Native American Commission - March 1, 2018 Minutes
Regular Meeting: Thursday, March 1, 2018
A regular meeting of the Board of Native American Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, March 1, 2018.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: John Strand, Rebecca Knutson, Ruth Buffalo, Sharon White Bear, Lenore King, Francis Oakgrove, Clinton Alexander, and Maylynn Warne
Absent: Guy Fox
Also Present: Kara Gloe (City of Fargo), Nicole Crutchfield (City of Fargo), Vince Kempf (Fargo Police Department), Chalsey Snyder (Indian Education Parent Committee)
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair White Bear welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approval of Agenda and Minutes
Ms. Knutson moved to approve the agenda and minutes. Ms. King seconded. All members affirmed aye and the motion passed.
Item 3. Habitat for Humanity Presentation: Jim Nelson
Mr. Nelson, Executive Director of Lake Agassiz Habitat for Humanity, introduced his program and expressed a desire to work with the Native American Commission to increase the number of Native Americans in the applicant pool.
Item 4. Public Comment
Skylar Dutton with the North Dakota Safety Council, introduced the non-profit and spoke about self-protection and predator awareness courses they offer.
Phyllis Herman told the Native American Commission about an altercation involving her grandson at Fargo North High School. Chalsey Snyder offered to help Ms. Herman navigate the school system to get the help her family needs.
Stoney Tipton, Founder and CEO of God’Speed Organization, handed out packets and asked for an hour to do a presentation later.
Item 5. City of Fargo Diversity Training Update: Michael Mitchell
Ms. Gloe told the Native American Commission that Audra Stonefish couldn’t make the presentation. Ms. Gloe shared Ms. Stonefish’s ideas for the Cultural Sensitivity Training. Mr. Mitchell offered to share evaluations from the last training with the Native American Commission. Chair White Bear and Ms. Snyder volunteered to work directly with Ms. Stonefish.
Item 6. Budget Review
Ms. Gloe presented a draft budget. Ms. Warne suggested that budget approval be postponed to the working meeting, in order to have more discussion about committees and their goals. Ms. White Bear agreed to move the budget to the working meeting.
Ms. Warne moved to approve $1400 to the Round Dance and pay the bill from last year’s event. Ms. Knutson seconded. All members affirmed aye and the motion passed.
Item 7. Sweat Lodge Update
No Update.
Item 8. Old Business
No Update.
Item 9. New Business
Ms. Gloe informed the Native American Commission that the Arts & Culture Commission has approved a liaison to sit on their board and also shared that they also have an open seat on their board and encourage folks to apply. Ms. Buffalo volunteered to be the Native American Commission liaison.
Chalsey Snyder updated the Board about the Indian Education Parent Committee. She also gave an update on the tutoring initiative.
Ms. Gloe informed the Native American Commission their Facebook Page is up and will be shared when we have the pictures up.
Item 10. Adjourn