Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council

The Mdewakanton, “those who were born of the waters,” have lived on Prairie Island for
countless generations. Located in southeastern Minnesota along the wooded shores of the
Mississippi and Vermillion Rivers, Prairie Island is a spiritual place for Dakota people.
Prairie Island owns and operates Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The community calls
gaming the new buffalo because it has helped restore self-sufficiency. It is responsible for
improving life on the reservation, strengthening the tribal government, and helping preserve
the culture. Indian Gaming has also provided funds for philanthropic awards. One such
gift provides funds to support anthropology students participating in Dr. Ron Schirmer’s
archaeological research in the Red Wing area.