Prior Lake, Minn. – In the wake of colder-than-normal temperatures, excessive propane costs, and widespread propane shortages, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced a second round of grants totaling $500,000 to the Rosebud and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes to purchase propane for their members. The SMSC donated a total of $870,000 in February to three other Northern Plains tribes: the Santee Sioux Nation, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, and Yankton Sioux Tribe.

“We are struggling to assist tribal members who are in dire need of propane and other sources of heat such as electricity and wood,” wrote Rosebud Chairman Cyril Scott in the request to the SMSC. “We are in a crisis situation.”

“The propane shortage this year has been particularly hard on American Indian communities,” said SMSC Chairman Charlie Vig. “We are compelled to help our fellow tribes get through the remaining days of winter.”

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe will receive $250,000. 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.

The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota will also receive $250,000. More than 13,000 tribal members live on a land base of 2.8 million acres in north central South Dakota.

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.