Economic development initiatives in the Turtle Mountain area are showing signs of growth and success with the recent and anticipated opening of several new projects and businesses.
- Turtle Island Adventure Park is a new economic development initiative in Sky Dancer Hotel and Casino Campus, which includes an indoor water park opening later this summer
- Sky Jump Trampoline Park that will include a Sky Walk and Ropes Course with additional family-friendly experiences coming soon
- Winter Activities Park – A winter park is currently being designed and planned to start development on phase one later this year. Sky Line Winter Park (tentative project name) will be located on the eastern part of the Sky Dancer Casino & Resort Campus
- New Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians food distribution center that will provide better services to clients as well as nutritional education programs
- New Career and Technical Education center (CTE) in Dunseith providing industry-certified certification right out of high school with plans to open this fall
This stems from the implementation of a comprehensive 10-year Economic Development Expansion Master Plan for the Turtle Mountain Region. The primary objective of this plan is to enhance the overall quality of life for both community residents and visitors to the region.
“I have always been a vocal advocate for the numerous economic development initiatives underway in the Turtle Mountain region,” said Turtle Mountain Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure. “With a steadfast commitment to the growth and prosperity of the community, the Tribal Council has consistently emphasized the importance of these initiatives in creating new opportunities for tribal members and fostering sustainable economic progress.”
“Through collaboration with local businesses, governmental agencies, and community stakeholders, the Tribe has actively promoted investment in key sectors such as infrastructure, renewable energy, health and wellness, tourism, and small business development,” Azure added. “Recognizing the potential of these initiatives to bring about positive change, my office has rallied support and worked diligently to ensure their successful implementation, aiming to uplift the Turtle Mountain community and secure a brighter future for generations to come.”
Representatives from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians recently welcomed members of the ND Department of Commerce Economic Development & Finance team and the ND Indian Affairs Commission on a tour of these recent projects and businesses. Commerce hosted a community engagement round table, discussing economic development, community development, workforce, and tourism, among other topics. The group also visited Turtle Mountain’s Heritage Center and met with Tribal Council.
“It’s exciting to see the growth and economic development opportunities in this region as we work to continue strengthening business and tribal relations,” said Commerce Commissioner Josh Teigen. “We’re grateful to the Turtle Mountain area for hosting us as well as the continued partnership with Indian Affairs.”
This builds on relationships between state agencies, Tribal nations, and continues momentum from the 2022 Main Street Initiative visit to the Turtle Mountain area, the Strengthening Government to Government Conference, and other efforts mentioned in the ND Office of the Governor's strategic initiatives.
To learn more about these upcoming projects in the Turtle Mountain area, follow the Inclusive Economic Development Projects.