Caring for Uŋcí Mak̇a, Grandmother Earth, is at the heart of what the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) strives for—now and for future generations. We are dedicated to serving our members, supporting other tribes and organizations across the globe, creating strong partnerships, and protecting our natural resources for everyone to enjoy. NativeGreen helps foster a healthy community, environment, and local economy.
Good Steward
of the Earth
2026,
SMSC highlights:
Hydronics officially opened at full capacity in the summer of 2025, increasing energy efficiency in cooling.
Dakota Prairie Composting officially opened at full capacity in the summer of 2025, making it the largest commercial composting site in the Midwest.
In 2025, the SMSC donated over 2,300 items to the organizations Bridging and Open Arms Mission, that helps families in need.
In 2025, volunteers through #SMSCgives participated in events such pet supply drives, public food distributions, backpack distributions, the SMSC toy drive, and more.
In 2025, 285.89 tons of organic material were sent and accepted at Dakota Prairie Composting, diverting waste from landfills.
In 2025, there were 19 documented hazardous waste prevention, reduction, and reuse activities through 2025. These included reusing materials from other departments for hazardous waste storage and excess chemicals being transferred to other SMSC departments. Savings from these activities include financial and environmental benefits, such as eliminating the need to purchase new items, reducing disposal costs and lowering the total hazardous waste that leaves SMSC for waste disposal.
In 2026, the SMSC added two more electric vehicles to its fleet, making strides toward an electrified fleet.
By investing in more energy-efficient appliances and technologies, the SMSC has decreased electricity usage at the SMSC. In turn, we have lessened our reliance on renewable energy credits by 27%.