RED LAKE — The Red Lake Nation is the latest tribe to sign a compact with Minnesota to sell recreational cannabis off-reservation.
NativeCare, the Tribal Council-authorized dispensary in Red Lake, announced plans to open new locations, with a grand opening event planned for Thief River Falls on Dec. 31.
Red Lake also announced its intentions to open a NativeCare dispensary in West. St. Paul sometime in January.
“The signing of this agreement is a testament to our commitment to empower our people and create economic opportunities on our lands,” stated Red Lake Tribal Treasurer Vernelle Lussier in a news release.
Dispensaries on the Red Lake Nation opened the first day recreational cannabis was legalized in Minnesota on Aug. 1, 2023.
“The Red Lake Nation’s unique status as a closed reservation requires that we develop the means to fund infrastructure projects, such as the replacement of outdated water and sewer systems,” stated Red Lake Chairman Darrel Seki.
“We are focused on making sure that our cannabis operations are a success.”
-
The Bemidji Planning Commission, a largely citizen body, passed off the interim use permit to the board without recommendations after months of discussion. It passed Feb. 9, 2026, on a 5-1 vote.
-
And: Republican Dr. Scott Jensen suspends his campaign for governor to run for state auditor; Rep. Spencer Igo is running for reelection; the Public Utilities Commission delays transmission line meetings; and ICE being watched for sharing health information.
-
The Polk County Sheriff's Office said 7-year-old K-9 Rex recently became very ill and had failing kidneys.
-
Counties are required to update hazard mitigation plans every five years to maintain eligibility for FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs.
-
Mark Rood, 66, was last seen in International Falls on Jan. 19, 2026.
-
If selected, the project partnership would connect community ideas with University of Minnesota resources. Applications are due Feb. 14, 2026.
-
Participants can vote once and select up to eight winning names through noon Feb. 13, 2026. The agency selected 30 finalist names from more than 6,700 submissions.
-
The number of four-day school week school districts in Northern Minnesota and across the country keeps growing. Communities are fiercely loyal, but researchers say there are still lots of unknowns.
-
Plus: the Minnesota State Patrol recently honored troopers and citizens for their heroic actions; and high school Nordic skiiers will soon compete in Biwabik.
-
Davis, of Crow Wing County's Mission Township, was first elected to the state Legislature in 2022.