The stated purpose of the SMSC tribal government is to secure the advantages of self-government for its tribal members and for its future generations. Land for residential uses and economic development is essential for the SMSC to meet its responsibilities to its tribal members. Land in trust status provides the best protection that the SMSC’s lands will be available for these essential purposes for generations to come. Trust status for its lands provides the SMSC with the best opportunity to exercise self-government over the activities on those lands. Further, the SMSC has proven its ability to develop and manage its lands in responsible ways using best practices, so that not only the SMSC benefits, but the surrounding region benefits in many ways as well.