost for our gardens! Click here for full details. |
| 4/3 | FDL Primary Election Official Results: The official results from the Fond du Lac Reservation's primary election on April 2 are now available. In each election race, the two candidates who receive the most votes progress to the Fond du Lac Reservation General Election on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. Click here for the official results. |
| 4/3 | Notice of firewood availability: Firewood from a recent tree removal project is available for pickup. It is currently stacked here: Map Link Firewood is predominantly Aspen, but contains spruce and some other species. For questions about the firewood, contact Alex Mehne at alexandermehne@fdlrez.com or 269-409-1760. |
| 4/3 | Amended Conservation Code: The Fond du Lac Band recently amended the Conservation Code for the Minnesota Portion of the 1837 Ceded Territory, reinstating a portion of the Code that was removed in 2003. The amendment reinstates Code Section 3.30 which provides Band members the opportunity to have family members assist them with certain aspects of their treaty harvesting activities. Click here for details on the Code Amendment. Permits can be obtained from the Conservation Clerk at the John A. Smith Memorial Building or from Fond du Lac Conservation Officers. Click here to read the full Conservation Code. Band members with questions are encouraged to contact the Resource Management Division at (218) 878-7101 for more information. |
| 4/2 | Economic Development Committee Meetings: The Economic Development Committee (EDC) meetings are open to the interested public. The next scheduled meeting will be held on May 7, 2024, 3 pm - 4:30 pm, In the Tribal Center Planning Conference Room. You may join us in person or virtually, whatever your schedule allows for. Click here to join the meeting via Zoom. EDC by-laws can be accessed by clicking here. |
| 3/15 | Summer Youth Employment: The FDL Summer Youth Employment program is now accepting applications. Youth ages 14 to 17 are eligible. Applications are due no later than April 30, 2024. Click here for full details. |
| 3/15 | Elder Lawn Mowing: Summer youth will begin mowing in early June. FDL Elders age 62 or older are eligible for this program. Click here for full details and contact information. |
| 3/13 | Waste Management Notice: Commencing May 1, 2024, the FDL Waste Management Transfer Station will be adjusting hours of operation for Holidays. The new hours of operation for ALL Holidays are: 8 am – 12 pm. Please note the Transfer Station will be CLOSED for Christmas Day. FDL Waste Management appreciates your understanding and patience as we adjust to slightly different hours during Holidays which will allow for staff to also enjoy these days with their families and friends. |
| 3/12 | 2024 Election Board Update: The Reservation Business Committee has updated the 2024 election board appointees due to resignations. The Band’s letter to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe dated March 12, 2024 is available here. Please click here for all 2024 Election announcements and documents. |
| 3/7 | 2024 FDL Health Fair: The 2024 FDL Health Fair will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Black Bear Casino Resort Otter Creek Center. The Opening Ceremony will be held at 11:30 am, tables open to public from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Lunch will be served from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm or until gone. Click here for details. |
| 3/4 | MNDot/Tribal Cement Masons Training: MNDot is hosting a free 10-week training for Cement Masons. The training will be held at the Cement Masons Local 633 JATC Training Center in New Brighton, MN, from May 28 - Aug 2, 2024. During the duration of the training you will learn both related and on-the-job technical training. Training Details Flyer | Training Application |
| 2/29 | Band members: Due to increased costs associated with repairs and replacements, fees will now be charged for renting Fond du Lac tents, tables, and chairs as of February 28, 2024. Please keep in mind that if you booked before February 28th, you will not be charged for your rental needs, and no rental costs will be charged for funeral services. For any questions about pricing, or to reserve your rental, please call 218-878-8025 or 218-878-8028. |
| 2/28 | Fired Up About Welding Camp: Fired Up About Welding is a 2-day camp for High School students interested in learning the basics of welding. The camp will be held on April 18 and 19, at the Lake Superior College downtown campus. The camp is free to attend. Click here for details and registration information. |
| 2/22 | 2024 Brookston State of the Band Presentation: The District III, Brookston Representative, Roger Smith, Sr., has provided a transcript of the Brookston Presentation at the State of the Band open meeting that took place on February 15, 2024. Click here to read the transcription. |
| 2/5 | FDL Forestry Survey: What types of Forests and Forest Management activities would you like to see more of at Fond du Lac Reservation? Please take Fond du Lac Forestry's new survey (even if you took the one in 2022) so that your input can guide Forest Management at Fond du Lac Reservation. Click here to take the survey. |
| 1/23 | Woodlot Update: Fond du Lac Forestry has opened a new woodlot located on Maki Road. Band members are required to obtain a permit prior to gathering firewood from this property. This woodlot is year-round accessible and painted trees are NOT to be harvested. Details are available on the permit. The Brevator Road woodlot will be re-opened on Tuesday, January 30th. This is later than usual due to the record-breaking warm temperatures in December which kept the access road thawed. To obtain a woodlot permit, contact Amy Skrivanek at amyskrivanek@fdlrez.com or (218-878-7118), or from the Resource Management front desk at 218-878-7101. Band members will need their tribal ID to pick up a permit. If you have any questions about the woodlot or how the trees are marked, contact Phillip Hass at philliphass@fdlrez.com (218)-600-7211, or Alex Mehne at alexandermehne@fdlrez.com or 269-409-1760. |
| 1/22 | Breastfeeding support at Black Bear Casino Resort: Support for breastfeeding at Black Bear Casino Resort just got better! With the help of grant dollars and the Community Health Services Department, we’ve installed a new Mamava Lactation Pod located near the Otter Creek Event Center. Click here for details. |
| 1/22 | Air Program Project Stove Swap: Winter is here! Do you have an old, inefficient wood stove heating your home? Do you qualify for SNAP, WIC, Head Start, or other assistance programs? The Fond du Lac Air Program is continuing to partner with Environmental Initiative’s Project Stove Swap to assist with upgrading old wood stoves for free or at a deep discount. Please click here for more information, and reach out to the Fond du Lac Air Program, Paige Huhta (218-878-7108, paigehuhta@fdlrez.com) and Anthony Mazzini (218-878-7112, anthonymazzini@fdlrez.com), with any questions and to receive an application. Remaining project funding is limited, so please reach out as soon as you are able. Save money, keep warm, and protect the air and the health of our community through these improvements! Miigwech! |
| 1/18 | Five Skies Empowerment Training: Join the hundreds of individuals who have completed the Five Skies Empowerment Training Program and are now better prepared for success in their construction jobs. The training is a 4-week program from April 15 - May 10, 2024. The training will be held at the Legendary Waters Casino in Bayfield, WI. Click here for full details. |
| 1/3 | Teamsters Apprenticeship Program: No cost training to be a Construction Truck Driver will be available in the Spring of 2024. Applications are being accepted now and are due by February 4, 2024. Click here for full details. |
| 12/21 | GLIFWC Summer Internships: The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) is pleased to announce available internships for its 2024 GLIFWC Internship Program. Through this internship program, college students will work one-on-one with a GLIFWC mentor in various divisions and learn about necessary coursework, college degrees, and trainings which result in gainful employment in a multitude of careers. Click here for full details. |
| 12/15 | Opening on Law Enforcement Review Board: There is an opening for a Brookston Representative on the Fond du Lac Law Enforcement Review Board. The committee meets every 3rd Friday of the month. Any Fond du Lac Band Members interested in serving on this committee should submit their name to Terri Redding at FDL Conservation Department, 28 University Road, Cloquet MN or by calling 218-878-7155. |
| At-Home Rapid Covid-19 Tests: The state of Minnesota and the USPS has made at-home rapid Covid-19 test kits available for free. Residents are able to order 8 test kits per month, while supplies last. Click here to visit the Minnesota Dept. of Health site to place an order. Click here for further details. Click here for free test kits from the USPS. | |
| NOTICE: Nagaajiwanaang Genawendangig Anishinaabemowin (The Ones who Take Care of Anishinaabemowin at Fond du Lac) are seeking advisory board members. The purpose of the Nagaajiwanaang Genawendangig Anishinaabemowin is to acquaint themselves with all of the language activities and services available in the region and periodically review language plans. In addition, advisory board members will advise the Language Coordinator in matters related to management and development issues affecting Anishinaabemowin preservation and revitalization, and review grant opportunities for funding language programs and projects. Per Fond du Lac Ordinance #05/14, as amended. If you are interested, please email jeffsavage@fdlrez.com or call 218-878-758 | |
| Homeowner Assistance Fund Program: The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has received funding from the United States Department of the Treasury to administer a Homeowner Assistance Fund program, designed to provide mortgage, utility, and internet payment assistance relief to Tribal homeowners. Click here for details and a program overview with application instructions. |
