Shakopee, Minnesota - During the last four years, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has experienced continued growth and development in all areas of the Community. During the time period of January 2004 through December 2007, the SMSC underwent some dramatic changes, many of which are detailed in Four Years of Progress, released recently by the SMSC.

With the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Gaming Enterprise Board of Directors, the Community oversaw additions and improvements to gaming facilities such as a third hotel tower and new lobby, the Mystic Showroom, and Bingo Hall. With the opening of the new Little Six Casino, Indian Gaming returned to its original site where the Bingo Hall stood for many years.

There was also significant development of non-gaming enterprises, with the opening of
a second Shakopee Dakota Convenience Store and The Meadows at Mystic Lake. Ground was broken and construction started for the Koda Energy Project which will provide electricity and energy in an environmental responsible manner with project partner Rahr Malting of Shakopee, Minnesota.

Mdewakanton Emergency Services continues to provide an invaluable service not only to the SMSC, but to all the local cities as well. With the addition of ambulance service in 2004 the department responds to an average of 200 calls a month, with about 60 of them being ambulance transports.

Major infrastructure improvements occurred with the addition of the East Village subdivision, a second water tower, a second water treatment plant, and a Water Reclamation Facility.

“Our strong tribal economy has allowed us to better provide all Community members with the best government services available. With the successes of the SMSC over the last four years, we have strengthened our tribal sovereignty and protected our Dakota culture. The Community, through its Business Council and with the support and confidence of the General Council, has built on the foundation that was laid by our predecessors. Our children, grandchildren, and, indeed, seven generations to come will have a bright and a healthy future,” said SMSC Chairman Stanley Crooks.

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