10/13/2026
White Earth Nation Reaffirms Commitment to Moving Forward with Moorhead Fee-to-Trust Process
WHITE EARTH, MINN. – The White Earth Nation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the federal Fee-to-Trust process for its proposed Moorhead development during a presentation to the Clay County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, October 13th.
The White Earth Reservation Business Committee, including Chairman Michael Fairbanks and Secretary-Treasurer Jacob McArthur, remains supportive of moving forward with the process and completing the necessary steps to fully evaluate this important economic development opportunity. During Tuesday's presentation, tribal representatives provided an overview of work completed to date, the federal approval process, anticipated timelines, and opportunities for continued collaboration with local governmental agencies.
As part of its ongoing planning efforts, the Nation is now pursuing an 80-acre Fee-to-Trust application concept within the larger property east of Moorhead. This approach reflects continued evaluation of the project's needs, guidance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and consideration of feedback received from local officials and surrounding communities.
The Nation is currently preparing the necessary documentation for a formal application, with the goal of submitting the application in early 2027. The federal review process involves environmental assessments, consultation with governmental agencies, and additional regulatory approvals. The White Earth Nation also expressed its interest in establishing a cooperative working relationship with Clay County, the City of Moorhead, and other local stakeholders to address infrastructure, public safety, and other considerations associated with the proposed development.
Throughout this process, the Nation remains committed to responsible planning, transparency, and keeping tribal membership and surrounding communities informed as additional information becomes available.
The Moorhead project remains active, and the White Earth Reservation Business Committee is committed to seeing the Fee-to-Trust process through. Continuing this process allows the Nation to fully explore the potential benefits of the proposed development while ensuring that future decisions are based on a thorough review of all relevant information. The White Earth Nation appreciates the opportunity to continue these discussions with Clay County officials and looks forward to maintaining an open and productive dialogue as the process advances.