Photo above submitted by Tyler White

This year the 2021 MHA Nation Elder’s Christmas Party, sponsored by the Office of Chairman Mark N. Fox, was held at the 4 Bears Casino Event Center on Thursday, December 16th and was attended by various elders who reside both on and off-reservation. Each MHA segment had a Christmas themed table to distribute gifts to their respected elders, ranging from popcorn tins to gift bags and gift cards. Nearly all segment council representatives were present to celebrate alongside and visit with the people. Medical staff from the Elbowoods Memorial Health Clinic were also on-site to administer Covid-19 booster vaccines.

Chairman Fox and staff had a table to distribute off-reservation checks and each elder in attendance was gifted a fruit basket sponsored by his office. This December, the Tribal Business Council generously added an additional $500 to the elders’ checks for the holiday season.

A traditional turkey dinner was catered and boxed by the 4 Bears Casino staff. Lawrence Baker served as the event’s MC and the venue was decorated with unique holiday balloon pieces by Magic Balloons, a company out of Minot. Due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, boxed meals were served in place of the usual sit-down meal and there was no entertainment to help eliminate the spread of the virus. The quick, open-house style distribution of checks, gifts, and a boxed meal was enjoyed by all who attended and we all look forward to what’s in store for next year.

Photos below submitted by Tyler White