Shakopee Tribe Gives $1.4 Million for New Lower Sioux Intergenerational Cultural Incubator
Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced a $1.4 million donation to the Lower Sioux Indian Community for the construction of its new Intergenerational Cultural Incubator. Set to open in 2020, the business incubator will provide classrooms, art studios, kitchens, and other gathering space for workforce development training.
“Sharing our resources is a Dakota tradition that has guided our tribe for generations,” said SMSC Chairman Charles R. Vig. “The SMSC is proud to support this important project that will help Native American entrepreneurs grow and thrive.”
The SMSC’s matching donation was used to leverage an additional $4.4 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Authority. Together, these gifts provide enough funding to move forward in the design process; however, Lower Sioux will continue to fundraise for the remaining $650,000 needed to complete the $6.5 million project.
The Intergenerational Cultural Incubator will be an addition to the tribe’s existing recreation center and construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2019. The project is expected to create 138 new jobs and spur $1.6 million in private investment.
“Art is a cornerstone of our community and a powerful tool for economic development,” said Brian Pendleton, president of the Lower Sioux Indian Community. “The center will support business development while celebrating our community, making it a place for multiple generations of Lower Sioux members to come together for training and production. We are thankful to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the Economic Development Administration for helping make this project possible.”
About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.
About the Lower Sioux Indian Community
Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located along the Minnesota River in the southwestern region of the state. With nearly half of the Community under 25 years of age and a high annual population growth rate, Lower Sioux is strategically planning economic and educational initiatives that leverage community strengths and traditions, such as the Intergenerational Cultural Incubator and a Dakota Immersion Early Head Start/Head Start school which opened in August 2018.