As we continue to build a future rooted in sovereignty, dignity, and strength it is vital that we prioritize our responsibilities: protecting our elders, our children and the overall welfare of our people.
This election is one of the most important elections we will ever have due to the uncertain road that lies before us. We are on the cusp of significant funding cuts resulting from DOGE and Trump’s economic plan to give billionaires another huge tax break. State and Federal Grant opportunities that we have grown accustomed to applying and receiving will no longer be available. Programs such as Medicare and SNAP are under attack. These cuts will impact our community!
The next Tribal Governing Board will face financial challenges that we haven’t experienced since the recession of 2007. We need to develop a financial strategic plan that ensures our businesses are profitable, encapsulates new economic opportunities and details responsible spending.
We have initiated and implemented strategies for reconciling historical injustice imposed on our ancestors. Electric utilities Jump River and Xcel are included in our reconciliation scope as their respective right of ways are expired along with Reservation roads.
If you look around the reservation in comparison to five years ago, you can see the significant progress we’ve made; new housing subdivision “Mandaamin”, construction of a health enter, daycare, police and fire departments, community infrastructure and more. Equally important is our commitment to keep our LCO Development and other tribal workers employed year-round. With your continued support, we can keep the momentum rolling!
In closing, I would like to give a huge thank you to all my supporters. The people that took a stand for fairness and honesty, the people that have stood by me and worked with me over the years, your contributions are appreciated.
Louis D. Taylor
I am Lorraine Gouge, a Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribal Elder and a candidate for the upcoming LCO General Election. I would like to say Chi-Miigwetch to all my supporters that voted for me during the Primary Election. I appreciate your vote and am now asking for your continued support in the upcoming LCO General Election on June 21, 2025.
I am the former Vice Chairwoman of our tribe and served in this role from 2019-2023. I took my role as a leader very seriously and represented the LCO Tribe with honor and respect. I fulfilled my responsibilities at the local, state, and national levels. I was a voice for the LCO Tribe and all tribal nations when I served on the national committee for the Administration for Children and Families. I was also a representative on the Tribal Relations Committee and Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council. I collaborated closely with Governor Evers on critical issues during my term.
I am an Alumni of both the LCO Ojibwe School and the LCO Ojibwe University. I attained my bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. I am currently a student at the LCO Ojibwe University working on a master’s degree in human services. I have dedicated my life to serving the members of the LCO Tribe.
It takes experience and knowledge to serve as a leader and I would be honored to serve in this capacity again. I am a woman of my faith, and I always look to the future of the tribe when making decisions that will pave the way for those that are yet to come. This is a teaching I take to heart and will carry as a leader.
Vote ‘Lorraine Gouge’ on June 21st, 2025. Chi-Miigwetch!
Good leadership is direct. Direct leadership mixed with being friendly and supportive, not straying from your own moral values, will create a beneficial environment.
I strive to live a good life. I lived 15 months without an income, I was resourceful; I managed, still remained humble and helpful. I am smart, intuitive, approachable and a born fighter helping those in need.
I have proven with my actions and concern to hold the youth and elders close to my heart. When there was an opportunity for youth to attend an event, I assisted the youth with fundraisers to raise money to pay for the rest of their travels. I employ my gifts to help empower others.
I have organized a few events, when bringing in speakers; I asked them in a good way to come and chat with our community. When they did come and talk, they left their audience in awe. I was able to bring a former NBA player to our community and talk with our youth. Doing good for our community is what I will leave you with so that you may think about doing good for our community as well. These are little endeavors I did on my own volition, imagine what I can do with a bigger resource. Your vote does matter.
I would also like to extend an invitation for a ‘Meet and Greet’ this Thursday, 6/19/25, 3:00-5:00 at the pavilion between the store and gas station. I will have food, just unsure what.
I humbly ask to be one of your 4 votes. My contributions to our community in the past; I will take it further along with your support and help. I am not scared, I know who I am as a person and as a leader. Chi miigwech.
Sirella -Asiniiwaabi’kwe
Rooted in Promise. Rising with Purpose.
When I first took the oath to uphold our Tribal Constitution, I made a lifelong commitment—one rooted in respect, responsibility, and love for our people. That oath is more than a ceremony. It is a guiding principle that has shaped every decision I’ve made in service to our Tribe.
Throughout my time on the Tribal Governing Board, I’ve worked with integrity to defend our rights, protect our traditions, and support every tribal member. Our path forward has never been one of individual effort—it has always been one of unity and teamwork. I believe—and have always believed—that true progress is only possible when we work together.
Together, we’ve taken bold steps to strengthen our tribal economy, grow opportunities, and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. As the future approaches with new hopes and obstacles, I remain committed to leading with you, not above you—with honor, transparency, and trust.
Our Constitution binds us. Our shared vision lifts us. Together, there is nothing we cannot achieve.
To all who have stood by me—thank you. Your trust, your belief in me, and the responsibility you’ve given me to carry your concerns and your voices forward mean more than words can express.
Serving on the TGB has been an honor grounded in accountability and community. Your support in the primary election was a powerful reminder of the shared purpose that unites us. I carry that with me every day.
As we look ahead to this Saturday’s General Election, I humbly ask for your continued support. Together, we’ve made incredible strides—and I believe our future holds even more. With unity, respect, and commitment, we will continue building a stronger, thriving future for all tribal members.
Let’s keep moving forward—together.
Chi-miigwech,
Don Carley
My name is Janet Quaderer, and I’m the daughter of Steve and Judy Quaderer. I grew up in the Whitefish community and now raise our six children, along with my partner of 27 years, in North Reserve. We also have four grandchildren. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Throughout my life, I have served the Lac Courte Oreilles community in many ways—from emergency services and law enforcement to grants and planning, youth programs, and education initiatives. Today, I continue to give back as Co-Chair of the Honor the Earth Powwow Committee, President of the LCO Language Camp Planning Committee, and recently Chair of our Election Committee.
I am committed to advancing our shared values and beliefs:
Our youth are the heart of our future.
I will expand education, leadership, mentorship, and cultural programs to prepare our young people to lead with pride, resilience, and responsibility.
Our language and traditions are the foundation of who we are.
I will support and grow efforts to teach our language, preserve cultural practices, and promote intergenerational knowledge sharing.
Our ancestors lived in balance with the land.
I will advocate for stronger food sovereignty initiatives, community gardens, traditional food programs, and sustainable practices.
True sovereignty means standing strong on our own.
I will support initiatives that grow our economy, create jobs, protect our lands, and strengthen our independence.
I believe that we must lead with integrity, honor the trust placed in us, and stay rooted in our traditions. Together, we can protect our rights, revitalize our culture, empower our youth, and build a Nation that stands strong for generations to come.
I believe that we must lead with integrity, honor the trust placed in us, and stay rooted in our traditions. Together, we can protect our rights, revitalize our culture, empower our youth, and build a Nation that stands strong for generations to come.
Miigwech mii sa iw!
Boozhoo, my name is Jordan St. Germaine (Isham), and I’m honored to be a 2025 candidate for the LCO Tribal Governing Board. My grandpa told me once, “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” and I am carrying this energy with me into Election Day.
I bring over a decade of experience working with federal grants including writing, managing, and implementing projects that support our families. With a Business Management degree from UW-Platteville and years of leadership in financial management and nonprofit work, I’m ready to apply these skills at the Governing Board level to create real, measurable progress.
Now is the time to strengthen the programs our people rely on. Sustainability and sovereignty go hand-in-hand. We can build economic independence by investing in current and new Tribal businesses and pursuing energy sovereignty. LCO is rich in energy potential, and I believe we can build our own utility system to reduce reliance on the grid, cut carbon emissions, and protect our natural resources.
I fully support efforts to uplift Ojibwemowin and traditional ways, so they thrive in our homes, schools, and Tribal operations.
I believe in accountability, transparency, and service to the people. I’m a hard worker, collaborator, and problem-solver who wants to ensure our current and future generations are benefiting from the decisions and actions we take today.
Miigwech to all for the encouragement and support throughout this journey, and if you’re still deciding, I respectfully ask for your vote as one of your four choices. If elected, I will prioritize clear goals, measurable outcomes, and open communication so our community sees real progress.
Waabanogiizhigookwe, Jordan St Germaine
I want to express my gratitude to every one of you for your support, encouragement, and engagement throughout this journey. It has been an incredible experience to meet so many of you, share your stories, and listen to your concerns and aspirations.
I am running for this position with a deep commitment to our Tribe and a vision for a brighter future for all. My platform is built on “4” core pillars: unity, accountability, empowerment and financial responsibility.
“4” Unity: Our strength lies in our connections. I believe in fostering a community where every voice is heard and valued. Together, we can build an inclusive environment that respects our traditions while welcoming diverse perspectives.
“4” Accountability: Our Tribal Governing Board needs to be transparent and responsible. I believe that accountability builds trust and ensures that we are all working together for the benefit of our Tribe. We must hold ourselves to high standards as we are the Pride of the Ojibwe.
“4” Empowerment: Invest in our future. I am committed to advancing educational opportunities, training, and economic development initiatives. By working together, we can ensure that our children and grandchildren have the tools they need to thrive.
“4” Financial Responsibility: Financial stewardship is crucial for the health and sustainability of our Tribe. We must prioritize responsible budgeting and transparent financial reporting. Together, we will promote a culture of financial integrity in which every decision reflects our dedication to the well-being of our Tribe and its future.
This election is not just about a position; it’s about our collective future. Together, we can foster a strong, healthy, and vibrant community that reflects the best of who we are.
I humbly ask “4” your vote. Let’s build the future; we envision “4” ourselves and “4” our descendants.
Miigwech,
John “Randy” Cadotte
Boozhoo nindinawemaaganag.
Since July 2023, I have had the honor and privilege of serving on the LCO Tribal Governing Board. My goals have been to promote fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability while advocating for equal social and economic opportunities for tribal members. I believe that TGB members are accountable to the membership. I support policies focused on economic growth, community investment, educational opportunities, housing, healthy living, and promotion of traditional culture. I am a strong supporter of tribal sovereignty to protect, manage, and regulate our land, air, and waters.
During this same time, our planning and negotiations have resulted in annual distributions and utility payments for members, land acquisitions totaling around 2,100 acres, increased Elder benefits, health care benefits, new housing and Health Care Clinic.
Due to the policies of the current administration in Washington, we are confronted with a changed economic situation regarding federal funding. Because of these economic realities, LCO needs to implement an updated strategic plan with solutions that recognize the economic challenges our community will face in the near future. Our businesses need to be more efficient and run more effectively. LCO needs to expand, diversify, and promote new businesses including supporting tribal members to become entrepreneurs.
LCO also needs to continue with current negotiations and projects to return lands and water from the WI DNR and Xcel. LCO needs to resolve non-member utility company, road easement, and house trespasses on LCO lands within the reservation. These negotiations are important to uphold and strengthen our sovereignty. We need individuals who understand and can act for the best interests of the tribe.
LCO has many smart, talented, and dedicated people. We would not have the community we have today without their contributions and hard work. By working together, we can accomplish anything.
Miigwech,
David Scott Bisonette