Client Spotlight: Heti -- A Sense of Home, Inspired by the Land

Celebrating Plants, Empowering Communities

Rooted in the Dakota word for "home," Heti is more than a low-dose THC beverage; it’s a movement. Born from the belief that plants hold the power to heal and connect us, Heti celebrates nature’s bounty while giving back to the Indigenous communities it honors.

Founder Dana Thompson, an advocate for food sovereignty and a pioneer in Indigenous culinary arts, created Heti to reflect her love for the land and her commitment to social impact. By crafting a drink that captures the essence of the countryside, Dana is not just offering a unique flavor experience—she’s driving real change for tribal communities.

A Visionary Founder

Dana Thompson is no stranger to breaking ground. As co-creator of the James Beard Award-winning Owamni Restaurant and co-founder of the nonprofit NĀTIFS, she has spent over a decade championing Indigenous food systems, mental health, and sustainability. A descendant of the Wahpeton-Sisseton and Mdewakanton Dakota tribes, Dana's work reflects her deep cultural roots and passion for giving back.

Her career has been marked by a relentless dedication to addressing ancestral trauma through food and wellness initiatives. Heti is the next chapter in her journey—a product born from her personal healing and love for the natural world.

Heti’s Origin Story

The inspiration for Heti began long before THC beverages became legal in Minnesota. For Dana, nature has always been a source of healing and connection, from foraging blueberries in Longville to tasting highbush cranberries in Duluth. Her vision for Heti was sparked by the absence of beverages that aligned with her values—low in sugar, rich in natural flavors, and grounded in the magic of plants.

When Minnesota’s cannabis legislation passed in 2023, Dana seized the opportunity to create a drink that embodied her ethos. Heti is a tribute to her Dakota grandfather, Clem Felix, whose love for farming, foraging, and the outdoors inspired Dana’s connection to the land. Heti’s flavors are a reflection of Clem’s legacy, celebrating the plants he cherished and the lessons he passed down.

A Drink That Stands Apart

Heti isn’t just a beverage—it’s a sensory experience. Crafted with functional ingredients and botanical flavors, Heti offers a guilt-free alternative to wine or cocktails. Perfect for savoring over dinner or relaxing after a long day, Heti’s low-dose THC content provides just the right amount of indulgence.

Its design is equally thoughtful: visually stunning, sustainable, and reflective of the plants that inspired its creation. Heti bridges the gap between nature and modern wellness, delivering a product that feels both luxurious and rooted in tradition.

Driving Social Impact

Heti is more than a product—it’s a platform for change. A percentage of the brand’s revenue is dedicated to driving wealth, health, and security into tribal communities. Dana’s vision includes addressing the housing crisis on the Santee Indian Reservation, where deteriorating homes are forcing families to relocate, severing their ties to community and culture.

By partnering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Loffler Construction, Heti aims to build sustainable housing using hempcrete, a byproduct of cannabis. This initiative seeks to reduce landfill waste while creating long-term solutions for Native communities.

Native Americans, who make up 1.5% of the U.S. population, represent 10% of the homeless population. Heti is committed to changing this narrative, using its platform to advocate for housing security and community resilience.

The Future of Heti

Dana’s vision for Heti extends far beyond beverages. By creating a company that celebrates plants and empowers people, she hopes to inspire a broader movement around sustainability and Indigenous wisdom. From supporting tribal housing projects to raising awareness about food sovereignty, Heti is poised to make a lasting impact.

In the words of its founder, “Heti is the story of our plant relatives, a tribute to my grandfather’s enduring legacy.”

Discover Heti and its mission to celebrate nature, uplift communities, and redefine wellness at www.hetiproducts.com.