Prairie Island EPK

The United States has a failed nuclear power policy and the Prairie Island Indian Community and the state of Minnesota have borne too much of that burden for too long.

Twenty-five years after Congress passed the National Nuclear Waste Storage Act and mandated the establishment of a national underground waste repository, the future of the nation's nuclear waste disposal program remains in doubt and the toxic waste continues to accumulate under varying security levels at 'temporary' storage sites in 39 states across the country, including next to the Prairie Island Indian Community. The presence of the nuclear waste at Xcel Energy's Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear power plants threatens the health and safety of Minnesotans generally, and those communities closest to the nuclear facilities, such as Prairie Island, specifically. It is unfair to continue burdening those communities with that threat.

Prairie Island Indian Community representatives have traveled to the proposed national nuclear waste storage site at Nevada's Yucca Mountain several times and have worked diligently to support legislation authorizing Yucca Mountain as the national repository, but the movement of nuclear waste to a secure facility designed for permanent storage remains at a standstill.

Against this backdrop, a national movement is underway to expand the nuclear power industry, including a call by some Minnesota lawmakers to repeal a state moratorium on new nuclear power facilities.

Xcel Energy's Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Plant and nuclear waste storage site is located just 600 yards from the Prairie Island Indian Community. Two nuclear reactors, which began operating in 1973, generate approximately 1,100 megawatts of power. Much of the highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel from the reactors is stored outside the plant in 29 large containment units, which sit on a cement pad in the floodplain of the Mississippi River near our homes, businesses, church and community center.

In 1994, the Minnesota Legislature authorized Northern States Power (NSP; now Xcel Energy) to store nuclear waste at Prairie Island; NSP and the state signed an agreement effectively limiting storage to 17 casks. The Prairie Island Indian Community was designated an intended third-party beneficiary with standing to enforce the agreement.

In 2003, Xcel sought permission from the state to exceed its 17-cask limit. Our Community objected, citing our legal standing in the matter. After months of negotiations, we reluctantly agreed to a settlement that gave Xcel enough storage capacity to keep its nuclear plant operating until the reactor licenses expire in 2013 and 2014.

Now Xcel is seeking to re-license the Prairie Island plant, having submitted an application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a 20-year license extension in April 2008. Permission is also being sought to increase the generating capacity of the existing nuclear reactors to nearly 1,240 megawatts, a move that would create more nuclear waste and add more strain on an already aging facility. To further engage in the discussion and ensure our voice is heard during this process, we signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding with the NRC in June 2008, allowing us to work together with the NRC to review potential environmental impacts of the proposed license renewal.

Our Community's concerns over nuclear power deepen as we learn more about the operations and maintenance issues of the nearly 40-year-old nuclear power plant that sits next to our reservation. Those concerns are multiplied as new international studies emerge that raise serious question about the health impacts for people living next to nuclear power plants, especially children. And finally, our frustrations continue to grow over the federal government's failure to live up to its responsibility to adequately address the nuclear waste issue and as more of that toxic waste builds up next to our community.

We know many other communities living in proximity to nuclear power plants, here in Minnesota and across the country, share not only our concerns but also our demands for answers and actions before any attempts are made to expand the nuclear power industry.

Position

The Prairie Island Indian Community is opposed to an expansion of the nuclear power industry, including a repeal of Minnesota’s moratorium on new nuclear power facilities.

If Minnesota’s nuclear power plant moratorium is repealed, the Prairie Island Indian Community is opposed to any expansion of generating capacity at the Prairie Island Nuclear Generating Facility.

Despite repeated safety assurances, Xcel’s nuclear plant has been a major safety, health and environmental concern to the Prairie Island Indian Community. The Prairie Island Indian Community seeks the removal of nuclear waste from the Prairie Island site and assurances for the long-term safety of our community.

Numerous operating errors including three chemical spills in just five months at Xcel’s Prairie Island plant and conflicting communication about these safety violations are frightening to the Prairie Island Indian Community. The Community requests to be fully informed by Xcel and the NRC about future nuclear incidents so these can be appropriately communicated to the Prairie Island Community.

The Prairie Island Indian Community supports the creation of a national nuclear waste repository and the removal of nuclear waste from Prairie Island as soon as possible.

Desired Outcomes

The federal government must deliver on its promise to move the nation's nuclear waste to a safe, secure facility before it embraces this so-called nuclear power renaissance and turns to nuclear power as a preferred energy source. Furthermore, it is imperative that the federal government mandate that any plant in operation be required to demonstrate that its equipment and operation standards are modernized and use the latest science and procedures to protect public safety.

Until this happens, we believe it is irresponsible for any state, including Minnesota, to entertain building new power plants. In the interim, it is important our concerns are addressed, including:

Assurance that nuclear waste will be removed from Prairie Island as soon as possible
Assistance with acquiring new land away from the plant and putting the land into trust
Improved communication between plant officials and the tribal government, including priority notifications of unusual events, increased emergency planning involvement and better coordination between plant security and tribal police

President Johnny Johnson

President of the Prairie Island Tribal Council, Johnny Johnson has lived in and around Prairie Island his entire life. A veteran member, he is currently serving his seventh term on Tribal Council. During his last term, Johnson served as treasurer.

Prior to serving on Tribal Council, Johnson served as education director for the Prairie Island Indian Community for seven years. In this role, Johnson achieved a marked increase in the graduation rate for the high school. During his tenure, Johnson saw the formation of summer school, driver's education, GED and North Dakota Independent Studies programs as well as tutoring services. These programs and services have been very successful among Community members.

Johnson is a former member of the Human Rights Commission of Red Wing, Minn., and previously sat on the boards for the Red Wing School Foundation and the Red Wing Hockey Association. He remains actively involved with the hockey program in the Red Wing area.

In his free time, Johnson enjoys spending time with his wife Terrie and their four children, Scott, Blake, Grant and Kennedy. He enjoys attending the kids' sporting events, both playing and watching hockey, golfing, playing softball and spending time boating and jet skiing on the river. He has also been a baseball and softball coach for several years and loves to travel.

Contact information:
Phone: 651-385-4104
Email: jjohnson@piic.org

Vice President Victoria Winfrey

Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council Vice President Victoria Winfrey brings many years of experience working in the Community to her position. She has played an active role in preserving and promoting the Tribe’s culture, overseeing the Community’s economic development initiatives, and has served on many Community committees.

Winfrey is currently serving her eighth term on Tribal Council and has previously held the titles of president, secretary, treasurer and assistant secretary/treasurer.

Winfrey’s goals for the current Tribal Council include planning for the Community’s future growth and pursuing the removal of nuclear waste from Prairie Island. In addition, a key priority will be to ensure the continued success and efficient operations at the Tribe’s enterprises, including Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Dakota Station and Mount Frontenac Golf Course. She places a heightened emphasis on open communications with all Tribal members to ensure their voices are included in the decision-making process.

Prior to her position on Tribal Council, Winfrey worked at Treasure Island Resort & Casino for 10 years. Her positions at Treasure Island included office manager, money room manager, where she assisted in preparing the casino’s monthly financial statements, and assistant general manager. She also previously worked for the Prairie Island Indian Community Gaming Commission.

Winfrey attended Haskell Indian Nations University and Penn Valley Community College, where she studied accounting. She and her husband of 27 years, Norman, have four children, Martin, Alexis, Brandon and Anna, and reside on the Upper Island addition of the Prairie Island Indian Community. In her time away from work, Winfrey enjoys bowling in a league, reading and devoting time to her children’s activities.

Contact Information:
Phone: 651-385-4102
Email: vwinfrey@piic.org

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Secretary Ronald Johnson

Prairie Island Tribal Council Secretary Ronald Johnson is currently serving his fourth term. Johnson has previously served as vice president and assistant secretary/treasurer of the Tribal Council. Serving as spokesperson for the tribe, Johnson has testified before Congress on labor relations issues and is consistently quoted by the media.

Co-chair of the National Congress of American Indian's Department of Homeland Security, Johnson also works with the state of Minnesota on Homeland Security to ensure tribal concerns are recognized.

Additionally, Johnson leads restoration efforts for the Prairie Island Indian Community regarding the transfer of Parcel D from the U.S. Army Corps. He also oversees the federally deputized Law Enforcement Department.

Johnson is involved in youth activities to promote the importance of education and developing future leaders within the Community. A Red Wing native, he previously worked as building and grounds manager of Treasure Island Resort & Casino.

He has an associate's degree in marketing/management from a private college in Florida.

Johnson is an outdoorsman and enjoys spending time with his family, watching NASCAR and saltwater fishing. He and wife Kathy have two daughters, Hannah and Sheldon.

Contact Information:

Phone: 651-385-4109

Email: rjohnson@piic.org

Community Facts

Prairie Island at a Glance

People:

More than 800 tribal members (approximately half under 18 years of age)
Only about half of the tribal membership lives on the reservation (due to limited land base and available housing)
Tribal members are descendants of the Mdewakanton Band of Eastern Dakota

Reservation:

Approximately 1,800 acres of trust land (excluding Parcel D)
Approximately 426 acres of taxable fee land at Mt. Frontenac and 249 acres of fee land at the intersection of Hwy. 61 and Hwy. 316
Located just north of Red Wing, Minn., in Goodhue County
Located 600 yards from Xcel Energy's nuclear power plant and nuclear waste storage site
On May 12, 2006, President Bush placed into trust Parcel D for the tribe. The 1,290 acres of land are intended to replace tribal land that was flooded during the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' construction of Lock and Dam Number 3 in Red Wing, Minn. The land is not buildable.

Prairie Island Development

The Prairie Island Indian Community employs more than 1,700 people in its gaming, government and business operations, including Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Mount Frontenac Golf and Dakota Station.
The federally deputized Prairie Island Police Department – the first licensed police department for the Community – was created in 2003. The department currently employs nine sworn officers, a probation officer and an emergency management coordinator.

Taxes

As the largest employer in Goodhue County, Prairie Island generates more than $13 million in annual state and federal taxes.
Prairie Island tribal members are subject to many of the same state and federal taxes as everyone else. Most tribal members pay state and federal income taxes, and those who live off the reservation also pay property taxes. Tribal members who live on the reservation pay no property tax because the land they live on is held in trust by the federal government.
Tribal members who work directly for the tribal government pay no state income tax for the same reason the state of Minnesota cannot tax employees of the state of Wisconsin. However, these tribal employees pay federal income taxes.

Minnesota Tribes

There are 11 federally recognized tribes in Minnesota, of which four are Dakota and seven are Ojibwe/Chippewa:

Dakota

Upper Sioux
Lower Sioux
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Prairie Island Indian Community

Chippewa

White Earth Band of Chippewa
Leech Lake Band of Chippewa
Red Lake Band of Chippewa
Bois Fort Band of Chippewa
Grand Portage Band of Chippewa
Fon du Lac Band of Chippewa
Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa / Sandy Lake Band of Chippewa

Tribal Heritage

The Prairie Island Indian Community is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the banks of the Mississippi River near Red Wing, Minn. The Community’s ancestors have resided in that area for centuries. They remained there following the Dakota Conflict, despite the fact that their reservation was disestablished by President Lincoln and many Mdewakantons and other Sioux Communities fled the area to avoid federal military retribution, ending up scattered throughout Minnesota, South and North Dakota, Montana and into Canada. The Community was reorganized in 1936, pursuant to Section 16 of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934. The Community is governed by a five-person Tribal Council, which consists of a president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and assistant secretary/treasurer. Tribal Council officials are elected by the members of the community to two-year terms. Membership into the Prairie Island Indian Community is descendant-based.

Tribal Gaming

Situation

The existence of sovereign tribal governments predates the United States. As settlers spread across North America tribal governments entered into Treaties with the United States, resulting in the loss of land and the destruction of a traditional way of life. While tribal nations were moved onto often remote and desolate reservations, their sovereignty remained intact. For more than 200 years, tribal governments in Minnesota held onto these lands, made them their homes and sought ways in which to create an on-reservation economy that would provide jobs for their members. After many years and many failures, tribal governments, given their inherent sovereign rights, began operating gaming facilities on their reservations in an effort to develop their economies.

Tribal government gaming on the Prairie Island Indian Community reservation, located in rural Goodhue County, began in 1984 when the tribal government enacted laws authorizing the play of high stakes bingo. In 1988, the federal government, recognizing the right of tribes and the success of tribal government gaming on Indian reservations, adopted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, (25 USC 2701 et seq.) to "provide a statutory basis for the operation of gaming by Indian tribes as a means of promoting tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments;" (25 USC 2702 (1)).

Under the IGRA, Prairie Island negotiated and signed compacts with the state of Minnesota, authorizing two types of casino games: video games of chance (1988) and blackjack (1991). These remain the only casino games offered at tribal casinos in Minnesota. Prairie Island's initial government gaming activity, high stakes bingo, also remains an important part of the tribal business.

Importantly, the revenue received from these tribal gaming activities goes directly to funding the operation of tribal government services; it is not shared with an outside operator. As a government owned and operated activity, Prairie Island's gaming operation is unlike private, for-profit gaming enterprises whose main purpose it to enrich shareholders. While other governmental units in Minnesota, such as cities and counties, received funding from the state for basic government operations or can turn to taxation to raise operating revenue, Prairie Island's only revenue source to fund its government is from these gaming activities.

In 2008, Indian Nations celebrated the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the IGRA. While one of the primary goals of the IGRA was stronger, self-sufficient tribal nations, the benefits don't stop at the reservation borders. Rural Minnesota economies are stronger because of tribal gaming operations, which serve as job creators and spur economic activity. For example: Prairie Island is now the largest employer in rural Goodhue County, creating more than 1,600 well paying jobs, most of which provide full benefits; Treasure Island Resort & Casino generates more than $13 million in annual state and federal taxes and spends more than $38 million annually with Minnesota vendors; and economic impact studies have indicated that more than 200 new businesses have been created in the region to support the operations of the casino. There is little doubt that tribal government gaming is working on and off the reservation. The jobs created produce taxes for the state and remove people from the welfare rolls, reducing the burdens on cash strapped rural counties.

What is perhaps most overlooked and undervalued are the intangible and hard to measure results of tribal government gaming including, reducing the hurtful feelings and prejudices that have been a historical problem between reservations and surroundings communities; the sense of pride felt by tribal members who are now fully employed and contributing to the full support of their families; and, most importantly, for tribal government to take its rightful place among governments providing much needed services to their members and entering into strategic agreements with local governments to assist them in the providing of services to the reservation. At one time tribal governments were viewed as a drain on these rural economies but now they are the economic engines that have kept many rural economies relevant in this challenging environment.

The concept of sharing is a treasured characteristic in our Dakota culture. As we have prospered in the development of our on-reservation economy we have shared our resources in charitable giving and in-kind donations to diverse groups and organizations that represent those less fortunate. Since 1994, the Prairie Island Indian Community has shared more than $15 million in charitable donations.

But while tribal government gaming is working in Minnesota, it doesn't mean that there aren't challenges, especially in this tough economy. Tribes must work hard to maintain their business and sustain their progress. That task is made more difficult with a mature gaming market in Minnesota, where tribal government gaming has hit a plateau. In addition to competing with other Minnesota tribes, Prairie Island also must compete with tribes in surrounding states as they grow their casino game offerings, as well as some states, such as Iowa, which are authorizing legalized gaming. To meet these challenges, Prairie Island continues efforts to meet customer demand and diversify its business by investing in additional hotel space and entertainment venues. Prairie Island has invested more than $50 million in recent years to position Treasure Island Resort & Casino as a premier destination resort, attracting more than 7.5 million visitors in 2008, many of whom come from beyond Minnesota's borders. These projects created much needed construction jobs during a time when the downturn in the national and regional economy began.

Position

The Prairie Island Indian Community is opposed to any expansion of gambling in Minnesota. Tribal government gaming already generates millions in tax revenue for the state of Minnesota. Expanding gambling off reservation in a mature market will not generate additional dollars, but would take away resources that allow tribal governments to provide employment and vital programs and infrastructure to their rural communities. Allowing expansion by authorizing private, for-profit gaming would harm the positive economic impacts that tribal government gaming has in Minnesota's rural economies.

The Prairie Island Indian Community opposes any attempts by Minnesota lawmakers to unfairly single out tribal government revenues as a source of potential funds to address the state's budget problems. Tribal government gaming is not immune from the downturn in the national economy. Our ability to generate revenue is dependent upon the spending of discretionary resources by our customers. As the conditions of the national economy worsen, government gaming revenues are being adversely impacted. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, it would be illegal for any state legislature to seek revenue sharing from tribal government gaming to meet state budget shortfalls. Furthermore, it smacks of unfairness to penalize tribal governments for their success while not proposing similar revenue sharing from successful private businesses.

Desired Outcomes

To maintain the current state of gaming in Minnesota as a destination attraction
To prevent an expansion of gaming that would unnecessarily harm the successful economic development and stimulus that currently is happening throughout Minnesota as a result of tribal gaming
To preserve tribal self-sufficiency and protect the revenue that funds tribal governments and provides tribes the ability to share their prosperity with other organizations, communities and tribal nations

Treasurer Alan Childs II

Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council Treasurer Alan Childs II is currently serving his fourth term on Tribal Council. Previously, Childs served as vice president, treasurer and assistant secretary/treasurer.

As a Tribal Council member, Childs hopes to bring accountability to Tribal government and to the programs that they offer to the Community. His goal is to ensure that dollars are most effectively and efficiently used in the best interest of all Tribal members.

Childs formerly held positions with the Prairie Island Indian Community Gaming Commission as both commissioner and executive director. As the executive director, Childs played a critical role in adopting the Tribe’s minimum internal control standards. Additionally, he has served on several Tribal committees, including the Donation, Pow Wow, Economic Development and Enrollment committees.

Childs is also an award-winning singer and a member of the Prairie Island Singers. This champion group performs for traditional ceremonies and events.

As a lifelong participant in traditional Native American ways, Childs takes great pleasure and pride in serving his Community by teaching Mdewakanton Dakota singing, dancing and language classes. By passing on his Tribe’s culture and traditions through education and civil service, Childs envisions the solidification of tribal government and the survival of Indian culture and tradition – not only for the Prairie Island Indian Community, but for all Indian people.

Childs is a member of the Hastings area YMCA board and has served on the board of the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn. He is a graduate of Forest Lake High School in Forest Lake, Minn., and resides in Hastings with his three children, Teresa, Eron and Alonna.

Contact Information:
Phone: 651-385-4108
Email: achilds2@piic.org

Security and Oversight

Gaming is the lifeblood of Prairie Island Indian Community and as such it is essential that it be protected by the most stringent enforcement of the rules and regulations. As a matter of practice, Prairie Island meets or exceeds all minimum control standards set forth in federal and state law.

Tribal gaming is among the most regulated industries in the country. Regulating bodies include:

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
State-Tribal Compacts (agreements)
Minnesota Department of Public Safety Gambling Enforcement Division
Tribal Gaming Commissions
National Indian Gaming Commission

Indian Gaming Regulatory Act*

Immediately after the Cabazon ruling was handed down in 1987, tribes began operating high-stakes bingo and other gaming programs. State governments, frustrated at their lack of authority over these activities, appealed to Congress for legislation to give them more power over tribal gaming. The result was the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA).

Contrary to popular perception, the IGRA did not expand the power of tribal governments; in fact, it curtailed them by giving state governments unprecedented authority over tribal gaming activities. The IGRA required tribes to negotiate agreements with states in order to engage in Class III (casino-style) gaming activities.

The IGRA sets forth an economic rationale for Indian gaming on reservations. The major purpose of the Act, according to Congress, was "to provide a statutory foundation for Indian gambling operations as a means of promoting economic development, self-sufficiency and strong tribal government."

The other purposes of the IGRA were to assure that tribal governments would be the sole owners and beneficiaries of reservation gaming programs; to establish federal regulatory authority and gaming standards; to establish the National Indian Gaming Commission; and to assure the integrity of tribal gaming.

Scope and Term of the Compacts

Each of Minnesota's 11 Indian tribes negotiated a compact with the state of Minnesota for video games of chance, and a compact for blackjack. The compacts established negotiating procedures; regulatory standards; licensing requirements; technical specifications for all games; and remedies for violation of the compacts.

Minnesota's compacts do not include a terminus date. When the agreements were negotiated, tribes were concerned that they would be unable to raise the necessary capital to develop their casino operations if the long-term future of their compacts was uncertain. The open-ended compacts enabled tribes to secure the financing they needed and ensure uninterrupted government revenues for the long-term rebuilding of their communities. Nine other states besides Minnesota have tribal gaming compacts with no termination date. They are Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.

In exchange for open-ended compacts, tribes agreed to limit the scope of their gaming activities to video games and blackjack, forfeiting the right to offer roulette, baccarat and other high-stakes games found in Nevada and New Jersey casinos, and in tribal casinos in many other states.

Minnesota's tribal-state compacts may not be "re-opened" or renegotiated unless both sides agree to do so. However, technical amendments have been made to update equipment specifications and other details.

The State's Powers

Through the compact negotiation process, tribal governments have granted the State of Minnesota substantial powers to regulate gaming at Indian casinos.

Regulation

Agents of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety are authorized to inspect without notice any premises or records related to the operation of video games of chance; test and approve all video slots, and remove those found non-compliant with compact standards; and prohibit the purchase or lease of video slot machines from vendors not licensed in Minnesota, South Dakota, Nevada or New Jersey.

Each tribe operating video games of chance must retain a certified public accountant (CPA) to audit the books and records of all such gaming. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Gambling Enforcement Division, has access to the audit results and the work papers of the accountant. The state is authorized to review all sources of revenue to the tribe related to video gaming, to review expenses and other operational costs, and to determine if the gambling proceeds are going to the tribe.

Licensing

All employees involved in the operation or management of Class III gaming must be licensed by the tribe, subject to criminal background checks by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Special training is required for dealers, pit bosses and floor supervisors.

In addition, the compacts include a prohibition against entering into a management contract if any management official has been determined to "pose a threat to the public interest or to the effective regulation and control of gaming." Individuals may be denied employment or dismissed if they have been convicted of a felony within five years of employment, or if they have ever been convicted of a felony or gross misdemeanor involving fraud, misrepresentation or gambling.

Technical Standards for Video Games of Chance and Blackjack

Under the compacts, all video games of chance must be tested and approved by an independent test laboratory to determine compliance with compact standards. The compacts also establish specifications for the play of blackjack, including the type of cards used, the types of wagers allowed, the procedure for dealing the cards and the various betting options available to the player during the game. Blackjack staffing levels and video surveillance requirements are also specified.

Minnesota's Tribal Casinos

In Minnesota, all tribal gaming casinos are managed by tribal governments or tribal gaming commissions as specified under tribal ordinances and federal law. The IGRA requires that tribes be the "sole owner and primary beneficiary" of all Indian gaming activities.

Federal Oversight

Indian tribes are the primary regulators of Class II gaming. Regulation of Class III gaming may be addressed in the Tribal-State compacts and varies by state with the tribes remaining the primary regulator in most states. Both Class II and Class III gaming are subject to the provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and oversight by the National Indian Gaming Commission.

National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC)

As an independent federal regulatory agency of the United States, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) was established pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 (IGRA). The IGRA comprises a chairman and two commissioners, each of whom serves on a full-time basis for a three-year term. The chairman is appointed by the president and must be confirmed by the Senate. The secretary of the interior appoints the other two commissioners. Under the IGRA, at least two of the three commissioners must be enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe, and no more than two members may be of the same political party.

The NIGC's primary mission is to regulate gaming activities on Indian lands for the purpose of shielding Indian tribes from organized crime and other corrupting influences; to ensure that Indian tribes are the primary beneficiaries of gaming revenue; and to assure that gaming is conducted fairly and honestly by both operators and players.

To achieve these goals, the NIGC is authorized to conduct investigations; undertake enforcement actions, including the issuance of notices of violation, assessment of civil fines, and/or issuance of closure orders; conduct background investigations; conduct audits; and review and approve tribal gaming ordinances.

The NIGC maintains its headquarters in Washington, D.C., with five regional offices, located in Portland, Ore.; Sacramento, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Tulsa, Okla.

*Information from Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) website: www.mnindiangaming.com.

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Tribal Council

Tribal Council (Back row): Vice President Victoria Winfrey, President Johnny Johnson and Asst. Secretary/Treasurer Audrey Bennett (Front row): Treasurer Alan Childs II and Secretary Ron Johnson

Gambling Expansion Study

Efforts to expand gambling in Minnesota have been continuously rejected by the Minnesota Legislature. However, gambling groups continue to offer proposals that would create large scale metropolitan casinos or allow slot machines and electronic gaming devices in bars and restaurants throughout the state.

A 2011 economic analysis performed by KlasRobinson, Q.E.D. determined the economic impact that expanded gaming in the Twin Cities metro area would have on the Prairie Island Indian Community, their businesses and the surrounding region.

Key Findings:

679 jobs lost in Minnesota
$23.7 million in lost wages statewide
$53.2 million reduction in spending and production in Minnesota
30 to 40 percent decrease in funds available to support tribal government
30 to 35 percent in revenue at Treasure Island Resort & Casino

The Tribe:

Thanks to proceeds from Treasure Island Resort & Casino, the Prairie Island Indian Community is able to build roads and clinics, install sanitary water and sewer systems, and provide jobs and educational opportunities for tribal members. Proposed off-reservation gaming would reduce the amount of funds available to support the tribe by 30 to 40 percent. This would dramatically limit the tribe's ability to provide for its members.

Employment:

Currently, Treasure Island employs nearly 1,700 people and is Goodhue County's largest employer. An expansion of gaming in the state of Minnesota would result in job losses for 679 Minnesotans. Of this, Treasure Island would lose 238 jobs or 16 percent of their staff, which is the equivalent of Goodhue County losing their ninth largest employer. In Goodhue County, nearly one out of every 40 jobs would be lost.

Wages:

Treasure Island has an annual payroll of nearly $45 million. The average wage for a casino employee is $27,600, when tips are included the average wage increases to $31,200.

Spending and Production:

Annually, Treasure Island spends more than $46 million in goods and services, including more than $31 million with Minnesota vendors. The expansion of gaming in the Twin Cities area would directly and indirectly result in a statewide reduction of spending and production totaling $53.2 million annually.

* This report does not include the impact an expansion of gambling would have on 17 other tribally owned casinos and the subsequent losses in employment, wages and spending experienced in these counties and in Minnesota.

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Tribal Giving

Funding for tribal government is made possible through the community's gaming efforts. Tribal government gaming has allowed Prairie Island to reinvigorate the traditional Indian custom of sharing, contributing millions of dollars and support to surrounding communities and organizations year after year.

Since 1994, the Prairie Island Indian Community has donated more than $16 million to many Indian and non-Indian causes. Below is a sampling of recent donations Prairie Island has made to worthy organizations:

Donations to Local Governments (Including Tribal Governments)

Oct. 2007 - Minnesota State University Mankato Anthropology Department - $100,000

Sept. 2007 - Cities of Winona, Goodview, Stockton, Rushford, St. Charles and Minnesota City - flood relief - $60,000 (Prairie Island), $60,000 (Treasure Island)

July 2007 - Science Museum of Minnesota - ethnobotany project - $10,000

2004-2008 ($25,000/year) - City of Kenyon - health clinic in conjunction with new assisted living facility - $125,000

Oct./Nov. 2005 - Burnside School Programs (Red Wing) - $4,500

Sept. 2005 - Ellsworth Area First Aid - $7,050

Sept. 2005 - Lake City Fire Department - $9,200

Annually - Red Wing High School - Youth Outreach Program - $5,000

March 2005 - Red Lake Memorial Fund - $25,000

March 2005 - National Congress of American Indians - Tribal Embassy Campaign - $50,000

Oct. 2000 - Prairie Island Ice Arena - $1.5 million

1999 - City of Miesville Fire Department (for water tanker truck) - $100,000

Donations to Charities and Non-Profits

Sept. 2009 - Disabled Hockey in Minnesota - $10,000

May 2009 - American Diabetes Association of America, Minnesota chapter - $20,000

April 2008 - Goodhue/Wabasha Sexual Assault Services and the Women's Center of Goodhue and Wabasha counties, the B. Robert Lewis House of Dakota County, Turningpoint of Pierce County and the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center in Minneapolis - support of victims of domestic and sexual abuse - $5,000 each

2008-2009 - Minnesota Hockey and the Minnesota Wild MSE Community Giving Fund - to support youth hockey across the state - $107,000

Sept. 2007 - Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity - $5,000

2007 - Spare Key - to help families with critically ill children - $5,000

Feb. 2007 - Wishes and More - $30,000

Dec. 2006 - Diversity Foundation - to provide toys for children on less fortunate reservations - $10,000

Aug. 2006 - National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn. - $500,000

June 2006 - Red Wing Family YMCA - $25,000

June 2006 - Native American Olympics - Team South Dakota - $5,400

June 2006 - Habitat for Humanity - Dakota Teepees - $5,000

June 2006 - Diversity Foundation of Winona, Minn. - $25,000

Jan. 2006 - MN Timberwolves - Native American Heritage Night - $5,000

Dec. 2005 - Wishes and More - $11,237

Dec. 2005 - Minneapolis American Indian Center - $5,000

Nov./Dec. 2005 - Rosebud Soup Kitchen - $4,000

Nov. 2005 - Minneapolis Division of Indian Works - $10,000

Sept. 2005 - Hurricane Katrina relief efforts - $10,775

Sept. 2005 - Red Wing Diversity Festival - $3,100

May 2005 - United Lutheran Church - $5,000

May 2005 - American Diabetes Association - $25,000

May 2005 - Hastings Area Family YMCA - $25,000

May 2005 - University of Minnesota Women's Basketball program - $25,000

March 2005 - Hi-Park Care Center in Red Wing, Minn. - $25,000

Annually - Project Turnabout, a program to help compulsive gamblers - $18,000

To Date - Toys for Tots - more than $75,000

To Date - Salvation Army - more than $85,000

To Date - Women's Shelters in surrounding communities - more than $75,000

To Date - March of Dimes - more than $150,000

To Date - United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha and Pierce counties - more than $100,000

To Date - Make-A-Wish Foundation - More than $64,000

In addition, the Prairie Island Indian Community has made donations to the Minnesota Special Olympics, the Sheldon Theater in Red Wing, the Church of St. Joseph and St. Joseph School, Hastings Family Services, the Police Officer’s Alliance of Minnesota, the Red Wing Kiwanis Club, the Red Wing Rotary Club, Minnesota State University-Mankato, the Indian Fellowship of Minneapolis and the Winger Sports Club.

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Audrey Bennett

Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Audrey Bennett is currently serving her sixth term on the Prairie Island Indian Community’s Tribal Council having first been elected to the five-member Tribal Council in 1997.

Audrey was the first woman elected as Prairie Island Tribal Council President and served 10 years in that role.

During her tenure on Tribal Council, Audrey has effectively advocated for issues important to the Prairie Island Community and all Native Americans. She has met presidents, vice presidents, members of Congress, governors and members of the Minnesota state legislature, to name just a few, always ensuring the concerns of her community were heard.

In particular, Audrey has played an instrumental role in the ongoing fight against nuclear waste being stored near the Community’s reservation, representing the tribe in numerous national media appearances which brought a new perspective to this debate. Audrey also played a significant role in the first-ever Executive Order signed by Gov. Jesse Ventura reaffirming the government-to-government relationship between the state of Minnesota and the Indian tribes.

In 2003, Audrey received the Wendell Chino Humanitarian Award presented by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA). The award recognizes many of her accomplishments, including her commitment to peace, ease of suffering and injustice, fair governance and the advancement of inter-cultural understanding.

Audrey especially enjoys working with young people and considers the involvement of youth in native traditions essential to ensuring the community’s future is rich in culture. She encourages young people to participate in politics and tribal government and to interact frequently with tribal elders.

Prior to serving on Tribal Council, Audrey represented Prairie Island as a government relations specialist, working to protect the tribe’s rights and interests before the Minnesota state legislature and the federal government. Audrey has remained very active in politics, working across party lines to improve outreach and increase voter participation especially among Southeast Asian, Somali and Native American voters.

Audrey has been actively involved in and sat on a number of boards of Indian organizations including the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association and the National Indian Gaming Association. She is also President of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and is a former chair of the National Intertribal Public Relations Network.

Contact information:
Email: abennett@piic.org

http://www.prairieislandnews.com/downloads/nuclearPower.swf

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Welcome

The Prairie Island Indian Community is a federally recognized Indian tribe located on the banks of the Mississippi River near Red Wing, Minn. The Mdewakanton, "those who were born of the waters," have lived on Prairie Island for countless generations. This land, with the wooded shores of the Mississippi and Vermillion Rivers embracing a broad and fruitful prairie, is a spiritual place for our people.

"Tinta wita ded tanyan yahepi"

The People of Prairie Island Welcome You!

Visit the Prairie Island Indian Community website at: www.prairieisland.org.

Prairie Island Indian Community History

The Mdewakanton, "those who were born of the waters," have lived on Prairie Island for countless generations. This land, with the wooded shores of the Mississippi and Vermillion Rivers embracing a broad and fruitful prairie, is a spiritual place for our people. The medicine gatherers came here hundreds of years ago and come here still to pick medicines to heal our people, body and spirit. Traditional cultural and spiritual ceremonies are filled with color and dance. The spirit is alive.

Although the rich tribal heritage lives on, an unfortunate series of historical events contributed to great suffering – primarily from the impact of European settlers and the subsequent imposition of government treaties. Many families were faced with countless injustices, forced into poverty, war and imprisonment, and eventually evicted from the Prairie Island territory.

However, hope inspired some families to return to Prairie Island and buy back small parcels of their ancestral home. In 1936, nearly 50 years later, the federal government officially recognized the Prairie Island Indian Community as a reservation, awarding them 534 acres. Although poverty was still prevalent, the culture of home was redefining itself. The seeds of self-sufficiency were once again being planted in these sacred grounds.

Economic revival began taking root in 1984 when Treasure Island Bingo opened, and subsequently in 1988 when gaming was expanded – known today as Treasure Island Resort & Casino.

How the Prairie Island Indian Community Came to Be

Prairie Island Indian Community members are descendents of the Mdewakanton Band of Eastern Dakota, also known as the Mississippi or Minnesota Sioux, who were parties to treaties with the United States from 1805 to 1863.

In the treaty of Oct. 15, 1851, the tribe ceded much of their Minnesota lands to the U.S. government, keeping for themselves a 10-mile-wide strip of land on either side of the Minnesota River from Little Rock to Yellow Medicine River. However, the Treaty of June 19, 1858, allotted this land in 80-acre plots to each family head. The surplus land was sold for 10 cents an acre. Reduced to starvation, the Dakota were forced to fight for their survival.

In August 1862, fighting erupted between the Dakota and white settlers because the Dakota were not receiving annuity payments for selling their lands and were struggling to survive. This was known as the Dakota Conflict, resulting in the deaths of many Dakota and whites. Thirty-eight Dakota were hanged in Mankato in December 1862 upon the order of President Abraham Lincoln.

The Creation of the Prairie Island Reservation

The Prairie Island reservation was created when the Secretary of the Interior purchased land and placed it into trust. About 120 acres was purchased at Prairie Island for the landless Mdewakanton residing in Minnesota on May 20, 1886. Subsequent purchases by the secretary under congressional appropriations, and later the Indian Reorganization Act, expanded the reservation's borders. Under the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, an additional 414 acres was purchased for other Indian residents whose names appeared on the Minnesota Sioux rolls.

The tribe has a limited land base. In 1938, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built Lock and Dam Number 3, which flooded Community land including burial mounds and created a larger floodplain, leaving the tribe with only 300 livable acres. More recently, in 1973, Xcel Energy (formerly known as Northern States Power Company) began operating a nuclear power generating plant on the island and now stores spent nuclear fuel in dry cask storage containers only three blocks from the community.

Tribal Gaming History

The 1987 Supreme Court decision in Cabezon Band of Mission Indians v. California reaffirmed tribal sovereignty. In this decision the court determined the Cabezon Band of Indians, as a sovereign government, had the authority to participate in government gaming. The following year, the U.S. Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) with the hope that tribal gaming would help strengthen tribal governments and improve the quality of life on reservations.

The Making of Treasure Island Resort & Casino

1984 Bingo operation begins.

1988 IGRA formally recognizes right of tribes to operate gaming facilities.

1989 Slot compact is signed and slot machines are added.

1990 Blackjack compact is signed. Bingo operations are reduced while the

casino is enhanced; 250 slot machines and eight blackjack tables

added.

1991 25,000-square-foot addition creates room for 450 more slot machines

and 32 blackjack tables.

1992 A second 25,000-square-foot addition provides room for 300 slot

machines and 12 blackjack tables.

1993 Three new restaurants, a bar, commons area with valet parking, 32,000-

square-foot state-of-the-art kitchen, gift shop, Island Passport

customer service area, ballroom and new entertainment area comprise

78,000-square-foot addition.

1994 37-slip marina and 95-slot RV park open.

1995 9,854-square-foot addition to accommodate business offices.

1996 250-room hotel opens adjacent to the casino.

1999 Spirit of the Water, 120-passenger cruise yacht, was purchased and

begins operation.

2000 Mount Frontenac Golf Course purchased to provide a complementary

amenity to tribal casino.

2001 Nearly 200,000 square feet were added to the current facility as well as

improvements to existing space. The upgrades focused on the

casino's gaming floor and main entrance, administrative offices and

warehouse.

2001 New clubhouse at Mount Frontenac Golf course allows seating for 150

guests.

2005 Tribe opens Dakota Station, a convenience store and gas station.

2006 Parlay Lounge opens (Treasure Island's upscale lounge featuring live

weekend entertainment).

2007 Treasure Island breaks ground on a $50 million project that includes

230 additional hotel rooms, an event center featuring entertainment

and convention space and a family fun center.

2008 The Island Event and Convention Center, Island Xtreme Bowl and 230 new hotel rooms open to the public.

Nuclear Power History

Xcel Energy’s Prairie Island nuclear power plant and nuclear waste storage site is located just 600 yards from the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Prairie Island Nuclear Power Timeline

1973

Northern States Power Company's (NSP) Prairie Island nuclear power plant officially opens as the first nuclear reactor goes online.

1974

NSP's second nuclear reactor goes online.

October 1979

A tube rupture in a steam generator at NSP Prairie Island plant resulted in the release of radioactive gases and the declaration of a general emergency at the plant. The tribe was not informed of the incident.

Mid-1989

Facing unresolved spent nuclear fuel storage problems, NSP announces that it will develop a dry cask storage facility at the Prairie Island plant.

August 1990

NSP submits a license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for an on-site dry cask storage facility.

April 1991

NSP files a Certificate of Need application with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). PUC approval is needed to temporarily store the spent fuel until it is removed by the Department of Energy (DOE). The application's key issues include the inadequacy of NSP's storage capacity (and its impact on the generation of electricity) and the DOE's lack of movement on a permanent nuclear waste repository.

August 1992

The PUC grants limited Certificate of Need to NSP (17 casks, rather than the requested 48 because of DOE's delay on developing a national repository).

June 1993

The Minnesota Court of Appeals affirmed the PUC's finding that the dry cask storage facility would be in the public interest and found that, according to the Radioactive Waste Management Act, legislative approval for the facility would be necessary.

May 1994

The Minnesota Legislature approves use of 17 casks, but adds conditions, including that NSP must search for a new storage site in Goodhue County away from Prairie Island and NSP must make commitments to develop renewable energy sources. The Legislature requires the state and NSP to sign a binding contract, giving the Prairie Island Indian Community third-party standing to enforce the legislation.

May 1995

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) authorizes NSP to load the first cask. NSP begins the loading process immediately.

January 1996

The Prairie Island Indian Community and NSP bring to the state Legislature an agreement that would allow NSP to keep the storage casks on Prairie Island in return for compensation to the community, including the option to relocate tribal members. The Legislature rejects the deal.

July 1996

The U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia rules that the DOE must honor its obligation to begin accepting the nation's nuclear waste by Jan. 31, 1998.

August 1996

NSP files an application with the NRC for an off-site storage facility in Florence Township, in accordance with the 1994 legislation.

October 1996

The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) denies NSP's request to certify the Florence Township site and says that the safest place to store nuclear waste is on Prairie Island next to the reservation. In addition, the EQB authorizes NSP to fill the next four casks with nuclear waste.

October 1996

The Prairie Island Indian Community appeals the EQB decision to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, arguing that the EQB acted beyond its legislative mandate. The appeal was denied.

January 1998

DOE's deadline to accept nuclear waste passes. DOE has not even determined what standards a national repository must meet, even though it has been collecting money from utilities since 1982 to build a permanent repository.

April 1999

NSP has loaded nine casks with spent nuclear fuel and expects to fill the tenth in early 2000.

September 11, 2001

The events of Sept. 11 create an ongoing threat of terrorism against nuclear power plants in the United States - adding to the concern of the Prairie Island Community that has only one permanent evacuation route off the island in the event of an accident or attack.

Spring 2002

DOE recommends Yucca Mountain as a national repository for spent nuclear fuel. Congress later overrides the state of Nevada's veto of the project and allows the NRC to consider licensing Yucca Mountain. The project faces numerous legal challenges.

Summer 2002

Xcel Energy (formerly NSP) fills all 17 casks, the maximum licensed by the state of Minnesota. The utility's twin reactors are licensed to operate until 2013 and 2014. The plant has enough onsite pool storage to remain operational until 2007.

December 2002

Xcel Energy files its 2002 Resource Plan with the PUC and discloses its preference to continue operating the Prairie Island nuclear plant. The utility indicates that it likely will seek permission from the Minnesota Legislature to exceed the 17-cask storage limitation at Prairie Island. The Prairie Island Indian Community reaffirms its opposition to nuclear waste storage and cites the 1994 agreement giving the tribe authority to enforce the storage limitations.

March 2003

Prairie Island negotiates a settlement with Xcel Energy allowing enough additional storage capacity for the plant to operate until its reactor licenses expire; in exchange, Xcel Energy provides compensation to address some of the tribe's health and safety needs.

May 2006

About 100 workers at the Prairie Island plant were exposed to radiation when contaminated gas leaked from a steam generator and forced a 12-hour evacuation. The public (including the tribe) was not notified of the accident until a week later.

April 2008

Xcel seeks to re-license the Prairie Island plant, submitting an application to the NRC for a 20-year license extension.

June 2008

The Prairie Island Indian Community signs a first-of-its-kind Memoradum of Understanding with the NRC, allowing the tribe to work with the NRC to review potential environmental impacts of the proposed license renewal.

The U.S. Department of Energy submits a license application for Yucca Mountain.

February 2009

President Obama announces his administration's intention to completely abandon the Yucca Mountain project and cuts off almost all funding for it in the 2010 federal budget. He directs the DOE to start exploring alternatives to the site. Considering these setbacks, the only reasonable assumption at this time is that hundreds, if not thousands, of tons of nuclear waste will be stored indefinitely on Prairie Island, in casks designed to store the waste only temporarily.

2020

The earliest date DOE expects to begin receiving the nation's spent nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain (if the project is licensed).