Tim Meyer is a Duluth architect and community builder. Reach him at tim.meyer@meyergroupduluth.com
On Thursday, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Fond du Lac Cloquet District Elder Housing project, I was reminded of how far Native communities have progressed during the years I have worked in Ojibwe communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Michigan.
When I began working in tribal architecture and community development in 1992, I was struck by the conditions in which many Native communities were forced to live, work and raise their families. It was clear that significant investment was needed.
Indian gaming began taking hold across the region in the late 1980s and quickly grew into one of the largest employers in many tribal communities. At the same time, federal investments through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Indian Community Development Block Grant Program, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development programs and the Indian Health Service, combined with gaming revenue, have helped rebuild and strengthen Native communities over the past four decades.
During that time, tribes have diversified their economies, invested in their future, built wealth and reclaimed lands that were historically theirs. Together, these efforts have produced remarkable progress.
Is the work complete? No, not yet.
But the smile I saw on Chairman Bruce Savage's face during yesterday's ceremony spoke volumes. In all the years I have known him, it was the first time I remember seeing that expression of satisfaction. It was a reminder that while the work is far from finished, meaningful progress is being made.
Over the past 30 years, the Fond du Lac Band has built two gaming casinos, a new Tribal Government Center, the Min No Aya Win Health & Human Services Center, and a health care system that, I am told, now generates more revenue than its gaming operations. That success reflects the quiet but deliberate diversification strategy the Band has pursued for decades.
The community has also invested in new housing, health clinics, schools, natural resource management facilities and businesses. Roads that were once gravel or dirt have been rebuilt, and new trail systems now provide safe routes for children traveling to school.
Equally significant has been a cultural renaissance.
The Ojibwe language, once reduced to as few as 400 fluent speakers, is experiencing a revival. Institutions such as the Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Institute near Hayward, Wisconsin, are helping raise a new generation of fluent speakers.
Native communities have also invested in cultural museums, veterans memorials and monuments honoring Native warriors, recognizing generations of military service while restoring pride in their history and traditions.
Native spirituality has experienced its own rebirth through the construction of ceremonial halls and powwow grounds. These places not only strengthen Native communities but also introduce the broader public to Ojibwe traditions, helping build understanding, appreciation and respect. That cultural exchange helps reduce misunderstanding, breaks down barriers between people and moves society closer to overcoming racism and poverty, challenges that affect every race and culture.
The work, however, is far from over.
Chemical dependency, opioid addiction, alcoholism, abuse and mental health challenges continue to affect Native communities, just as they affect communities across America. But meaningful progress is occurring here as well.
Major investments in supportive housing, addiction treatment facilities, halfway houses and transitional housing are beginning to address these issues. The U.S. Department of Justice has committed significant funding to these efforts, while tribal governments continue investing in their own communities. Treatment programs that incorporate Native spirituality are producing encouraging results, offering a healthier path forward not only for Native communities but potentially for mainstream society as well.
The lesson I took away from this week's ceremony was simple: progress often comes slowly, but it becomes unmistakable when viewed over time. The right investments are being made today to create lasting change for future generations, both in Native communities and throughout American society.
Progress is real.
I have always felt honored that I may have played a small role in helping make some of it possible. The change we all hope to see is happening.
I saw it reflected in Chairman Savage's smile. It represented more than the completion of a state-of-the-art elder housing facility. It reflected the confidence of a leader who understands that this project symbolizes the broader positive change taking place throughout Native communities.
Some criticize efforts centered on diversity, equity and inclusion. I see something different. I see long-term investments that help create a stronger America. We cannot become the society we aspire to be until every person experiences dignity, respect, opportunity and inclusion.
The Red Lake Nation provides another example. This past year, the tribe completed a business incubator that created space for nine tribally owned businesses. All nine spaces were leased before the building officially opened.
The project was funded through partnerships involving the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Administration, the Blandin Foundation and the Red Lake Tribal Council.
Some argue that capitalism cannot reduce poverty in communities of color. I believe it can, provided people have access to the capital and resources that have historically been unavailable to them. This project demonstrates that entrepreneurship can build independence, create jobs and strengthen local economies.
Last week, while watching former President Barack Obama speak during the dedication of the Obama Presidential Center, I was reminded that the American Dream remains alive. Despite efforts by some to reverse progress, our nation continues moving forward.
Obama spoke about character, honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion and a sense of duty. He acknowledged contributions from both Democrats and Republicans, including political opponents. Those values transcend politics, race and culture.
He also warned against cynicism and despair, encouraging Americans to remain engaged and to believe that hope remains essential for meaningful change.
That message resonated with me.
The American Dream still exists, including within Native communities and communities of color.
Chairman Savage's smile represented that hope.