02/04/2026
White Earth Nation and Minnesota DNR Mark Historic Step Forward in Natural Resources Stewardship
Landmark agreement strengthens cooperation and affirms Tribal leadership within White Earth State Forest
White Earth Nation announced the signing of a historic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources that formally strengthens and elevates the two governments’ collaborative stewardship of natural resources within the White Earth State Forest yesterday (02/03/26).
The MOU was signed during a ceremony at the Minnesota State Capitol alongside Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The agreement establishes a clear, government-to-government framework for how White Earth Nation and the DNR will work together on land, water, fish, wildlife, forestry, and other vital resources on state-owned, DNR-managed lands within the forest.
“This agreement is historic for White Earth Nation,” said Michael Fairbanks, Chairman of White Earth Nation. “For generations, our people have stewarded these lands and waters. This MOU affirms that when the State and White Earth work together in a true partnership, we are stronger, our ecosystems are healthier, and decisions are better for future generations. It creates a lasting framework that respects our sovereignty, our cultural responsibilities, and our role as caretakers of our homelands.”
While White Earth Nation and the DNR have long coordinated on conservation and land management, the new agreement formally documents that relationship and elevates cooperation through consistent communication, information-sharing, and joint planning in alignment with Tribal, state, and federal law.
White Earth Nation views the MOU as a milestone in strengthening its government-to-government relationship with Minnesota and advancing natural resource practices that honor Anishinaabe knowledge, protect culturally significant areas, and ensure sustainable management across the forest landscape.
Areas of Collaboration
The agreement identifies expanded coordination in areas including:
Fisheries and aquatic invasive species prevention
Forestry and land management
Water resources and wildlife
Wild rice protection and stewardship
Aquatic and wildlife management areas
Land sales, exchanges, and acquisitions prior to initiation
Hunting seasons and wildlife health, including chronic wasting disease prevention
Wildfire response and emergency communication
The MOU also supports cooperative forest management planning and reinforces shared efforts to protect ecosystems, culturally important species, and public lands throughout the White Earth State Forest.
While the agreement strengthens ongoing collaboration, it does not address White Earth Nation’s separate request regarding the transfer of state lands.
White Earth Nation considers this partnership a forward-looking step that reflects respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to responsible stewardship—demonstrating what is possible when sovereign governments come together for the benefit of the land, the people, and future generations.
