The Shakopee haven't disclosed their membership, but estimates range from 250 to 300. In August, differing membership philosophies among 2,500 Saginaw Chippewas in Michigan boiled into a dispute that led to standoffs with police, federal intervention and lawsuits over tribal control. Some require one-fourth, one-eighth or 1/32nd blood others have less precise standards.īut when a few tribes started to distribute hefty profit-sharing checks from their casinos, membership took on greater significance - and controversy. The federal government gives American Indian tribes wide discretion in defining their members.

It's also a question that has prompted several members of Congress to call for hearings into the enrollment process. 'Is there a secret handshake I don't know? A password? What is it?' 'What do I need to get enrolled?' David Crooks asked. In Minnesota, who qualifies as a Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota is a million-dollar question.Īs a member of the tiny tribe that owns Mystic Lake Casino, vice chairman Glynn Crooks makes about $36,000 every two weeks from his share of casino profits - or about $935,000 a year.But his cousin David Crooks was rejected for tribal membership, and lives modestly in south Minneapolis.

Mystic lake casino tribe members