Photo: HUD 

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 20, 2025

Eleven tribes in Minnesota have been awarded nearly $29 million in Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In total, HUD is granting over $1.1 billion for affordable housing in Native American and Alaska Native communities nationally. 

In a news release, HUD Secretary Scott Turner said the department is committed to addressing affordable housing challenges and expanding housing opportunities in Tribal communities. He also expressed a desire to collaborate with Tribal leaders to remove regulatory barriers that hinder progress.

The IHBG program is a formula grant designed to support a variety of affordable housing activities. These include new housing development, operation and modernization of existing housing, housing services to eligible families and individuals, crime prevention and safety, and model activities, according to the release. 

See the list of awards for tribes in Minnesota below: 

• Bois Forte Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Nett Lake): $1,255,552
• Fond Du Lac Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Cloquet): $6,007,391
• Grand Portage Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Grand Portage): $530,444
• Leech Lake Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Cass Lake): $6,547,235
• Lower Sioux Indian Community (Morton): $448,182
• Mille Lacs Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Onamia): $2,307,885
• Prairie Island Indian Community (Welch): $110,560
• Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians (Red Lake): $5,988,919
• Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (Prior Lake): $234,614
• Upper Sioux Community (Granite Falls): $461,240
• White Earth Band, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (White Earth): $5,105,772