Prior Lake, Minnesota - To help protect Native American rights and sovereignty, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces a donation of $250,000 to the Native American Rights Fund of Boulder, Colorado.

For 35 years the Native American Rights Fund has worked with religious, civil rights, and other Native American organizations to shape the laws that will help assure the civil and religious rights of all Native Americans. NARF is a non-profit organization that provides legal representation and technical assistance to Indian tribes, organizations, and individuals nationwide - a constituency that often lacks access to the justice system. NARF focuses on applying existing laws and treaties to guarantee that national and state governments live up to their legal obligations.

A staff of 15 attorneys handles about fifty major cases at any given time, with most of the cases taking several years to resolve. Cases are accepted on the basis of their breadth and potential importance in setting precedents and establishing important principles of Indian law.

"We felt it was important to support the Native American Rights Fund with this donation because of the important work they are doing protecting Native American rights," said Secretary/Treasurer of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Keith B. Anderson. Anderson was elected to the Native American Rights Fund Board of Directors in 2007. He began serving a two-year term during the summer of 2007. In an unprecedented move, Keith was also elected as Board Treasurer because of his background and experience. Typically, new board members are not elected to officer positions. He also serves on the Investment Committee and the Executive Committee.

"On behalf of the attorneys, staff, and clients we serve, the Native American Rights Fund extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and its leadership for the generous gift it has made of $250,000 to support our ongoing work to defend tribal sovereignty and the rights of Native Americans. The Tribe's gift has now brought them into the circle of tribes from across the country who are among NARF's top charitable donors. NARF is honored to not only receive this gift from the SMSC, but also to have its Secretary/Treasurer Keith B. Anderson serve on our national Board of directors," said NARF Executive Director John Echohawk.

He continued, "Over the last several years, the SMSC has shown itself to be a national leader in Native American philanthropic giving. The Tribe's immense generosity has both touched and improved the lives of many Native American and non-Native peoples across the country and in the state of Minnesota. Their charitable gift to NARF is a testament to their profound commitment to ensuring justice for all Native Americans whose most basic rights and way of life are continually challenged through the courts and a variety of other political, social, cultural, and economic arenas. The Tribe's gift and leadership in supporting Native American rights will make a tremendous difference in supporting NARF's ongoing national legal and advocacy work to ensure justice for all Native Americans."

For more information about the Native American Rights Fund, call (303) 447-8760 or go to wwwnarf.org.

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