The Native American communities of the United States have been a fundamental part of the country’s culture, history, and economy. Throughout the years, many of these tribes have amassed significant wealth and prosperity, mainly through land development, tourism, casino gambling, and other successful business ventures.
This has not been the case for all of the tribes in North America. Many still struggle.
1. Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is the wealthiest Native American tribe, with a total wealth amounting to $2.7 billion.
According to court records, each adult receives a monthly payment of approximately $84,000, or $1.08 million annually. There are 480 members in total. It is a sovereign and federally recognized tribe located southwest of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, within parts of Shakopee and Prior Lake in Scott County, Minnesota.
The main sources of income of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community are gambling and resorts. It boasts two casinos that attract thousands of gamblers from all over the state. The Little Six Casino and Mystic Lake Casino both account for $1.4 billion of the gambling profits in Minnesota.
2. Navajo Nation
It is the second richest Native American tribe, with a net worth of $2.5 billion. The tribe’s wealth mainly comes from natural resources, including oil, coal, and gas. It also has a substantial part in the casino industry, generating income in hundreds of millions. The tribe has a land base of 27,000 sq. miles and extends into the States of New Mexico, Arizona, and New Mexico.
3. Coeur d’Alene
The word ‘Coeur d’Alene’ translates to “heart of an owl,” a name given to the tribe in the 18th century by French traders.
It has a total wealth of around $2.27 billion, and its primary sources of wealth include investments in a wide range of industries. These include technological products, resorts, and casinos.
4. Gila River Indian Community
The Gila River Indian Community is located in the state of Arizona. And mainly generates its money from resorts and casinos. With a whopping net worth of $2.15 billion, the Gila River Indian Community operates eleven casinos and numerous other businesses. It has approximately 21,300 enrolled members, and the Community is home to two tribes – the Pee Posh and Akimel O’odham.
5. Oneida Nation
The Oneida Nation is between Outagamie and Brown Counties and spans 65,400 acres. It is the 5th largest employer in Brown County and 14th largest in Outagamie County, employing around 3,085 people.
The tribe has a total net worth of $1 billion and has successfully and communally established various casinos, tobacco production, convenience stores, and resorts, serving as its primary income sources.
As we explore the stories of wealth and heritage within these tribes, it’s important to honor and reflect on the cultural richness of Native communities. Our Native Tribes of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean poster serves as a visual tribute, highlighting the diverse and vibrant history of these tribes, making it a perfect addition to any space dedicated to Native American culture.
19 Comments
I’m from the makah tribe and tswaout band (grew up on the Makah reservation). So the smaller tribes on the Pacific Northwest coast. Neither of them have a lot of money for the people and the infrastructure is very poor but the history we retain and continue to teach in the school on the makah reservation is pretty good. We’re known for Whaling and our water territory mostly. I’ve always called it the most beautiful place on earth with the ugliest people on earth. Small reservations are a horrible place to live. Great to visit
My tribe is a northern tribe, but when the whites started the “trail of tears” , they did not know one tribe from the other. So a lot of my clan was mixed in with the plains tribes, and forced onto unfamiliar reservation. I was born at Pawnee Indian Hospital in 1960 but my birth records say I was born in a army infermory, they were still trying to keep us on the reservations,
Respeto, me maravillo y honro el existir de cada una de las tribus todavía existentes de mi amado continente…
Les abrazo con mucho cariño y admiración.
I am from The Chehalis Tribe I think all Native Americans Are Great People!
I am Chickasaw. One day I would love to visit the Florida tribes. I believe my wife and I would truly enjoy the visit.