If you are curious about Native American tribes and their wealth, then this article is perfect for you. Have you ever wondered which Native American tribes have accumulated the most wealth over the years? Here, we have compiled a list of the top 10 wealthiest Native American tribes in the United States.
From owning world-famous casinos to vast lands that are rich in natural resources, these tribes have made great strides in building up their wealth over the years. Not only are they financially successful, but they are also culturally rich, preserving their traditions and way of life despite modernization.
Through various endeavors such as gaming enterprises and lucrative investments, these tribes have earned billions of dollars in revenue annually. Their growth continues to rise given their land ownership and various business ventures, which contribute significantly to the US economy.
Join us on this thrilling ride to get to know these Native American tribes and their journey towards becoming the wealthiest. Find out what sets them apart and how they continue to thrive in today’s world. So, buckle up and let’s dive into the fascinating world of the top 10 wealthiest Native American tribes.
“Wealthiest Native American Tribes” ~ bbaz
Introduction
Native American tribes have been an integral part of America’s history and culture. For years, they have faced oppression, discrimination, and systematic injustices, yet they continue to thrive and preserve their rich legacy. Today, we are going to delve into the top 10 wealthiest Native American tribes in America.
How was the list compiled?
The list of the top 10 wealthiest Native American tribes was compiled based on three factors – landholdings, businesses, and population. The landholdings comprise of sovereign territory held in trust by the U.S government, businesses refer to those owned by the tribe or its members, and population refers to the number of enrolled tribal members.
Top 10 Wealthiest Native American Tribes
Without further ado, let’s explore the top 10 wealthiest Native American tribes in America.
| Rank | Tribe Name | Landholdings | Businesses | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Navajo Nation | 17.5 million acres | Tribal Enterprises, Navajo Transit, NNGE | 300,048 |
| 2 | Cherokee Nation | 7 million acres | Cherokee Nation Businesses | 370,658 |
| 3 | Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux | 135 acres | Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, SMSC Gaming Enterprise | 500 |
| 4 | Choctaw Nation | 8.6 million acres | Choctaw Casinos, Choctaw Global Staffing, Choctaw Defense Services | 200,000 |
| 5 | Seminole Nation | 2.3 million acres | Hard Rock International, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | 20,000 |
| 6 | Chickasaw Nation | 13 counties in Oklahoma | Chickasaw Nation Industries, Bedre Fine Chocolate | 64,429 |
| 7 | Blackfeet Nation | 1.5 million acres | Blackfeet Oil & Gas | 18,000 |
| 8 | Caddo Nation | Various landholdings in Oklahoma | Caddo Nation Bingo, Caddo Nation Child Care Development Program | 5,800 |
| 9 | Puyallup Tribe | 33 acres | Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino, Marine View Ventures | 6,000 |
| 10 | Standing Rock Sioux | 2.3 million acres | Standing Rock Telecom, Dakota Wind Energy | 8,250 |
Navajo Nation
The Navajo Nation is America’s largest Indian reservation, covering over 17 million acres. It includes parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The tribe’s wealth comes from various businesses, including oil and gas exploration, retail stores, and casinos. The Navajo Transit System is one of the largest tribal-owned public transit systems in the country.
Cherokee Nation
The Cherokee Nation is based in Oklahoma and has over 370,000 enrolled members. The tribe earns most of its revenue from Cherokee Nation Businesses, which has operations in various sectors, including gaming, hospitality, construction, and healthcare.
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux tribe is a small tribe located in Minnesota. Despite having only 500 enrolled members, it has a robust economy due to its popular Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and SMSC Gaming Enterprise.
Choctaw Nation
The Choctaw Nation is spread over several states, including Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Its businesses include gaming, healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing. The tribe owns several casinos, including the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, which is one of the largest casinos in the country.
Seminole Nation
The Seminole Nation is based in Florida, with additional operations in Oklahoma. Its business ventures include Hard Rock International, which operates hotels, casinos, and restaurants across the globe. The tribe also owns two large casinos in Florida – Seminole Casino Hollywood and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
Chickasaw Nation
The Chickasaw Nation is based in Oklahoma and operates businesses in gaming, healthcare, hospitality, and defense services. The tribe’s flagship company is Chickasaw Nation Industries, which provides IT solutions, engineering, manufacturing, and technical services.
Blackfeet Nation
The Blackfeet Nation is based in Montana and earns most of its revenue from oil and gas exploration. It also operates various enterprises, including Blackfeet Oil & Gas and Glacier Peaks Casino.
Caddo Nation
The Caddo Nation is a small tribe located in Oklahoma. Its economy is driven mainly by gaming, with the Caddo Nation Bingo being its primary source of revenue. The tribe also runs a child care development program to support families with young children.
Puyallup Tribe
The Puyallup Tribe is based in Washington and owns several businesses, including Emerald Queen Hotel & Casino and Marine View Ventures. It is also active in environmental conservation and has launched several initiatives to protect salmon, shellfish, and other natural resources.
Standing Rock Sioux
The Standing Rock Sioux tribe covers parts of North Dakota and South Dakota. It operates various enterprises, including telecom services, wind energy, and manufacturing. The tribe’s economic development corporation has undertaken several initiatives to promote tourism, facilitate economic growth, and create jobs for tribal members.
Conclusion
Native American tribes are more than just casinos and oil rigs. They are unique and diverse communities rich in culture, values, and traditions. The top 10 wealthiest Native American tribes showcased in this article are impressive examples of resiliency, entrepreneurship, and community-building.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the wealthiest Native American tribes in the United States. It is important to recognize the success and wealth of these tribes, as they have overcome years of oppression and government interference to establish thriving communities.
While it is impressive to see the amount of wealth these tribes have accumulated, it is also important to remember the challenges they still face. Many tribes continue to struggle with poverty, access to healthcare, and preserving their culture and traditions in a rapidly changing world.
We encourage you to continue learning about the rich history and culture of Native American communities, and to support efforts to address the ongoing challenges they face. Thank you for your interest and support.
Here are some common questions people ask about the top 10 wealthiest Native American tribes:
- What are the top 10 wealthiest Native American tribes?
- The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
- The Navajo Nation
- The Cherokee Nation
- The Choctaw Nation
- The Puyallup Tribe
- The Seminole Tribe of Florida
- The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
- The Blackfeet Tribe
- The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
- The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
- What makes these tribes wealthy?
- Many of these tribes have successful businesses, such as casinos, resorts, and manufacturing companies.
- Some tribes also receive revenue from natural resources, such as oil, gas, and timber.
- Additionally, some tribes have received large settlements from the government for historical injustices.
- How do these tribes use their wealth?
- Many tribes use their wealth to fund social programs, such as education, healthcare, and housing for their members.
- They also invest in economic development projects, such as infrastructure and job training programs.
- Some tribes also use their wealth to preserve their culture and traditions through cultural centers and language revitalization programs.
- What challenges do these tribes face despite their wealth?
- Some tribes still face poverty and unemployment rates that are higher than the national average.
- They also face ongoing challenges related to sovereignty, land rights, and cultural preservation.
- Some tribes have also faced criticism and legal challenges related to their business practices, particularly in the gaming industry.
- How can non-Native Americans support these tribes?
- One way is to support Native American-owned businesses and buy products made by Native American artisans.
- It’s also important to learn about the history and culture of Native Americans and support efforts to preserve their languages and traditions.
- Finally, supporting organizations that advocate for Native American rights and sovereignty can also make a difference.