Reflecting on a Herculean vaccine effort in Leech Lake Nearly six months after Leech Lake's vaccine distribution was launched, the unsung heroes reflected on the process since then. 7:40 am, May 19, 2021 × Members of the vaccine team in Cass Lake on Wednesday, May 5, 2021. (Hannah Olson / Bemidji Pioneer) CASS LAKE -- On Monday, Dec. 14 the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe became likely the first tribal nation in the country to receive doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. The vials were welcomed with fanfare and traditional prayer, and inserted into the upper deltoids of some carefully chosen tribal members and employees. Nearly six months after Leech Lake's vaccine distribution was launched, the unsung heroes reflected on the process since then.