Charlie Vig

Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

What is Charlie Vig known for?

Born and raised in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Charles (Charlie) R. Vig certainly left his mark on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. As the youngest of nine siblings and descendant of John Otherday, a Dakota hero from the Dakota War of 1862, Vig was immersed in his heritage from an early age. Notably, Vig's parents were among the founders of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, granting him a unique perspective on the community's development and necessities.

Following his high school graduation, Vig began his career in construction, specializing in masonry. He married Donna Vig, a social worker, in 1981, and they have five children together.

Vig's involvement with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community started in 1992 when he worked as a project manager for the tribe's new Mystic Lake Casino. Vig's leadership skills propelled him to the vice presidency of the casino within just three years, a role in which he supervised over 800 employees.

In January 2012, Vig was elected Vice Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. His tenure took an abrupt turn when Chairman Stanley Crooks passed away later that year, resulting in Vig's promotion to Chairman of the community. As chairman, Vig worked tirelessly to continue the community's commitment to charitable donations. Under his leadership, the SMSC donated nearly $272 million to organizations and causes between 1992 and 2013, marking the tribe as one of the largest charitable donors in Minnesota.

Vig's legacy includes the launch of significant philanthropic efforts like "Seeds of Native Health", a five-year, $11 million campaign focused on improving Native American nutrition. He also initiated "Understand Native Minnesota", a strategic and philanthropic campaign aimed at improving the Native American narrative in Minnesota schools.

Across his eight-year tenure as Chairman, Vig placed a special emphasis on building relationships on behalf of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. This led to significant partnerships and joint initiatives, contributing to the community's continued growth and influence. Despite his departure from office in January 2020, Vig's impact still resonates with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, cementing him as an influential figure in its history.