Prior Lake, Minnesota -In the heart of the Phillips Neighborhood in Minneapolis, home to 2,352 American Indians, the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center quietly provides a support system for women and their families so they can enjoy a better quality of life. The Center has developed programs that bring about positive changes for Native American women. Innovative, holistic programming provides a wide range of services including sexual assault advocacy, a legal services program, family services, a learning center for children, parenting support, pregnancy support, chemical health services, emergency and low-income housing assistance, a library and job training clearinghouse, and outpatient treatment. Established in 1984, MIWRC works at all levels - individual, family, community, and social service. MIWRC is also a family and community gathering place, hosting healing ceremonies, regular family events, and feast days.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces a $90,000 grant for fiscal year 2007 to the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center. The funds will be used for general operating funds to support agency programs. "The Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center is grateful for the on-going financial support of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community," wrote Executive Director Suzanne Koepplinger. "Thank you very much for your support of the life changing services that we offer to American Indian women and their families in Minnesota."

"The Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center has helped thousands of Indian families over the years. The work they do is important, and the families they help benefit greatly from their services," said SMSC Tribal Administrator Bill Rudnicki.

With this donation, the SMSC has donated a total of $366,000 to the MIWRC over the past several years. For more information about the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center, call 612-728-2000 or go to www.miwrc.org.

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