Jaeden King, Chris Nayquonabe, Onamia High School
Since 1997, MLCV’s Donations Committee has been telling a story of preservation and growth, partnering with Grand Casino Mille Lacs and Grand Casino Hinckley to support nonprofit organizations through financial contributions. The Committee holds monthly meetings to evaluate requests in alignment with the established Donation Guidelines. Funding decisions are based on the budget and categories of giving:
Education — By supporting initiatives related to education, MLCV hopes to encourage individuals and communities to experience higher education, provide more significant opportunities for diverse career paths, and further the understanding of Native American culture.
Health and Human Services — Commitment to organizations that promote and maintain health in the community will improve the well-being of youth and empower families, influencing all aspects of human life.
Environment — MLCV’s belief in the responsibility of protecting and maintaining the environment aligns with the Mille Lacs Band’s deep-rooted relationship with the natural world. MLCV supports those who make strides in conservation and sustainability.
Arts and Culture — To celebrate and promote cultural vibrancy, MLCV gives to those who foster creativity and broaden perspectives, helping others gain insights into the beautiful past, present, and future.
These focus areas — education, health and human services, the environment, and arts and culture — outline the core of MLCV’s intention of giving. This is not just about donations; it is about who they impact and the lasting outcomes for generations ahead.
Fiscal Year 2024 Philanthropy
In fiscal year 2024, MLCV strengthened over sixty organizations, like Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, based in Sandstone, MN. The center’s mission is to instill a connection and commitment to the environment in people of all communities through experiential learning. They recognize the interwoven relationship between individuals and nature and echo our values in respecting the land, keeping sight of years ahead, and knowing the importance of sharing such wisdom. Osprey Wilds does this through various programs available to all located on their over 750 acres. Their Road Scholar Program caters to adults 50+ who believe expanding knowledge throughout a lifetime is key to well-being. At the same time, their Winter Family Weekend is held in February annually, allowing families to engage in outdoor education and activities during an overnight camp, to name a few. Bryan Wood, Osprey Wilds Executive Director, invites readers to visit, “We have over 10 miles of trails and educational animal ambassadors open and viewable to the public. We encourage visitors to come enjoy!”
MLCV’s ongoing assistance has been instrumental in Osprey Wilds’ initiatives. Bryan shares, “MLCV has helped us achieve our mission – from a new evaporator pan for maple syrup operation to a greenhouse at the regenerative farm, to water bottle filling stations, to an energy-efficient electric combination oven, and more.” These investments further advance MLCV’s commitment to environmental education and sustainability.
Fiscal Year 2025 Philanthropy
Kicking off fiscal year 2025 in October 2024, donations have been shared with several entities near and dear to MLCV’s mission. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Onamia Indian Education Program was one of the recipients. Its purpose is to ensure that every American Indian student has equitable access to programs designed to meet their unique educational and cultural needs. MLCV’s contributions go toward learning opportunities, including cultural enrichment for young adults across the Mille Lacs Band, improving graduation rates, and an overall sense of self. The implications will last a lifetime. Today’s students become empowered to follow their calling — serving others with their diverse skillsets and boosting the emotional and financial health of themselves and the regions where they work and reside. Their bravery and success will make sustained impressions for the generations to follow.
Connecting with organizations like the Onamia Indian Education Program is unique because it offers a chance to unite with the community as a committed DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) company. Tawnya Stewart, MLCV’s Chief People and Culture Officer, speaks on the relationship, “MLCV’s DEI efforts help guide areas of giving. By supporting the Onamia Indian Education Program, we are fostering our belief in inclusivity and extending knowledge, particularly from the historical systems that have marginalized certain groups.” As MLCV looks ahead within the fiscal year 2025, philanthropic giving will continue with mindfulness of DEI support.
So, the donation is only part of the story. As the cover opens and the pages turn, it becomes clear that it is about strengthening the Mille Lacs Band and the communities where MLCV operates, nurturing meaningful relationships with those who share values, and diligently building new ones.
It is about the future. And the future begins with today.
This article was written by Hannah Torkelson, MLCV’s Senior Communications Strategist. Hannah is a writer responsible for executing internal and external MLCV communications and capturing impactful moments within MLCV’s portfolio.