Four South Dakota Tribes to Receive Funds

Prior Lake, MN - The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announces grants totaling $4 million to four Indian nations in South Dakota. One million dollar grants will go to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, and the Yankton Sioux Tribe.

The $1 million grant to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe will fund economic development and community improvements, including funds for after school programs at Takini School, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School, Tiospaye Topa School, and the Dupree School; these schools serve approximately 4,000 students grades kindergarten through twelfth. Funds will also be used to process and market buffalo meat and beef. An Achievement Center for elderly and youth education, workforce development, and technology education for all ages are other projects which will be funded. Additional security measures, technology upgrades, a constitutional review, certified public accountant services, and the Tribal Planning Department will also be funded.

The $1 million grant to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe helped fund a tribal grocery store in the town of Mission. The new grocery store, scheduled to open in mid-February 2009, has a deli, bakery, pharmacy, and, most importantly, healthy foods to help combat the diabetes epidemic on the reservation. About 80 jobs have been created with the store opening.

A $1 million grant to the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate will fund two district centers for the Old Agency and Big Coulee District communities on the Lake Traverse Reservation. The new buildings will replace existing district center buildings, constructed in the early 1970s which are in need of repair and are too small to accommodate the meeting and gathering space needs of the local communities. These buildings are also used for after school programs, a summer meal and recreational program, religious services, and wake and funeral services.

The $1 million grant to the Yankton Sioux Tribe (South Dakota) will fund a community center at Lake Andes. The two-level building will house an activity hall for wakes, ceremonies, meetings, and community sporting activities, an indoor basketball court with bleachers, an indoor walking and jogging track, locker rooms, restrooms, a weight and exercise room, an office, and a kitchen. Other major areas are for tribal elders and a community shelter for families at risk. The community center will also house a local Boys & Girls Club.