The Red Lake Band of Chippewa, sometimes called the Red Lake Nation, declared a “medical martial law” — which goes into effect Friday, 3 April — in response to the spread of COVID-19. Previously, the Band had restricted movements much like other tribal governments in Minnesota and the Dakotas. This action move the bar further than any other tribe has taken so far (as best I could find; if others know more, please leave the details in the comments and I’ll update).
Under the laws of the Red Lake Band of the Chippewa Indians, the chairman of the Tribal Council is allowed to declare medical martial law when the health and safety of Red Lake Band members is endangered.
Tribal Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr. made the announcement on Facebook earlier today, stating that:
"It is now necessary to contain the spread of the virus by putting in place stringent travel restrictions, restrictions on interactions between people, and restrictions on the size of gatherings, both public and private".
The sprawling reservation covers parts of several counties in northern Minnesota, including much of the famed Northwest Angle. Unique amongst reservations in the state, it is considered a “closed reservation”, one of only two in the nation.
It has had a troubled past, with spasms of violence and a sometimes difficult relationship with the state and the many tourists who fish the part of Upper Red Lake that is not included in the tribal boundaries. A 2016 book by Anton Treuer tells much of the story or Red Lake and its people.