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DECEMBER 14, 2000

Denied in 1997, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community of Minnesota is again trying to add 776 acres of land to their reservation.

This time around, their application is opposed by three local communities. Last time, it was opposed by then Governor Arne Carlson and the now-defeated Senator Rod Grams.

This time, their application is being reviewed by the main Bureau of Indian Affairs office in Washington, DC. Last time, it was reviewed by an area office and was denied because the office said the tribe didn't need the land for economic or self-determination purposes.

This time, they say they want to use the land for tribal housing. The small, wealthy tribe has less than 300 members but a resident Indian population of about 600, as of 1997.

The tribe had been implicated in a Democratic campaign contribution scandal involving Secretary of Interior Bruce Babbitt. Babbitt was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Get the Story:
Mdewakanton Sioux make second plea for land trust status (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 12/13)
Wealthy tribe getting high-level review for land deal (AP 12/13)

Related Stories:
Babbitt apologized to McCain (The Talking Circle 09/05)
Congressman named in casino report (Money Matters 8/31)
Babbitt casino report released (Money Matters 08/23)

Relevant Links:
Testimony on The Department of Interior's Denial of the Wisconsin Chippewa's Casino Application - commdocs.house.gov/committees/gro/hgoHudson.000
/hgoHudson_0f.htm