Stanley Crooks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stanley Crooks
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| Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community | |
| In office 1992 – August 25, 2012 |
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| Vice President | Charlie Vig (2012) Glynn Crooks (1996-2018) |
| Preceded by | Leonard Prescott |
| Succeeded by | Charlie Vig |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 27, 1941 Pipestone, Minnesota |
| Died | August 25, 2012 (aged 70) Shakopee, Minnesota |
| Spouse | Cheryl Crooks |
| Children | Two Daughters |
Stanley R. Crooks (November 27, 1941 – August 25, 2012) was an important leader for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota. He served as their Chairman from 1992 until he passed away in 2012. During his twenty years as Chairman, Crooks became a well-known Native American leader across the country. He worked with groups like the National Congress of American Indians and led the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association.
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About Stanley Crooks
His Early Life
Stanley Crooks was born on November 27, 1941. His father, Norman Crooks, was also a leader. Norman Crooks was the very first Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Stanley Crooks served in the United States Navy. He was in the Navy during the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Leading the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Stanley Crooks was chosen as Chairman of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in 1992. This was the same year that the tribe's Mystic Lake Casino opened. Crooks won the election against his cousin, Leonard Prescott. Prescott had been Chairman before him and had helped build the casino.
Crooks served as Chairman for six terms, which means twenty years. He was Chairman from 1992 until his death in 2012.
Growing the Community's Economy
As Chairman, Stanley Crooks guided the community through a time of great economic growth. This growth happened because of the new casino. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community now employs many people. In 2012, they had over 4,100 employees. Their total payroll (the money they paid to employees) was more than $154 million.
Under Crooks' leadership, the community also helped many others. Between 1996 and 2012, they gave over $243 million to Native American groups and other charities. They also provided more than $500 million in loans. These loans helped with economic development for other tribes and businesses.
His Passing and Legacy
Stanley Crooks passed away on August 25, 2012. He was 70 years old. He died from a heart attack in Shakopee, Minnesota. He was survived by his wife, Cheryl, and his two daughters, Cherie and Alisa.
After his death, Charlie Vig became the new Chairman. Vig had been the Vice Chairman. This change followed the rules of the Shakopee Mdewakanton constitution. Keith B. Anderson then became the new Vice Chairman. Charlie Vig spoke highly of Crooks. He called him "a leader in every sense of the word." He also said Crooks was "a true mentor and a true leader."
