White Earth Chairman Michael Fairbanks addresses the Nation 

The White Earth Nation held their annual State of the Nation address on Thursday morning at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen , and each member of the White Earth RBC took to the stage to look back at the past year, as well as what they have planned for 2026 and beyond. R&J News had the chance to catch up with White Earth Chairman Michael Fairbanks after the State of the Nation, and he shares some of the accomplishments he’s most proud of. 

Fairbanks says expansion of the tribe’s Cannabis Industry was also a major accomplishment in 2025, and he says more expansion will be coming in 2026. 

Fairbanks shares some more of his and the RBC’s goals for 2026, and beyond. 

Full conversation with Chairman Fairbanks: