Prescribed Burns to Take Place This Spring
All prescribed burns are designed to meet ecological objectives and are entirely dependent upon weather conditions.
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Echoes of the Past
A partnership between the SMSC and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian resulted in a historic instrument being returned to Dakota homelands on loan for the first time in a century.
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Providing Hope with Harvest Park
Recognizing that hunger is the world’s No. 1 health risk, the SMSC continued its partnership with Harvest Pack last month, providing hope for those facing food insecurity. Thank you to everyone who joined in the effort to pack 30,000 meals for local food shelves. Learn more about the SMSC’s charitable initiatives by visiting shakopeedakota.org/philanthropy/.
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SMSC Supports Special Olympics Minnesota at Polar Plunge Event
From setup to splashdown, the SMSC was proud to participate in the 2025 Polar Plunge event in February, helping raise over $310,000 to support Special Olympics Minnesota.
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Get to Know the SMSC Business Council
Since gaining federal recognition in 1969, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has elected tribal members to oversee the day-to-day operations of the tribe and implement the direction voted upon by tribal membership. The three-member Business Council is charged with promoting the health, education, and welfare of SMSC members and their families now and for […]
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The SMSC launches $6 million campaign to improve the physical and mental wellness of Native youth in Minnesota
Prior Lake, Minn. — The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced the launch of IndigeFit Kids, a $6 million, three-year philanthropic campaign to improve the physical fitness and mental wellness of Native youth in Minnesota. SMSC Vice-Chairwoman Natasha Hacker and Secretary/Treasurer Ashley Cornforth, who will co-chair the campaign for the tribe, announced the effort along with several […]
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Prescribed Burns to Take Place in the Coming Week
Prescribed burns have been scheduled for several locations around the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and nearby areas in the week ahead, weather dependent. These locations include: More prescribed burns may follow in the coming days depending on wind directions. Prescribed burns are used to clear away dry brush in areas to limit the risk of […]
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Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to host free educational events to celebrate We Are Water traveling exhibit
Shakopee, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced that its cultural center, Hoċokata Ṫi [ho-cho-kah-tah-tee], will host three educational events in November. The events are in conjunction with the We Are Water MN statewide traveling exhibit, which the tribe is hosting now through Dec. 7. The We Are Water MN exhibit is organized by the Minnesota Humanities […]
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SMSC Proud to Support Construction of Indigenous Peoples Task Force’s New Cultural Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 15, 2024 – Indigenous Peoples Task Force will be breaking ground on its new center for culture, arts, and wellness on Tuesday, October 15 at 3 PM at 2313 13th Ave S. The new building will be called Mikwanedun Audisookon, which means “remember our teachings” in Ojibwe. All of Indigenous Peoples Task […]
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Public invited to SMSC Wacipi powwow, Aug. 16-18
Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) invites the public to its annual SMSC Wacipi (pronounced “wah-chee-pee”), Friday, Aug. 16, through Sunday, Aug. 18. Held at the tribe’s Wacipi Grounds in Shakopee, the free weekend-long event draws hundreds of dancers and thousands of visitors each year. A Wacipi, or powwow, is a traditional Native […]
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Prescribed burns planned for this spring
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is planning prescribed burns this spring in several locations on SMSC lands listed below. The SMSC conducts prescribed burns on SMSC lands and, upon request and through mutual aid agreements, in neighboring jurisdictions each spring and fall as an effective land stewardship tool.
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Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Hoċokata Ṫi named 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Award Finalist
Prior Lake, Minn. – The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced today that Hoċokata Ṫi (pronounced ho-cho-kah-tah-tee), the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)’s cultural center, is among 30 finalists for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Hoċokata Ṫi is the only institution in Minnesota to be selected as a finalist […]
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