Native American Commission - July 5, 2018 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Native American Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the City Commission Room at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, July 5, 2018.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Sharon White Bear, Ruth Buffalo, Lenore King, Rebecca Knutson, Chalsey Snyder, Whitney Fear
Absent: John Strand, Guy Fox, Clinton Alexander
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair White Bear welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Prayer
Member King led the Board in a prayer.
Item 3. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Member Knutson moved the Order of Agenda and the minutes of the June 7, 2018 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member King. On the call of the roll Members Buffalo, Fear, King, Knutson, and White Bear voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Strand, Fox, Snyder, and Alexander. The motion was declared carried.
Member Snyder present.
Item 4: Hate Free Crime Communities Presentation – Barry Nelson
Barry Nelson, North Dakota Human Rights Coalition (NDHRC), provided a presentation for the Board on information regarding the North Dakota United Against Hate Initiative, its three working groups, and their work against hate crimes in the community. He shared that there are opportunities for collaboration between the HDHRC and the Native American Commission. Member Buffalo is a currently member of one of the working groups.
Discussion was held regarding community populations that are being targeted, the current communities that are being reached, and possible ways to collaborate in the future.
Item 5. Public Comment
a. Budget Request
Kelly Noack and Sandy Berlin from the Indigenous Community Circle provided information about the upcoming community picnic on July 11th. They requested financial support and donations of supplies from the Board.
Member King moved to approve the funding request in the amount of $593.88 for the Native American Commission to be a sponsor of the Indigenous Community Circle Picnic. Second by Member Snyder. On the call of the roll Members Knutson, King, Snyder, Buffalo, Fear, and White Bear voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Strand, Fox, and Alexander. The motion was declared carried.
Discussion was held regarding what role the Native American Commission would play with a sponsorship since the date is so close.
Item 7 was heard before Item 6.
Item 6. Roles & Responsibilities
Chair White Bear noted that if there are any revisions or changes regarding the roles and responsibilities of Board Members, they can be submitted for the August meeting.
Item 7. Fargo Project – August 5th
Member King provided a handout to the board and gave an update on the event. She shared that posters will be distributed once they arrive.
Item 8. Native American Picnic – August 25th
Member King provided an update on supplies and planning for this picnic. She noted that a sign-up for volunteers would be forthcoming.
Item 9. Indigenous People’s Day Update
Chair White Bear provided an update that meetings have been held regarding the planning, format and organization of the day. She mentioned that volunteers are needed. Member Buffalo shared that she is on the parade committee and is also looking for volunteers.
Item 10. Sweat Lodge Update
Willard Yellow Bird Jr., Planning Department Consultant, provided an update on the status of the Sweat Lodge. He shared that the Sweat Lodge is not currently open due to construction.
Discussion was held on the process of scheduling use of the Sweat Lodge.
Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield confirmed that the process for scheduling the Sweat Lodge begins with contacting Guy Fox.
Mr. Yellow Bird shared that the policies, applications forms, and process for use are being updated.
Item 11. Announcements
Chair White Bear shared that during Navy Week, the Native American Commission will be doing a presentation on July 25th. She noted she will be looking for help.
Ms. Gloe noted an additional funding request that was handed out to the Board from The North Dakota Human Rights Film and Arts Festival.
Member Snyder moved to table the funding request to the August 2nd meeting. Second by Member Knutson. On the call of the roll Members Snyder, Buffalo, Fear, Knutson, King, and White Bear voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Strand, Fox, and Alexander. The motion was declared carried.
Item 12. Adjourn
The time of adjournment was 1:04 p.m.