New Video and Display Explore Shakopee Mdewakanton’s History, Culture and Values
Prior Lake, Minn. – A new display showcasing the history, culture and values of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is now open at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. This is a long-term, public display located near the hotel lobby that also incorporates a new video about the SMSC.
“We hope people will come away with a better understanding of the SMSC as a sovereign nation, good neighbor, and proud community with a living culture,” said SMSC Chairman Charlie Vig. “Whether people have two minutes or 20 minutes, they will leave the display knowing more about who we are and what we represent.”
A fundamental part of the new display is a 20-minute video exploring the tribe’s past and present featuring interviews with the SMSC Business Council, an additional 10 SMSC members, numerous employees, the mayors of Prior Lake and Shakopee, and several other local business and civic leaders.
The video tells the story of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community as a people with a culture deeply rooted in sharing and working together, who today are committed to being good neighbors, employers, and stewards of the earth.
The display is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information and a link to the video, visit www.shakopeedakota.org.
About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Indian tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. With a focus on being a good neighbor, good steward of the earth, and good employer, the SMSC is committed to charitable donations, community partnerships, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. The SMSC and the SMSC Gaming Enterprise (Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino) are the largest employer in Scott County. Out of a Dakota tradition to help others, the SMSC has donated nearly $300 million to organizations and causes since opening the Gaming Enterprise in the 1990s and has contributed millions more to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services.