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   STAPLES, MN - The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe has been awarded a $3.6 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support its wild rice production industry. The grant will fund the construction of a 6,100-square-foot rice processing facility on Tribal land and is expected to create 15 new jobs. The wild rice processing facility aims to boost the Leech Lake Band’s economic resilience while preserving its cultural heritage. 

   “Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) played a crucial role in bringing together public and private partners, helping to shape a regional economic development strategy that aligned with our needs,” said Gavin Herrera, Planner at Tribal Development, a division of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. “They facilitated the collaboration between our team at Leech Lake, Leech Lake Division of Resource Management, and key partners like EAPC Architects Engineers, which was essential in getting this application to the EDA. Their leadership in regional planning ensured we had a comprehensive approach that highlighted the economic potential of this project.”

   Herrera states, “What excites me most about this project is the ability to take control of processing our own wild rice, which is such an integral part of our culture and heritage. This facility will allow us to create local jobs, expand business opportunities, and enhance the Tribe’s sovereignty over its natural resources. It’s not just about economic growth—it’s about cultural preservation and sustainability for our future.”

   This project, supported by regional planning through R5DC and Leech Lake Tribal Development, is a collaborative effort between North Central USDA Regional Food Business Center Partners—Sprout, Northspan, and Headwaters Regional Development Commission. R5DC facilitates the Center across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, and is extremely grateful for the expertise of these technical assistance providers to help create, plan, and carry out this project.

   Learn more at: https://www.eda.gov/news/press-release/2024/09/24/us-department-commerce-invests-36-million-strengthen-food-processing

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