Grant earmarked for tribal center in Washington, D.C.

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota announced a challenge grant of $500,000 to the National Indian Gaming Association. The grant is earmarked to assist NIGA’s new Tribal Leaders’ Center in Washington, D.C.

Since 1997, NIGA has had its headquarters on Capitol Hill across the street from the Madison Building of the Library of Congress. Located in the historic Waterston house, built in 1806 as the first residence of the Library of Congress, NIGA is only two blocks from the United States Capitol Building. With the growth of Indian gaming, NIGA is running out of space and plans to build a new tribal leaders’ center in the large plot behind this historic building.

“This new center will accommodate meeting space for 150 tribal leaders, a board room to accommodate 40 people, and several new offices. This project is expected to cost between $2.5 and $3 million and will ensure that NIGA’s headquarters are available as a meeting resource for tribal leaders for decades to come,” said NIGA Executive Director Mark Van Norman.

“We encourage other tribes and organizations to support this important and necessary project,” said SMSC Chairman Stanley R. Crooks.