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Tribes Forge Connection with Casino Loan

MINNESOTA – As reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune: "A $42 million loan between two of Minnesota's Indian tribes reflects the varying fortunes that casino gambling has brought, with some tribes enjoying great success, while others struggle to overcome poverty.

"The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is in the final stages of lending the money to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

"…The deal brings together Sioux and Ojibwe tribes that once were in conflict but now are helping to revive a tradition of trade between tribes, said John McCarthy, executive director of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association.

"Mystic Lake Casino, built in 1992, is reportedly the second-most successful Indian casino in the country. Gambling and nongambling enterprises pay for most needs and members receive an estimated six-figure payment each year.

"…`[Now] they can take care of their internal needs and help their own people, with money to spare, 'McCarthy said. `Their first choice for what to do with that was to help other Indians.'

"…The Leech Lake Band continues to struggle even after opening the third of its casino and hotel operations in 2000. The tribe's reservation in rural north-central Minnesota is sparsely populated and more seasonal than the Shakopee market area…"

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