Tribal-Led Cannabis In Minnesota: Prairie Island Indian Community's Big Bet

The Prairie Island Indian Community (PIIC) is making a move into Minnesota's cannabis industry with the launch of Prairie Island's Cannabis Company, a vertically integrated cultivation site designed to support economic growth while preserving the land. Operated under Island Peži, the tribe's adult-use cannabis brand, the initiative underscores PIIC's commitment to self-sufficiency and sustainable agricultural practices.

Major Step Toward Economic Sovereignty

The Prairie Island Cannabis Campus, spanning 13 acres, is a comprehensive facility dedicated to cultivation, extraction, processing and distribution. With a scalable design, the campus is set to produce over 10,000 pounds of cannabis and cannabis extracts annually. The harvest will initially supply the Island Peži dispensary, with future plans to expand distribution to the broader Minnesota market.

"Prairie Island Cannabis Campus is a significant step toward economic sovereignty and self-determination for our tribe," said Grant Johnson, president of the Prairie Island Indian Community. "The cultivation site has provided new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and has created numerous job opportunities within our community. We are proud to take this step while respecting our traditions and ensuring responsible stewardship of our land."

The first harvest includes more than 20 unique strains of cannabis flower, blending both classic and innovative genetics.

Sustainability At The Core

The project has been developed through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, ensuring that cutting-edge cultivation and processing methods align with the tribe's environmental priorities. By integrating regenerative agriculture techniques, the Prairie Island Cannabis Campus prioritizes soil restoration, water conservation and responsible land management.

Island Peži's commitment to sustainability reflects a broader goal of fostering a healthy ecosystem for future generations while supporting economic resilience. These practices align with the Prairie Island Indian Community's long-standing cultural values, ensuring that cannabis production remains environmentally ethical and beneficial to the region.

The newly formed Prairie Island Cannabis Regulatory Commission will regulate business activity within the tribe's jurisdiction, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Photo courtesy of Island Peži