04/30/2026
A couple months ago, we announced that White Earth Nation had acquired a property in Chanhassen, Minnesota as the site of Waabigwan Mashkiki’s next location. We want to share more about why that decision matters, and how it reflects the way we are building for the future.
This is exactly how we intend to grow: identify strong markets, secure the right locations, negotiate disciplined deals, and position ourselves for long-term opportunity.
Chanhassen is one of the most desirable markets in the Twin Cities, and the city has made a deliberate decision to limit the number of licensed adult-use retail locations it will allow. The Band secured one of those locations, owns the site, and leases it to Waabigwan Mashkiki, creating a durable foothold in a constrained, high-value environment. For the foreseeable future, Waabigwan Mashkiki will be the only operating adult-use retail location in Chanhassen.
That kind of positioning does not happen by chance. This acquisition came together through a close partnership between Waabigwan Mashkiki, the White Earth Land Office, and Tribal leadership, working together to identify the opportunity, vet it thoroughly, and move forward with confidence.
That approach also carries through to how we execute: disciplined negotiations, clear structure, and a focus on long-term value for the Band. The Band secured the purchase below the seller’s initial asking price, and consistent with standard practice, the transaction was structured so that the Band paid no broker fees.
What makes this location especially compelling is what it allows us to build. The site includes an event space that positions us to host permitted community events and future approved adult-use experiences on the property under Minnesota’s evolving regulatory framework. While others are still working to secure locations and approvals, Waabigwan Mashkiki will already be in position.
This same approach is guiding our expansion beyond the Twin Cities. We have also secured an exciting new strategic location in East Grand Forks. This is a deliberate investment to diversify our footprint and expand into a market with nearly two hundred thousand residents living within a fifty-mile radius. It reflects the same disciplined approach: identifying opportunity early, securing the right location, and establishing a strong presence in a high-traffic corridor.
This is how we are building Waabigwan Mashkiki: with intention, discipline, and a focus on long-term opportunity for White Earth Nation.
From here, our focus shifts to ex*****on: construction, hiring, opening, and continuing to build a team that reflects the scale of this opportunity. We will share more soon, and we encourage anyone interested in being part of this next chapter to apply on Indeed as positions are posted.
Waabigwan Mashkiki exists to create real, durable economic opportunity for White Earth Nation and its people.
Miigwech for your continued support.
