Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today released its annual donation report which details $29,076,729 in charitable giving by the Community to Indian tribes, education and youth programs, and other charitable organizations and causes during fiscal year 2012.


Donation highlights for 2012 include:

·         $15,706,934 to 21 Indian tribes – Twelve of the 21 tribal grant recipients each received $1 million. Three of those are located in Minnesota, with the others in Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The grants funded tribal infrastructure, economic development, energy assistance, land purchases, health facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, and more.

·         $771,647 to 33 Native American organizations – Supported projects ranged from housing, mental health, and chemical dependency programs to women’s shelters, food shelves, legal assistance, winter coats, public television, and capital construction.

·         $2,231,938 for 95 education and youth programs – Because of the SMSC’s focus on the next seven generations, it provided grants for scholarships, school supplies, technology equipment, infrastructure, language projects, a science and technology building, and more.

·         $743,219 to 71 other charitable organizations – SMSC grants supported projects including a sleeping room for families at a children’s hospital, a surgical table at a local hospital, mental health crisis recognition training for local law enforcement, and food banks.

·         $232,160 to 44 organizations during the holiday season – Each year during the holiday season, the SMSC makes donations to aid those who are less fortunate, focusing primarily on local social service agencies that provide food and gifts for families in need.

·         Sponsorship of 55 cultural events – To support traditional cultural values, the SMSC sponsored pow wows and other cultural events in Minnesota and elsewhere throughout Indian Country.

·         Sponsorship of numerous health care initiatives – The SMSC provides health, wellness, vision, hearing and dental services to tribal members, employees, Native Americans from other tribes who live in Scott County, and their families.


The 2012 Donation Report is available in its entirety at www.shakopeedakota.org/donations.html. It includes a tribute to the life and legacy of the late Chairman Stanley R. Crooks, who was integral in shaping the SMSC’s charitable giving program.


About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to community partnerships, charitable donations, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has also donated nearly $272 million to organizations and causes since 1992, funds its own infrastructure, and contributes generously to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services.