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.
If you are wondering which five Native American tribes hold the title for being the richest, continue reading to learn more.
Keep in mind that this does not mean that all tribal members from these tribes experience the same level of wealth. This list is based on several factors. Many tribes do not have the resources and wealth of others. The list below is just to highlight some successes that a few tribes have been able to have.
These are the exceptions!
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.
This article delves into the financial success stories of the richest Native American tribes in the United States, shedding light on the sources of their remarkable wealth.
Topping the list is the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, with a staggering net worth of $2.7 billion. Their affluence primarily stems from the thriving gambling and resort industry, exemplified by their two prominent casinos, the Little Six Casino and Mystic Lake Casino. Each adult member receives a remarkable monthly payment of around $84,000, a testament to the tribe's economic prosperity. The Navajo Nation follows closely behind, with a net worth of $2.5 billion, driven by revenues from natural resources like oil, coal, and gas, as well as a significant presence in the casino sector.
The article also spotlights the Coeur d’Alene tribe, amassing a wealth of approximately $2.27 billion, diversified across various industries, including technology products, resorts, and casinos. The Gila River Indian Community in Arizona secures the fourth position with a net worth of $2.15 billion, primarily generated from their eleven casinos and a range of other business ventures.
Lastly, the Oneida Nation, situated between Outagamie and Brown Counties, stands as the fifth richest tribe with a net worth of $1 billion, driven by a communal approach to enterprises such as casinos, tobacco production, convenience stores, and resorts. These tribes exemplify the economic resilience and diversified investments that have propelled them to the pinnacle of Native American wealth in the United States.
Many other tribes are financially strong because of casinos, resorts, or tourism. The Morongo Band of Mission Indian has a resort that AAA awarded their 5 Diamond classification for example. But many tribes are still struggling as well.
Last Updated on July 29, 2024 by Paul G
