Economic Development

The Dakota people of the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe have established and maintain a powerful financial infrastructure and are leaders in economic development.

The tribe has set the tone for negotiations with state and national government, providing leadership in Indian gaming, and we are an advocate and leader for tribal sovereignty in the national arena.

The Flandreau Santee Sioux are a people who had once lost everything, but over 150 years have rebuilt a community balancing traditional values and faith with the realities of the 21st century and continue to broaden our horizons across many disciplines and industries.

Tourism and Entertainment

What years ago humbly began as a bingo hall has grown to a multi-million dollar facility know as the Royal River Entertainment Complex. With capital investments of nearly $18.5 million it is the only Native American destination casino in South Dakota.

The Royal River Complex features a casino gambling area with 250 gaming devices, a 300 seat entertainment/conference center, a 120 room hotel, an adjacent RV park, plus a full service restaurant, buffet, snack bar and lounge.

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe reconstructed the traditional Pow Wow grounds and now host its Annual Wacipi each summer. It has become a major regional tourist attraction as well as serving as a cultural/spiritual gathering for Native Americans each summer.

BIA Roads

FSST’s Economic Development Department has overall status and feasibility of the current activities to accomplish the goals and objectives. The need for the Economic Development Department and the services provided to the Tribe involve several areas. The services provided by the department to the Executive Committee and the membership include but not limited to: WAPA, BIA Roads, and BIA Roads Maintenance.

Ranching and Farming

FSST has developed a buffalo herd and operates a farming operation in the rural Flandreau area.

Land Development

FSST owns land for an industrial park adjacent to the Flandreau Improvement Association’s industrial park, presenting one of the finest small town development opportunities in the nation.

In addition traditional landholdings and farming operations, FSST owns ceremonial land in the Black Hills near Deadwood, South Dakota.