Press Release: Governor Walz signs Tribal-state cannabis compact with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa

“This compact reflects the aligned goals of the Bois Forte Band and the state to further expand our safe, equitable, and diverse cannabis market while preserving the sovereignty and self-determination of the Bois Forte Band,” said OCM Executive Director Eric Taubel. “We look forward to seeing these partnerships flourish in the months to come as the market continues to mature.” 

In Minnesota’s cannabis law, the state Legislature directed the governor to negotiate intergovernmental cooperative agreements and cannabis compacts with Tribal Nations sharing territory with Minnesota to strengthen public health and safety, secure an equitable and well-regulated cannabis market, and provide financial benefits to both the state and Tribal Nations.   

"The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa has done great things – one is entering the cannabis market,” said Tara Geshick, secretary/treasurer of the Bois Forte Band. “Unlocking opportunities and seeking strategic alliances will uplift employment, the economy, and business for Bois Forte and all that share geographic space within the state of Minnesota. I am proud of this work and those who focused on this vision, miigwetch (thank you)." 

“The cannabis compact between Bois Forte and the State of Minnesota presents a significant opportunity for economic growth, job creation, and community development, shaping a better and brighter future for Bois Forte,” said Shane Drift, District I representative for the Bois Forte Band. 

While the specifics of each Tribal-state compact and agreement are unique to each Tribal Nation, each agreement contains the same commitments to put public health and safety first through product testing, data gathering, and analysis, ensuring consistency for customers throughout Minnesota's cannabis market.   

To date, the state has signed compacts or cooperative agreements with the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, the Prairie Island Indian Community, the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, and the White Earth Nation. The state expects to announce additional Tribal-state cannabis compacts soon.  

More information about the compacting process, including copies of signed, executed Tribal-state cannabis compacts, can be found on OCM’s Tribal Compacts and Cooperative Agreements webpage.