Annual Mille Lacs Band Ojibwe Event: Priorities, Progress & Cannabis Plans
- The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, led by Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin, announced plans to open a cannabis growing facility as part of their progress in 2023. This decision was supported by a majority of band members and construction began in the fall, with completion expected by late summer.
- Benjamin outlined the band’s priorities for the coming year, including housing projects, a campaign to raise awareness of environmental concerns around a proposed nickel mine in Tamarack, and the continuation of efforts to revitalize Ojibwe language learning. The latter included a partnership with Rosetta Stone to create an Ojibwe language learning platform.
- The speech concluded with the announcement of the hiring of Syngen Kanassatega, a Mille Lacs Band member, to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s State of the Band address is presented annually in January by the chief executive.
Mille Lacs Ojibwe Tribe Plans Cannabis Industry Entry
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe celebrated their 40th annual State of the Band address with Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin noting 2023 as a year of progress. Benjamin expressed immense gratitude and pride for the journey undertaken by this sovereign Indian nation.
In her address to several hundred Mille Lacs Band members, Benjamin unveiled plans to start a cannabis growing facility. This decision, she said, had the backing of the majority of band members.
“A leader’s job is to listen to the people and band members know best how to solve our problems,” stated Benjamin. “This new industry could be a promising undertaking for us.”
Construction on the cultivation facility behind the band’s casino near Onamia began in late 2023, with completion expected by late summer according to the 2024 State of the Band report. Retail cannabis dispensaries are also being considered at the band’s casinos in Onamia and Hinckley.
Yearly Priorities and Achievements
Benjamin also outlined the band’s future objectives including housing and a campaign to raise awareness to the band’s environmental concerns about a proposed nickel mine in Tamarack.
She expressed pride in the band’s efforts to revive the Ojibwe language. “Our achievements are proof of our perseverance, wise sovereignty and the power of our culture and language,” she affirmed.
The Mille Lacs Band partnered with Rosetta Stone to create an Ojibwe language learning platform. This program is now being used by tribal nations across the Great Lakes region and Canada.
The address concluded with applause for the appointment of Mille Lacs Band member, Syngen Kanassatega, to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota. Kanassatega previously served as an attorney for the Ojibwe nation of nearly 5,000 members.
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