Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has made a $500,000 grant to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of South Dakota for economic and infrastructure development projects. This grant is part of the SMSC’s most recent round of more than $10 million in grants awarded to 18 American Indian tribes in eight states.

Specifically, the grant will help fund Sicangu Auto Parts and the Rosebud Economic Development Corporation (REDCO):

– Sicangu Auto Parts, an addition to the already popular Sicangu Auto Service, will be funded with $269,300 of the grant. The business currently offers oil changes, minor vehicle repairs, and alignments; operates a self-service car wash; and sells tires and custom wheels. The expansion and renovation of Sicangu Auto Service will better accommodate the retail, inventory and technology needs of the auto parts business.
– REDCO programs and activities will receive $230,700 of the SMSC grant. REDCO is a privately financed, politically neutral Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that promotes the best and fullest utilization of reservation resources and tribal income. Specifically the grant will fund:
     Preplanning activities for a culturally appropriate, sustainable, and green housing community
     Technology and office supplies
     Strategic planning
     Delivery vans for use by Lakota Water and Sicangu Business Products
     A new website that provides REDCO information and a platform for subsidiary companies and projects
     Training-related costs
     Legal, marketing, and consulting costs
     Equipment and operations needs of Lakota Water

“The SMSC grant funding will allow us to continue expanding our tribal workforce and continue to develop business opportunities,” wrote Rosebud Sioux Tribe President Cyril Scott. “We have the deepest respect for the charitable work your tribe continues to do for Indian Country. Wacontognaka – generosity – is one of the core values of the Great Sioux Nation, and the Shakopee Mdewakanton are an example for all tribal nations.”

Previous giving

Over the last several years, the SMSC has given the Rosebud Sioux Tribe nearly $5 million in grants and $13 million in loans for projects ranging from REDCO’s development to heating and energy assistance.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe (Sicangu) is a member of Oceti Sakowin, the Seven Council Fires of the Dakota/Lakota/Nakota Nation (also known as the Great Sioux Nation). With more than 24,000 members, it is the second largest tribe in South Dakota and has a reservation that extends across more than 900,000 acres in five counties.

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 community partnerships, charitable donations, 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 also donated nearly $272 million since 1992, including more than $152 million to other tribes, tribal organizations, and American Indian causes.