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SMSC Recognized With Two National Awards

Prior Lake, Minn. – Vice-Chairman Keith Anderson of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has received two notable awards this month recognizing him for the SMSC's commitment to tribal sovereignty and economic development, as well as to Native American children's health by fighting childhood diabetes and obesity through diet and research. Serving his third elected four-year term on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Business Council, Anderson has been Vice-Chairman since August 2012 after serving eight years as Secretary/Treasurer.

The Notah Begay III Foundation (NB3F) recognized Anderson with the Oneida Indian Nation Health Champion for Native Children Award for his ongoing support of Native American public health. The second annual award honors outstanding leaders and advocates in children's health.

"Due to Keith's championship of the Notah Begay III Foundation, the Shakopee tribe made an early investment that enabled us to leverage more than $1 million from additional partners to support our critical and unique work on behalf of the lives of Native children," said Notah Begay III, four-time PGA Tour winner, NBC/Golf Channel analyst, and NB3F founder.

The SMSC has supported several NB3F efforts since 2009, including Native Strong: Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures, a national initiative focused on supporting cutting-edge research, promising community prevention programs, and advocacy efforts to fight the public health crisis facing Native children. Through this program started in 2013, NB3F has since awarded $600,000 in grants and technical assistance to impact 20 tribal communities across seven states.

"With health as one of the cornerstones of our giving priorities, we are proud of the longstanding partnership we have with Notah Begay III, and the remarkable work his foundation has done aimed at reversing the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes among our Native children," said Anderson.

Vice-Chairman Anderson also received the John Kieffer Spirit of Sovereignty Award from the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). The award recognizes selfless dedication to advancing the lives of Native Americans socially and economically, building self-sufficiency, and being an advocate for tribal self-determination. The award is named for John Kieffer, who was Vice-Chairman of the Spokane Tribe and served on the NIGA board from 1993 until his untimely death in 1999. Kieffer was instrumental in NIGA's development and the protection of tribal sovereignty.

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 charitable donations, community partnerships, 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 donated nearly $300 million to organizations and causes since opening the Gaming Enterprise in the 1990s and has contributed millions more to regional governments and infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer systems, and emergency services.

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Learn More About the SMSC

Read about our people or visit our frequently asked questions for additional information about the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

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