Leech Lake opens doors to alcohol- and drug-free housing development ...

CASS LAKE, Minn. - In a rural setting south of the city of Cass Lake, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe has built a new neighborhood.

This community is unique because a special agreement in the leases requires the families moving into the homes and neighborhood to remain alcohol- and drug-free. Violation of the agreement would mean termination of the lease, said Marlene Mitchell, executive director of Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Housing Authority.

''We're the first ones to do this,'' said Eugene Whitebird, a member of the Leech Lake Housing Authority Board.

''This will be a model nationwide in Indian country,'' said Donald Goggleye, tax credit coordinator and construction manager for the project. ''We hope to lead by example with this initiative and also bring back a more traditionally bonded community.

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