Building a Strong Future Together
The SMSC is the largest employer in Scott County, and the tribe continues to develop strong partnerships that further build on its role as a community and economic leader. The SMSC's agreements with local organizations like Canterbury Park and St. Francis Regional Medical Center help bring visitors to the region and bolster local economic development.
Canterbury Park
The SMSC initiated a cooperative agreement in 2012 with nearby Canterbury Park to support increased purses for live horse races and joint marketing opportunities between Canterbury and Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. With sizeable increases in the number of races, racing days, horses competing, and purses paid at Canterbury, the partnership has benefitted the track, the horse industry, the SMSC, and local tourism.
Mall of America
Home to the Mystic Lake Store and a hub for free bus service to Mystic Lake, Mall of America has been a longtime SMSC partner. The SMSC-owned JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America opened in 2014, featuring 342 rooms and finishing details that reflect the tribe’s Dakota culture. It is part of the largest construction project at Mall of America since the complex opened in 1992.
Koda Energy
Co-owned by the SMSC and Rahr Malting since 2009, Koda Energy in Shakopee provides environmentally friendly biomass energy using the newest technologies and best practices available. Koda Energy burns a blend of local biomass sources, such as wood chips from Rahr’s malt byproducts.
RiverSouth
More than 10 million people visit Mystic Lake, Canterbury Park, Valleyfair, and the Renaissance Festival in the southwest Twin Cities annually. The four entertainment powerhouses – together with the SMSC and the cities of Prior Lake and Shakopee – joined forces in 2014 to develop the joint brand “RiverSouth.” The partnership continues to grow, promoting the area as one of Minnesota’s biggest entertainment destinations.
South Area Water Treatment Plant
In 2017, the city of Prior Lake and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) announced a water purchase and facility expansion agreement for a new joint water treatment facility. The South Area Water Treatment Plant serves both communities and treats up to 3.5 million gallons of water each day by removing iron and manganese from ground water.
A Good Employer
The SMSC government and tribal enterprises employ 4,100 people in a wide range of careers. Committed to being a good employer, we are proud that our employees tend to stay with us for a long time – the average tenure is eight years.
Learn More About the SMSC
Read about our people or visit our frequently asked questions for additional information about the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
2330 Sioux Trail NW
Prior Lake, MN 55372
952.445.8900
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