A Grand Portage update on COVID-19 and CARES funding

WTIP has been reaching out to local government leaders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, speaking with city, county and tribal officials. This is the latest update from the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior. 

Tribal Chair Beth Drost provides an update on how the Grand Portage community has been dealing with its first positive coronavirus case--a male in his mid-30s who resides on the Grand Portage reservation. Chair Drost speaks to the overall plan for dealing with more cases. 

There have been questions for all local government entities about the use of funds issued by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Chair Drost explains the Grand Portage Tribal Council's work on that funding, as well as other financial support that has been received by the Grand Portage Band. 

On August 12, a resolution was passed by the Grand Portage Tribal Council to begin disbursement to Grand Portage Band members. However, Chair Drost says there are still details to be worked out. There is an application process to be followed and that information will be sent out to Band members soon. 

Chair Drost summed up the conversation by reiterating that this first case is "a big reminder to take care of each other..."

WTIP's Rhonda Silence learns more about all of this in this interview.