Our Government
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. The tribe is dedicated to serving its members, giving to tribes and organizations across the country, creating strong partnerships, and protecting the earth’s resources—now and for generations to come.
As a sovereign nation, our government maintains authority over our membership, lands, and government affairs. The SMSC government is responsible for providing for the well-being of its members with services and infrastructure such as roads, sewers, housing, and more.
General Council
Consisting of all members of the tribe aged 18 and older, the General Council is the highest governing body of the SMSC and is responsible for setting bylaws, developing policies, and making decisions on all significant tribal matters. General Council members are also tasked with electing representatives to the Business Council, Gaming Commission, and Gaming Board of Directors.
Business Council
Every four years, the General Council elects three members to serve on the SMSC Business Council, the tribe’s legislative body that is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the tribe and implementing the decisions of the General Council. The Business Council has the authority to speak and act on behalf of the tribe, representing the SMSC in all matters and overseeing its interests, including economic ventures, enforcement of bylaws and policies, protection of business interests, and preservation of the sovereignty of the tribe.
Business Council Members
Cole W. Miller
ChairmanLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce blandit rutrum tempor. Sed in auctor tortor. Sed sollicitudin diam in urna tristique, vel ornare diam tempor. Nunc congue tortor augue, quis pretium lectus sagittis eget. Nam magna augue, rutrum a augue feugiat, varius tempus eros. Nullam non neque diam. Vivamus id arcu ut lacus auctor blandit. Nam cursus non lorem ac blandit. Etiam scelerisque sed ante eu varius. Vivamus posuere massa nibh, et semper felis commodo quis. Cras sed sollicitudin velit. Curabitur malesuada vehicula tristique. Nullam interdum nisl suscipit pharetra semper. Morbi maximus pretium lobortis.
Natasha K. Hacker
Vice-ChairwomanLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce blandit rutrum tempor. Sed in auctor tortor. Sed sollicitudin diam in urna tristique, vel ornare diam tempor. Nunc congue tortor augue, quis pretium lectus sagittis eget. Nam magna augue, rutrum a augue feugiat, varius tempus eros. Nullam non neque diam. Vivamus id arcu ut lacus auctor blandit. Nam cursus non lorem ac blandit. Etiam scelerisque sed ante eu varius. Vivamus posuere massa nibh, et semper felis commodo quis. Cras sed sollicitudin velit. Curabitur malesuada vehicula tristique. Nullam interdum nisl suscipit pharetra semper. Morbi maximus pretium lobortis.
Ashley J. Cornforth
Secretary/TreasurerLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce blandit rutrum tempor. Sed in auctor tortor. Sed sollicitudin diam in urna tristique, vel ornare diam tempor. Nunc congue tortor augue, quis pretium lectus sagittis eget. Nam magna augue, rutrum a augue feugiat, varius tempus eros. Nullam non neque diam. Vivamus id arcu ut lacus auctor blandit. Nam cursus non lorem ac blandit. Etiam scelerisque sed ante eu varius. Vivamus posuere massa nibh, et semper felis commodo quis. Cras sed sollicitudin velit. Curabitur malesuada vehicula tristique. Nullam interdum nisl suscipit pharetra semper. Morbi maximus pretium lobortis.
Gaming Enterprise Board of Directors
The SMSC Gaming Enterprise Board of Directors is responsible for policy and oversight of Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino. Members of the board oversee daily operations and participate in long-term strategic planning for both locations.
Gaming Commission
The Gaming Commission is a governmental entity of the SMSC established to ensure the integrity of tribal gaming. The commissioners ensure that SMSC gaming operations are conducted fairly, honestly, and in compliance with all applicable tribal, state, and federal laws.