The two are similar in terms of their devotion to their community and Indian Country, and that’s probably not a coincidence,” Stevens said. “Stanley has taught and mentored all of us. We’re his warriors, and we’ll do what’s he’s taught us on a local and national level.”
For Vig, those lessons from Crooks are twofold: Continuing the tribe’s unparalleled track record of giving while bracing for the days when the gambling windfalls are over.
Under Crooks’ leadership, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community donations grew from $3 million to $28 million a year and added up to $722 million in grants and loans to less prosperous tribes and other causes since 1996.
“Our biggest goal was, and will remain, giving back and helping other tribes,” Vig said.
Vig said his beliefs mirror Crooks’ — “the only difference is the chairman was approximately 20 years ahead of me.”
Their styles do differ.
“We have the same goals in our minds and our hearts, but, when the chairman had a vision, he made it happen,” Vig said. “I probably do a little more due diligence and consensus building, while the chairman had a way of getting us to agree pretty easily. I’m not there yet, but it will come.”
Out along Bear Butte Creek, 6 miles south of Deadwood, S.D., the Creekside Campground Vig owns includes 3.5 acres for RVs and tents, and the six cabins he built.
“Charlie is straight and upright and they’re lucky to have him,” said the campground’s caretaker, Andy, who declined to give his last name because he likes “living off the grid.” He’s been Vig’s friend and employee for more than 15 years.
“He’s just a down-to-earth guy who doesn’t judge and gets along with everybody,” Andy said.
Baker-Shenk, the tribe’s Washington lawyer, echoes the Deadwood caretaker’s appraisal: “Charlie is a very creative, down-to-earth leader who inspires confidence and looks and seems very comfortable in his own element.”
Curt Brown • 612-673-4767