News

The late Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) Chairman Stanley R. Crooks was named Shakopee Patch’s 2012 Person of the Year on December 27, 2012. Chairman Crooks passed away August 25, 2012, of natural causes. He served as Chairman of the SMSC for twenty years.

Chairman Crooks garnered 68 percent of the vote in the poll run by the national online news outlet Patch.com’s Shakopee site. He was one of three people nominated by readers of the website for their contributions to Shakopee. (more…)

Passage of an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution that would require state-issued voter ID cards in order to vote could prevent many American Indians from voting, according to officials of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA).

MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy said the proposed amendment, which will appear on the November 6 general election ballot, would create unnecessary obstacles to voting, especially for elders and those who lack transportation, use post office boxes as their primary mailing address, or may not be able to afford fees associated with the new IDs. If passed, the amendment would make it impossible for tribal members to use their tribal IDs to vote in future elections. (more…)

An estimated 1500 relatives, friends, tribal leaders and other dignitaries from across the nation gathered yesterday (Wednesday, August 29) at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) to honor the memory of beloved Tribal Chairman Stanley R. Crooks, who died Saturday, August 25.

The funeral service at Tiowakan Spiritual Center was preceded by a traditional all night vigil and prayer service, on Tuesday night, during which dozens of relatives and friends spoke about the leader all described as quiet, unassuming, generous, devoted to his family, and dedicated to the service of his community and all Native people. (more…)

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has provided additional information on parking for today’s wake and tomorrow’s funeral service for Chairman Stanley Crooks. Due to the limited parking available at the Tiowakan Spiritual Center, guests are asked to follow the directional signage to the designated parking areas, located in the Team Member parking lots just northwest of Mystic Lake Casino on Dakota Parkway. Shuttle service will be provided from Team Member lots to Tiowakan.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) released a statement today reflecting on the life and contributions of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Chairman Stanley R. Crooks, a lifetime member of NCAI and prominent leader in Indian Country, who passed away this past Saturday August 25, 2012 from natural causes. (more…)

Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) Chairman Norman Deschampe, who also serves as Chairman of the Grand Portage Band of Chippewa, issued the following statement today on behalf of the six tribes that comprise the MCT: (more…)

In a statement issued today, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Chairman Kevin Leecy described his friend and colleague Chairman Stanley Crooks as “a true leader on so many fronts.” The full statement read: (more…)

National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. has issued an official statement praising the leadership and contributions of Chairman Stanley Crooks. Here is the full text with accompanying graphic:

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Floyd “Buck” Jourdain, Chairman of the Red Lake Nation, has issued the a statement paying tribute to Chairman Stanley Crooks, who died Saturday after more than two decades of service to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) and MIGA. (more…)

Funeral arrangements for Chairman Stanley Crooks now are confirmed. Visitation will begin at 5 pm Tuesday, August 28, at the Tiowakan Spiritual Center on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Reservation. Eulogies and remarks by guests will begin at 7 pm. The visitation and traditional vigil will continue through the night. The funeral service will be held at Tiowakan at 11 am on Wednesday, August 29. (more…)