Reznet

Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewas Receives Nearly $1 Million

By Anonymous

A grant of nearly $1,000,000 from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will fund debt consolidation and community development.

Red Cliff Tribal Chairperson Rose Soulier commented, "This grant will allow us to reduce operating lines of credit so that we are able to position our community for a more stable future. We continue to work to improve our financial systems, and this assistance is a key part of our efforts to address those improvements. Aside from reducing credit lines, the funds will support key elements of a residential development on the Reservation. We are so thankful to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for their generous assistance. It really is heartwarming when our efforts are recognized, and we are able to move forward to continue to address needs within our community. It has lifted our spirits tremendously!"

The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is located in the northernmost part of Wisconsin, abutting Lake Superior and near Madeline Island, the ancestral base for all Lake Superior Chippewa. The Reservation lands encompass just over 10,000 acres. The tribal enrollment is approximately 5,000 members with nearly 1,200 living on the reservation and another 500 residing within the Band's defined service area. Annual income at Red Cliff is very low, less than $10,000 per person. The Band has operated a small casino for 15 years, but largely due to its location, it does not see significant cash flows. A small marina and campground also provide employment for tribal members but provide limited revenues to the Tribe.

Changes in tribal administrations and key staff over recent years has unduly impacted continuity and deferred long term problem solving efforts, according to Soulier. Infrastructure needs for key water and sewer system improvements required financing by loans. Improvement efforts for the gaming operation were also financed with loans, further adding to the debt load.

In spite of these challenges, in recent years substantial grants for housing development have increased available housing units for elders and families. By serving as the contracted provider for health, housing, dental, and early childhood development services, the Band is able to provide high quality services to its members in spite of a lack of discretionary funds.

For more information about the SMSC's charitable giving program, go to www.shakopeedakota.org and click on "Good Neighbor" and then click on "Donations."