Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has given the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe of South Dakota a $650,000 grant to go toward the tribe’s farm. 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.

SMSC funds are being used for capital improvements to the irrigation system; the purchase of corn and soybean seed; tilling, planting, spraying and harvesting expenses; crop insurance; and labor and trucking of grain to market. The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is partnering with a local farmer to custom farm the land, which is planted with 3,135 acres of corn and 1,289 acres soy beans this year.

“Funding of this farm operations proposal will not only enhance tribal management while promoting self-governance of available resources, but will maximize cash profits on land that is readily available to plant,” wrote Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Chairman Brandon Sazue in the request letter. “The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is very grateful for the financial assistance, loan, and economic development grants it has received from the SMSC in the past. Not only were major debts paid and/or addressed, but necessary programs operated. Created employment opportunities provided many tribal members with the daily and immediate needs of food, shelter, clothing, and medical care.”

Previous giving

Previous to this year’s $650,000 grant, the SMSC made a $1 million dollar grant to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 to fund administration and other costs, a $2.7 million loan in 2010 to buy back 7,200 acres of tribal land, and an associated $1 million grant for taxes and expenses relating to that land.

With approximately 3,000 members, the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe consists of the members of the Isanti and Ihanktowan divisions of the Great Sioux Nation. The Crow Creek Indian Reservation, which today includes 225,000 acres, was established in 1863.

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.