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ST. PAUL, Minn.

Marge Anderson's impact was far and wide for her tribe

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An influential and pioneering Native American leader has died.

Marge Anderson, who served as Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe for a total of 13 years, died Saturday. She was 81.

Anderson was one the first women to have a leadership role in tribal government. She led the Mille Lacs band when it negotiated gaming compacts with the state of Minnesota.

She was also in charge when the band successfully sued to retain the hunting and fishing rights that were promised in 19th century treaties.

MPR's Cathy Wurzer spoke with Tadd Johnson, head of the American Indian Studies department at the University of Minnesota Duluth about Anderson. He was also Chief legal Counsel to the Mille Lacs band during Anderson's tenure as Chief Executive.