歪歪漫画

MINNEAPOLIS 鈥� recently represented Indigenous producers from Minnesota in a historic trade mission to Canada from June 17-20.

Alongside 15 tribal agribusinesses and 13 agricultural leaders from across the United States, the organization embarked on this first-ever trade mission by the focused solely on Indigenous products.

鈥淩ed Lake, Inc. is honored and beyond excited to participate in the first-ever Indigenous-focused trade mission,鈥� Red Lake, Inc. Chief Development Officer Jake Robinson said in a release. 鈥淎cknowledging the unique barriers that tribal producers face while recognizing the important role that market access has in meaningful economic development for Indigenous communities is a monumental step for Indian Country.鈥�

Red Lake, Inc. aims to be a force of economic change for Red Lake Nation and develop and grow businesses that provide meaningful value for the nation.

Businesses that Red Lake, Inc. supports include Red Lake Builders, a commercial construction company; Red Lake Propane, a supplier of energy products since 2011; Red Lake Nation Fisheries, the oldest existing enterprise of the nation; Red Lake Nation Foods; Red Lake Trading Post; the Ponemah Market; Red Lake Construction; and KC鈥檚 Best, a wild rice supplier.

鈥淭he opportunity to showcase our products and develop meaningful business relationships in Canada is made possible by the advocacy and dedication from elected officials,鈥� Robinson added.

U.S. Senator Tina Smith is a member of the Senate Agriculture and Senate Indian Affairs Committees and pushed for the inclusion of a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill that directed the USDA to include tribal nations in trade delegations. Congress passed this provision and was signed into law.

In 2023, Red Lake, Inc. became the first tribal agribusiness to participate in a trade mission and has since joined missions to the Netherlands, Japan, Chile and India.

鈥淭his is a historic opportunity for Native farmers, producers and tribal businesses to access a new market for their goods. Native farmers and producers face unique and challenging barriers, and this market access will make a huge difference,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted to see such a historic trip finally come to fruition.鈥�

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan joined Red Lake, Inc. on the mission and noted her hopes to connect with more Indigenous stakeholders in the future.

鈥淚 am proud to lift up Native agriculture as a standard part of our Minnesota trade missions,鈥� Flanagan said. 鈥淚ndian Country has always led in agribusiness and innovation, and I am grateful for Senator Smith鈥檚 partnership and work to ensure my community is at the table for these important opportunities and conversations.鈥�

Members of the delegation also took part in high-level policy discussions on barriers for Indigenous producers in the United States and Canada.

According to a release, Canada is one of the U.S鈥� most reliable trading partners and consistently ranks among the top markets for agricultural exports with over $28.2 billion in exports in 2023 alone. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian agricultural production contributes $8 billion each year to the U.S. food economy.