The Red Lake Reservation—like many other northern Minnesota communities—is surrounded by beautiful lakes and heavily wooded areas. The reservation is wholly owned by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, making it unique among Minnesota reservations, and a point of pride for tribal members. But their land ownership also has led to isolation from other communities. Unemployment and poverty are major concerns within the tribe and are contributing factors to other problems such as drug abuse and suicide. Your group can show Jesus’ love to this struggling community through home improvement projects and facilitating children’s programs.

Demographics

The Red Lake Reservation is located in northern Minnesota. It is home to the Red Lake Band of Chippewa, and is the most populous reservation in the state with 5,162 residents. The reservation completely surrounds Lower Red Lake—the state’s largest lake—and includes a major portion of Upper Red Lake—the state’s fourth largest lake. While the tribe has given up some of its land over the years, they have successfully avoided U.S. allotment. Red Lake is a closed reservation, meaning the tribe has the right to limit who can visit or live on the reservation land. Industry on the reservation has consisted of logging and commercial fishing. Many people have been returning to the reservation from elsewhere, looking for work. The population growth has led to a housing shortage, with more than 400 families on a waiting list of housing. Although many come here to look for work, jobs are hard to find. Federal statistics estimate the unemployment rate is 39 percent, but tribal members say the real number is much higher when you count those who have stopped looking for work altogether. Forty percent of residents live at or below the poverty line. Because of these economic struggles, the people of the Red Lake Reservation welcome your service. Come to Red Lake to immerse yourself in this strong and proud culture, while making a difference in many lives.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Ministries that your students may participate in are Kids Club and Work Projects. Kids Club is a hands-on program led by your youth offering high-energy games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Whether we’re painting houses, performing minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering in community gardens or other projects in the community, the projects students work on will serve as our way of blessing people in need. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. Here is a list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past: take part in a community educational experience; have a Lacrosse night – learn about the game and play; attend a community cookout; and spend an evening swimming at the beach. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Kids Club and Work Projects.

Mileage

Red Lake is located approximately 250 miles north of Minneapolis, MN and 175 miles east of Fargo, ND.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. This is a bus accessible site. A bus is defined as any vehicle that is larger than a standard 15-passenger van. If you would like to bring a vehicle in this category, you will need to contact the Service Center to discuss the additional requirements due to the size of your group.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Minnesota and surrounding areas before or after your trip, visit the following tourism Web site: www.exploreminnesota.com.