SAINT PAUL, Minn.—Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn (DFL—Roseville), a descendant of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, made history last week when she became the first Indigenous person appointed to serve on the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL—South St. Paul) named Rep. Becker-Finn to the council.
“It is an honor to serve on the Outdoor Heritage Council,” said Rep. Becker-Finn. “I am proud of my heritage and look forward to bringing a new perspective to the council. Like many Minnesotans, I grew up deer hunting, fishing, and harvesting wild rice with my family, and I know how important these traditions are to other families throughout our state.”
Rep. Becker-Finn has been a leader on outdoor recreation and environmental issues at the Minnesota House of Representatives. She is a previous recipient of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy’s Trailblazer Award and was named Bluffland Whitetails Association Legislator of the Year. Rep. Becker-Finn is also Vice Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Committee.
In 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, legislation that increases the state sales tax by three-eighths of one percent. The additional sales tax revenue is distributed into four funds, with 33 percent allocated to the Outdoor Heritage Fund. These resources are intended to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, prairies, forest and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife.
The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council makes recommendations to the legislature to meet these constitutional objectives and ensure that they are consistent with the Constitution and state law.
Rep. Becker-Finn with her daughter at a recent ice fishing tournament in Little Canada.
Rep. Jamie Becker-Finn serves all or part of Roseville, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake, Shoreview, and Little Canada in the Minnesota House of Representatives. She is an Assistant Majority Leader and Vice Chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Policy Division.