MLCV was created by the tribal government of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to manage the business affairs of the Band. As business leaders for the Band, we are committed to advancing our vision of building a sound economic future for generations to come.
Today, our businesses are a thriving economic force in East Central Minnesota.
The Ojibwe people have lived and worked in Minnesota and throughout the region for centuries, surviving and thriving. The language, culture, traditions and beliefs are proudly and indelibly woven into the fabric of the region. We’ve influenced and contributed to all aspects of life, art, cuisine, nature, fashion, music, education, spirituality — and now, the economy.
The Mille Lacs Band has worked together towards greater self-sufficiency, the kind only achieved through economic strength.
That is our opportunity. That is our responsibility. It is our destiny. We do it for the Mille Lacs Band, for Native people, and for all citizens of our state and region.
Chairman and Chief Executive Art Gahbow was determined to strengthen and secure a future filled with promise, hope, and unity.
Working with other leaders, Art restructured the Band to redistribute power, shifting from a single-council to a three-band division.
This transition marked the establishment of the Corporate Commission — known today as Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) — a business entity that makes crucial business decisions for the Band, separate from politics.
Created by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, MLCV oversees the Band’s business enterprises — including gaming and non-gaming businesses — to ensure a secure economic future for the tribal members living both on the Reservation, and in other Minnesota communities.
The Mille Lacs Band’s Commissioner of Corporate Affairs is appointed by the Chief Executive of the Band, and ratified by the Band Assembly to oversee MLCV.
Each business focus area provides needed services to our local communities, and helps diversify our business interests. More than ever, Tribal-owned businesses are the primary economic driver for East Central Minnesota.
We invite you to learn how MLCV drives economic impact in our region by exploring our portfolio companies.
We’re more than just a portfolio of companies. At MLCV, we’re on a mission to drive prosperity and improve quality of life for Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members, and those in the communities in which we do business.
We offer opportunities to create impact across a variety of areas — corporate ventures, gaming, hospitality, in-district investing, government contracting, and more.
We are on a journey. And we invite you to join us on the path. Contact us today and our team will put you in touch with the right MLCV Associate.
