We are proud to share with you the third issue of Wiċoṡkaŋ, the magazine of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC). Within these pages, you’ll find stories that honor our Mdewakanton Dakota people, culture, traditions, and the strength of our sovereign tribal government.

In 1969, the SMSC was federally recognized as a sovereign Native American tribe. Since then, our elected Business Council has led the Community’s day-to-day operations, shaping our path forward. Some of these leaders have journeyed on to the Spirit World, while others continue to share their wisdom and lived experiences. Our feature story reflects on the impactful era of the 1980s and 1990s—a pivotal time when gaming compacts with the state allowed us to open Little Six Bingo Palace and Mystic Lake Casino. The vision and dedication of our past leaders laid the foundation for the SMSC we know today.

Our Community and culture continue to thrive, and we are proud to share how our Dakota lifeways are being celebrated, practiced, and passed down through both long-standing traditions and new initiatives. You’ll learn more about events like Young Native Pride, where our youth proudly express their identities and represent our Dakota culture through song, dance, and storytelling. The Dakota Language Bowl highlights the importance of language revitalization, showcasing our tribe’s commitment to learn and speak Dakota. You’ll also explore meaningful partnerships like the Tribal Nations Plaza and the Mitakuye Owasiŋ Interpretive Trail, which honor our history and foster cultural understanding with the broader community.

This edition also highlights a few of our SMSC enterprises and entertainment options. Whether you’re unwinding at Mystic Spa, playing a round, or shopping for gear at The Meadows at Mystic Lake Golf Shop, there’s truly something here for everyone to enjoy and make the most of their visit.

Through these stories, we invite readers to gain a deeper appreciation of who we are as Dakota people, the values we live by, and the ways in which our culture continues to flourish today.

Thank you for joining us in honoring the stories of our past, celebrating the present, and building a future rooted in tradition, resilience, and unity. These are the stories that shape our identity, connect generations, and inspire what lies ahead.

Ṗiuŋdapi (We are thankful).