Guided by a strong tradition of helping others, the value of wóokiya (generosity and helping) has defined the Dakota people for generations and is a tenet of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s #SMSCgives initiative.

The value is never more present than in the program’s annual backpack giveaway as the SMSC provides free backpacks with school supplies in support of Native youth throughout Indian County as well as our neighbors. Since 2020, the SMSC has distributed over 20,600 backpacks to help kids start off the school year with SMSC Members and team members coming together in 2025 to pack and distribute more than 4,750 backpacks.

In addition to the annual distribution at the SMSC Wacipi, these backpacks have been sent to local Indian Education programs, with an additional 1,750 backpacks and supplies sent to surrounding tribes.

Learn more about #SMSCgives and the SMSC’s philanthropic initiatives here.