Prior Lake, Minnesota - The SMSC recently awarded a $1 million grant for fiscal year 2008 to the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa of northern Minnesota for economic development. The grant will help fund the addition of a quick lube center and car wash and associated infrastructure improvements at the tribe's Y-Store near the Vermilion Lake Reservation.

"Once again the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux demonstrate the power of Indian Gaming to strengthen rural economies. We are grateful for their generous grant which is being used to improve and expand our Y-Store, by adding new amenities and services for the public. This grant is an important building block in Bois Forte's economic diversification plan," said Bois Forte Chairman Kevin Leecy.

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa live on two tribal parcels of land; Nett Lake home of the tribal government and where the majority of tribal members live and the Vermilion Sector is also home to tribal members and Fortune Bay Resort Casino, the Band's largest economic enterprise.

The Y-Store is located on the intersections of Highways 169 and 77, a heavily traveled route between Virginia and Tower, Minnesota.

A $1 million grant to Bois Forte in fiscal year 2007 also helped fund economic development at Bois Forte. Previous SMSC grants totaling $2 million funded the Lake Vermilion Community Wellness Center, a 13,668 square foot facility which contains space for a gymnasium, locker rooms, weight training and exercise area, youth operated canteen, and staff offices. The SMSC also awarded grants of $895,108 and $165,000 for land purchases to the Bois Forte Band in recent years. In November 2005 the SMSC approved a $2,000,000 loan to the Bois Forte Band for acquisition of the Ledge Convenience Store, now renamed the Y-Store, near the Vermilion Lake Reservation.

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