MAKWA GLOBAL: HOW IT WORKS, WHAT IT MEANS
May 3, 2026
By Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV)
Makwa Global is 100% owned by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and is part of the Band's long-term approach to build steady, independent revenue beyond gaming. It supports the Band's broader goal of diversification -so we are not relying on a single industry to fund our future.
As a tribally owned company, Makwa Global can compete across multiple types of federal contracts, including small business, and full-and-open opportunities. This gives the Band access to a wider range of work than most companies.
How the Business Works
Makwa Global earns revenue through federal contracts. This work is not guaranteed - Makwa must compete and win contract in a highly competitive environment.
Revenue comes from winning new contracts and growing existing ones over time. Contracts are typically multi-year, which creates an opportunity to expand the work and compete to win it again. Government contracting is often more stable than other industries due to long-term contracts. Makwa works both as a prime contract and as a subcontractor, depending on the opportunity.
Makwa participates in the federal 8(a) Business Development Program, which creates access to set aside opportunities for tribally owned business. In simple terms, this helps create a more direct path to compete for and win federal work while allowing tribal companies to build scale over time.
Where The Work Looks Like
Makwas primary clients include the State Department and the Department of Defense. The work focuses on services like technology support, training, logistics, and light construction - not combat operations.
Much of this work happens outside of Minnesota, including internationally, because many federal programs operate globally. Some work does take place closer to home, including projects in places like Duluth.
In many cases, Makwa identifies candidates, but final hiring decisions are made by the client. This can limit hiring, especially for roles requiring specialized experience or top-secret security clearance.
Makwa does not work with ICE or the Department of Homeland Security on detention, border protection, or armed security services. The company has also turned down contract opportunities, including large ones, that did not align with the Mille Lacs Band's values.
How This Benefits the Band
Distribution from Makwa Global flows through MLCVs distribution strategy to support Band services, reinvestment, infrastructure, and long-term opportunities for Band members. Makwa distribution cannot support MLCV cannabis business due to federal restrictions
Because contracts are multi-year, it allows for more stable planning around profit and distributions.
In addition to financial returns, Makwa is building internships and a leadership incubator program, creating career pathways, and pursuing work closer to home when possible. While not all roles are accessible today, the goal is to continue building pathways so more Band members can participate in this type of work over time. These efforts are designed to create access to higher-paying career opportunities, as federal contracting roles offer competitive wages.
How Decisions Are Made
Program opportunities are evaluated through Makwa Global and MLCV leadership, alongside Band-established governance processes to ensure alignment with Mille Lacs Band values and priorities.
Leadership is growing the business in a way that reflects those values— including making decisions about what work to pursue and what work not to pursue even if it means turning down lucrative opportunities.
In the next article, we'll share more about the people doing this work and the pathways being created for Band members.
Please email any questions to info@mlcv.com
