Minneapolis, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) joined the University of Minnesota on Saturday, April 28, to celebrate the graduation of this year’s Native American students who received scholarships from the SMSC. The seven students represent seven tribes from across the United States and make up the eighth group of graduates to receive SMSC scholarships.

The SMSC Endowed Scholarship program supports talented Native American students who are seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees and have financial need. This program is a part of the SMSC’s focus on preparing the next generation of Native Americans to help advance Indian Country in the years ahead.

“There are so many bright Native American students that face financial barriers,” said SMSC Chairman Charles R. Vig. “They will soon be the leaders of our tribal communities, and this scholarship program is here to support these deserving students as they work toward their degrees and their dreams.”

Students, loved ones, and representatives of the SMSC and University of Minnesota gathered at the McNamara Alumni Center at the University’s Twin Cities campus for the graduation reception. Vanessa Goodthunder, a previous SMSC Endowed Scholarship recipient, Andrew Vig, a SMSC Community Member, Robert McMaster, vice provost and dean of undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota, and Tadd Johnson, director of graduate studies for the American Indian Studies Department at the University of Minnesota, gave congratulatory remarks. The local youth drum group Tinta Ottonwe performed a flag song, and graduates were honored with a star quilt from the SMSC. 

This year’s graduating students will soon receive undergraduate and graduate degrees in a range of majors, from biology to tribal administration and governance, from University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth, Morris, and the Twin Cities.

The graduates include:

  • Lindsey Crazy Bull Compton, Rosebud Sioux Tribe
  • Demi Dumarce, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate
  • Phillip Gullikson, Three Affiliated Tribes (MHA Nation)
  • Collette Maxwell, Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
  • Taylor Schultz, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
  • Gerard Sordelet, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
  • Joseph Tahdooahnippah, Comanche Tribe of Oklahoma

“More than 200 Native American students have received a scholarship since the program started in 2009,” said SMSC Vice-Chairman Keith Anderson. “We are proud to partner with the University of Minnesota to make this possible, and look forward to helping many more students in the years to come.”

The SMSC Endowed Scholarship program was established with a $2.5 million gift from the SMSC, and the University of Minnesota matches the scholarship payouts from the endowment fund.

The application deadline for the 2018-2019 SMSC Endowed Scholarship program has passed and recipients will be announced this fall.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.