Opinion

Ernie Stevens: Stanley Crooks was an Indian gaming visionary

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

"This past Saturday, I was notified that Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Chairman Stanley R. Crooks began his journey to the spirit world. This comes only two days after my visit with him at the St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee, Minnesota.

Stanley Crooks was an outstanding leader, chief, and visionary. In his life and leadership, he exemplified the Dakota virtues of courage, respect, generosity and wisdom. Over the past twenty plus years, Chairman Crooks showed the courage to always stand up for Indian sovereignty in the Halls of Congress, the state capitol, and at home. Stanley always stood strong for the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which he viewed as a modern day treaty.

Chairman Crooks respected his people, neighbors, tribal, state and Federal leaders, and they respected him. With his leadership and the Shakopee Mdewakanton’s generosity are legendary. Traveling through Sioux country, one can see Shakopee’s support for other Indian tribes–at Rosebud, the Turtle Creek Crossing Grocery Store; at Pine Ridge, Prairie Winds Casino, at Standing Rock, the new wing at Prairie Knights Hotel; and at Cheyenne River, the nursing home. These are just a few examples of his determination to support Indian country."

Get the Story:
Ernie Stevens, Jr.: NIGA Chairman Remembers Immeasurable Impact of Stanley Crooks (Indian Country Today 8/27)