Submitted Photo Representatives of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, 4 Bears Casino, DSGW Architecture and Woodstone Inc. announced plans for the Son Of Star Casino to be built in White Shield. Bottom row, from left to right, are Joe Wambheim, Gen Azure Poitra, Madonna Azure, Wayne Flute, Stacey Harter, Erik Wedge, Jeremy Burr, Fred Fox, Fred Everett, Scott Wilson, Eric George, David Blacksmith, Reba Jensen, Gary Dickens, Marita Abe and Danile Henry. Top row, from left to right, are Doug Niesen, Tom Ollman, Mike Laverdure and Preston Meanus. Photo by Karen LoneFight.

WHITE SHIELD – The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation along with 4 Bears Casino, DSGW Architecture and Woodstone Inc., on Wednesday announced the ground blessing for the new Son Of Star Casino in White Shield.

The 37,000-square-foot casino, which is set to open in 2026, will be just south of the powwow grounds. It will feature 230 slot machines, six table games, a sports book, poker room, restaurant, gift shop, campground and coffee shop. Future phases include a convenience store, hotel and event center.

The casino is designed to reflect the culture and traditions of the MHA Nation.

The exterior of the building will feature a traditional Native American design, and the interior will be decorated with Native American art, timelines and artifacts. The casino interior design will feature four quadrants of natural elements representing fire, water, earth and wind.

“We are honored to have worked with the MHA Nation to create this new casino,” said DSGW Principal Erik C. Wedge. “The casino is a beautiful and welcoming space that will provide both entertainment and economic opportunities for the MHA Nation and the surrounding community.”

DSGW, an architecture and interior design firm, specializes in indigenous architecture. For more than 40 years, the firm has worked on more than 400 tribal projects across 14 states, with more than 40 indigenous communities to plan, design and build facilities from community centers, clinics to casinos.

The new casino is expected to create jobs and generate millions of dollars in revenue for the MHA Nation. It is also expected to attract tourists from all over the country, which will boost the local economy.

“Having a casino in White Shield offers the framework to generate and foster economic growth, achieve sustainable employment, and promote tribal tourism. It’s a win-win for the tribe and the surrounding area,” said East Segment Councilman Fred Fox.