Tribal Treasures: The Richest Native American Tribes As Of 2023
Highlights
- The Seminole Tribe of Florida appointed a non-native CEO who helped them gain control of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, resulting in significant wealth generation despite their small membership.
- The Squamish Nation in British Columbia generates revenue through leasing lands and properties, as well as various business ventures including gas stations, marinas, and casinos.
- The Shakopee Mdewakanton tribe in Minnesota is the wealthiest Native American tribe, with a net worth of $2.7 billion, primarily from two major casinos that draw thousands of gamblers and provide substantial individual wealth to its members.
In the ever-evolving landscape of wealth and prosperity, it is crucial to recognize the economic prowess and financial success achieved by various Native American tribes across the United States.
As of 2023, the fiscal conditions of these tribes have undergone significant transformations, contributing to their remarkable rise in wealth and influence.
This article delves into the intriguing world of the wealthiest Native American tribes, shedding light on their economic activities, profitable enterprises, and the unique factors that have propelled them to the summit of financial success.
Let’s journey through the diverse and rich cultural tapestry of these tribes.
10 Seminole Tribe
$764 Million Net Worth
The Seminole Tribe of Florida, while generally cautious about sharing tribal information with external parties, displayed financial acumen when appointing a non-native chief executive to oversee their gambling operations.
In 2006, Jim Allen's leadership allowed the tribe to gain control of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, prevailing over 72 other bidders.
Initially, the Seminoles may have been skeptical of his approach, but by 2016, the astute business executive had successfully generated substantial wealth for the tribe, despite their relatively small membership of just over 4,000 individuals.
Tribal Nation: | Seminole Tribe |
State Or Region: | Florida |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $764 Million |
Estimated Membership: | 4,000 |
9 Squamish Nation
$780 Million Net Worth
The Squamish Nation currently possesses lands in the Lower Mainland, and these areas happen to encompass a significant portion of the province's most valuable real estate.
When these lands and properties are leased, the generated revenue is then directed back to the Squamish Nation.
Additionally, the Nation generates supplementary income through various business ventures, including gas stations, marinas, driving ranges, and casinos. The Squamish Nation is also actively engaged in energy development, with involvement in private hydropower projects on public rivers.
Tribal Nation: | Squamish Nation |
State Or Region: | British Columbia (Canada) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $780 Million |
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$803 Million Net Worth
The Hannahville Indian Community boasts various sources of income, as reported by Native Tribe Info.
Similar to many of the wealthiest tribes globally, a significant portion of their wealth can be attributed to their casinos. Notably, the Island Resort and Casino, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, serves as a substantial source of revenue generation for the community.
Apart from their casino, the Hannahville Indian Community holds ownership of multiple construction enterprises and a manufacturing company.
The cumulative success of these businesses has propelled the Hannahville Indian Community to a position among the wealthiest tribes in the United States.
Tribal Nation: | Hannahville Indian Community |
State Or Region: | Michigan (United States) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $803 Million |
7 Pechanga Band Of Indians (Luiseño)
$853 Million Net Worth
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians is among the most prominent tribes on the West Coast, having established a notable reputation in the state of California.
Their wealth primarily stems from a network of highly regarded casinos and resorts. Additionally, they own and operate a diverse array of restaurants that both visitors and residents highly favor.
These dining establishments include Bamboo, Blazing Noodles, Blends Coffee & Wine Bar, The Buffet, and others. The tribe also generates income through their ownership and operation of the publishing company Great Oak Press.
The Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians plays a substantial role in contributing to the local community's financial well-being.
Tribal Nation: | The Pechanga People (Luiseño) |
State Or Region: | California (United States) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $853 Million |
6 Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community
$946 Million Net Worth
The Pima and Maricopa tribes, based in Arizona, have joined forces to amass a combined net worth that is approaching the impressive $1 billion mark.
Since the latter part of the 20th century, these two tribes have taken ownership and control of two casinos situated on their land. In total, the tribes' community spans over 50,000 acres of land in Arizona.
These casinos, in addition to serving the local Phoenix community, have gained a reputation for drawing numerous out-of-state gamblers. Notably, tribal land has also been utilized for the construction of the Scottsdale Pavilions, a significant outdoor shopping center.
Tribal Nation: | Maricopa, Pima |
State Or Region: | Arizona (United States) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $946 Million |
Acreage: | 52,600 Acres |
5 Oneida Nation
$1 Billion
The Oneida Nation has accrued a substantial net worth of $1 billion through a diverse array of business ventures that extend across the central New York region.
In the early 1990s, the Oneida Nation initiated their lucrative business ventures with the establishment of a bingo hall and a gas station known as SavOn. SavOn's competitive fuel prices have enabled the business to expand into a widely recognized chain.
Subsequently, the tribe ventured into the realm of casinos and resorts, inaugurating the Turning Stone Casino & Resort in 1993.
Tribal Nation: | Oneida Nation |
State Or Region: | New York (United States) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $1 Billion |
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$2.15 Billion Net Worth
The Gila River Indian Community has predominantly built its substantial net worth of $2.15 billion through a thriving casino and resort industry.
According to Native Tribe Info, the tribe currently manages eleven casinos and maintains a diverse portfolio of other businesses which also yield annual revenue.
Located in the state of Arizona, this community is composed of two distinct tribes, the Pee Posh and Akimel O’odham.
In addition to their prominent casinos, the Gila River Indian Community engages in industrial developments and operates full-scale farming operations, further contributing to their economic prosperity.
Tribal Nation: | Gila River Indian Community |
State Or Region: | Arizona (United States) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $2.15 Billion |
3 Coeur d’Alene Tribe
$2.27 Billion Net Worth
This tribe is renowned for its diversified investments across multiple industries; several of these enterprises are situated within the southwestern Kootenai County region, encompassing the Coeur d’Alene Casino, Hotel, and the Circling Raven Golf Club.
These enterprises employ a minimum of 500 local residents and generate annual revenues of up to $20 million, which are subsequently reinvested into the local community.
The funding initiatives established by the tribe play a significant role in bolstering the economic development of the region.
Tribal Nation: | Coeur d’Alene Tribe |
State Or Region: | Idaho (United States) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $2.27 Billion |
Estimated Annual Revenue: | $20 Million |
2 Navajo Nation
$2.5 Billion Net Worth
The Navajo Nation has accumulated its substantial net worth through a blend of tourism, casinos, and the utilization of natural resources.
Notably, they generate annual income from key natural resources such as oil, gas, and coal. Their involvement in the casino industry is also a significant contributor to their financial success.
Navajo Gaming, founded in 2006, places the tribe in command of four distinct casinos: Fire Rock, Flowing Water, Northern Edge, and Twin Arrows.
These casinos have generated millions of dollars in revenue for both local and state governments.
Tribe: | Navajo Nation |
State Or Region: | Arizona, New Mexico, Utah (United States) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $2.5 Billion |
1 Shakopee Mdewakanton
$2.7 Billion Net Worth
The Shakopee Mdewakanton tribe holds the distinction of being the wealthiest Native American tribe, in terms of individual, personal wealth.
With a membership of 480 individuals, each member receives approximately $84,000 per month, as revealed by a tribe member involved in a divorce case.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the primary sources of income for the Shakopee Mdewakanton tribe stem from two major casinos that draw tens of thousands of gamblers from across the state.
The Mystic Lake Casino features an 18-hole golf course, a 2,100-seat concert venue, a 600-room hotel, five restaurants, and an 8,350-seat outdoor amphitheater. In addition, the reservation is home to the Little Six Casino.
Tribe: | Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) |
State Or Region: | Minnesota (United States) |
Total Estimated Net Worth: | $2.7 Billion |
Estimated Membership: | 480 |
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