The SMSC is a Community of Dakota people whose ancestors have lived in this region for centuries. The Dakota people are part of the Great Sioux Nation. Historically, the Dakota hunted wild game, fished in the rivers and lakes, gathered wild rice, and aligned their lives with the changing seasons. Throughout history, the Dakota culture has focused on the values of living in harmony with our surroundings and sharing our natural and material resources with others. These values continue to guide the decisions of our government and Community.
Living a culture that is intertwined with its natural surroundings, the SMSC is committed to bridging its longstanding values with the latest science to help protect and restore wetlands, aquifers, prairies and forests. The SMSC reservation is home to multiple green roofs, which improve energy efficiency, reduce storm water runoff, and filter out pollutants. The tribe has its own honey bee, maple syrup, and certified organic egg operations. We also maintain and harvest the Wozupi Tribal Gardens to promote organic and naturally grown fruits and vegetables.
The SMSC operates a number of wind turbines, the tallest reaching 38 stories and supplying the equivalent of enough energy for all of the SMSC’s residential energy demand. Utilizing hundreds of solar panels and geothermal temperature control further reduces the SMSC’s conventional energy use.
Through our partnerships and collaborations, environmental stewardship activities, and charitable giving, we seek to embody Dakota values each day. Being a good neighbor, good employer, and good steward of the earth is a core part of who we are and what we do.