For over three decades now, the United States government's policy toward Indian tribes has been to encourage self-sufficiency and self-determination. The SMSC, like a growing number of tribes, is able now to experience - once again - true self-sufficiency. After over 150 years of forced dependence on the federal government, we are taking care of ourselves.

An overriding goal of the Tribe is to build a strong and united community where the Dakota history and culture is preserved. One way to accomplish this is to maintain a tight knit community where tribal members live near each other and actively participate in tribal governmental affairs.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a sovereign government, possessing wide-ranging authority over its membership, lands, and governmental affairs. The SMSC Business Council, SMSC Gaming Enterprise, and the Gaming Commission are three distinct tribal entities which play differing roles in operating the Community's gaming and non-gaming activities on a day-to-day basis. The Business Council governs, SMSC Gaming Enterprise manages, and the Gaming Commission regulates gaming operations.