The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota released its annual donation report on Wednesday.

The tribe donated more than $30 million between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2009. Of the amount, 20 tribes received $17.5 million in grants for a wide range of projects.

The report for the first time also listed $129 million in loans that the tribe made throughout Indian Country. The loans went to six tribes.

“As Dakota people, we have a long tradition of sharing with others so it is important for us to give back to the larger community. Before Indian gaming, many of us lived in poverty and struggled to survive. Times were hard. Now we are able to help others,” Chairman Stanley R. Crooks said in a press release. “The tribal membership through its actions authorized the charitable giving program.”

Over the past 12 years the tribe has donated more than $162.5 million to charitable organizations and tribes.

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Tribe’s annual report details more than $30 million in donations (The Prior Lake American 4/7)