Improving Physical Fitness and Overall Wellness
IndigeFit Kids is a comprehensive initiative empowering Native youth to reach their full potential through fitness and wellness. By deploying resources through a large-scale effort focused on physical activity, good nutrition, and healthy habits, we can improve the physical and mental wellness of Native youth in Minnesota.
Inspired by the Dakota tradition of wóokiya (generosity and helping), the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) launched IndigeFit Kids in January 2025 as a three-year $6 million philanthropic campaign to create brighter futures for Native kids and communities.
Addressing Health Inequities
Historically, Native people enjoyed good health through a combination of factors deeply rooted in their cultures and lifestyles. Traditional diets, regular physical activity, strong social bonds and spiritual practices contributed to their overall well-being. The adoption of modern lifestyles has eroded some traditional Native ways of life and increased children’s exposure to unhealthy diets and habits.
Today, too many young people have poor nutrition, lack sufficient sleep, engage in minimal physical activity, and spend excessive time with screens. Consequently, the rates of childhood obesity, chronic diseases, diabetes, substance abuse, and mental health problems are on the rise.
Native youth face significantly more health challenges than their non-Native peers, and there are many long-standing environmental factors and social determinants of health that impact the overall health and wellness of Native youth. IndigeFit Kids seeks to change this reality and close health disparities among young Native Americans by giving them more opportunities to lead active, healthy lives.
Nearly 40% of Native students in Minnesota are overweight or obese. 
The number of children participating in youth sports has been declining in the past decade as the cost of youth sports has risen drastically. 
76% of Native students in Minnesota participate in virtually zero physical activity lessons outside of school. Restoring Wellness for Native Youth
Physical activity is one of the most important factors that ensures children enjoy good health while they grow up, and it sets the stage for lifelong physical and mental health. Balanced nutrition and healthy habits like sleeping well, drinking water, and abstinence from smoking and drug use contribute to childhood wellness, improve quality of life, and help prevent adult illness and premature death.
IndigeFit Kids aims to:
- Invest in physical fitness projects and spaces, such as new and improved playgrounds.
- Fund athletic and wellness programming and piloting programs such as nutrition workshops and sports camps.
- Commission research to better understand the unique health challenges and needs of Native youth.
- Raise public awareness through educational campaigns and community events.
- Support efforts to Indigenize athletic programs, creating more inclusive and meaningful experiences.
- Collaborate with organizations to bring expert knowledge and resources to improve Native youth health and wellness.
As a tribe dedicated to helping others, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) has a long-standing commitment to enhancing the well-being of Native communities. Through IndigeFit Kids, the SMSC continues its proud tradition of supporting health and wellness in Indian Country. Since the 1980s, the SMSC has donated over $400 million to a wide range of organizations, including Native and non-Native nonprofits, healthcare facilities, and local governments. This generous spirit is deeply ingrained in the Dakota culture, and the tribe is honored to be recognized as one of the top charitable givers in both Minnesota and Indian Country.
