Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to return to Minnesota State Fair

Prior Lake, Minn. — The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) hosted its first-ever exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair in 2021, marking the first time a tribal government had hosted an exhibit in the fair’s long history. The tribe today announced that it will host an exhibit again this year during the fair’s 12-day run from Aug. 25 through Sept. 5.

Located in the education building, the exhibit will feature information about the SMSC and Minnesota’s 10 other tribal nations. Visitors can also learn more about tribal sovereignty and the SMSC’s Understand Native Minnesota campaign to improve the Native American narrative and content in Minnesota schools.

“We know that many Minnesotans have little knowledge about the Native tribes in our state, despite the many contributions we make to our local economies and communities,” said SMSC Chairman Keith Anderson. “We are glad to bring this important representation of our tribe and other Native nations in Minnesota to the State Fair and look forward to sharing with fairgoers the many positive contributions of the SMSC.”

Located on the east end of the education building, the SMSC’s one-of-a-kind exhibit will feature an interactive, walk-through display in the shape of a tipi that stands nearly 12 feet tall. The tipi’s exterior walls will include informational videos and visitors can walk through the tipi to learn more about Native American culture. Giveaways will include Dakota language coloring books and Mdewakanton Dakota calendars with more information about Native culture and modern tribal governments.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to other tribal governments and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County and attract millions of visitors to the region.