Native American Commission - July 11, 2019 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Native American Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, July 11, 2019.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Sharon White Bear, John Strand, Guy Fox, Lenore King, Chalsey Snyder, Whitney Fear, Heather Keeler
Absent: Anna Johnson, Rebecca Knutson
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair White Bear welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Prayer
Member Fear led the Board in Prayer.
Item 3. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Member Strand moved the Order of Agenda and the minutes of the June 6, 2019 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by King. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4: ShareHouse Presentation: Jeremy Traen and Cody Severson
Jeremy Traen and Cody Severson presented a history and overview of ShareHouse, the services provided, and programs that are offered. They noted that in 2018, 20% of their clients identified as Native American, and they are working to grow in the area of cultural connection.
Member Snyder present.
Discussion was held regarding connecting with a cultural advisor, holding sweat lodge events, education on prevention, types of medical treatment used, and addressing an awareness of addiction.
Item 5. Census Presentation: Tia Braseth and Donald Kress, Planning Department
Planning Coordinator Donald Kress presented a background of the Census, information regarding the Complete Count Committee, the importance of the Census, and the goal of achieving 100% participation on Census Day, April 1, 2020.
The Board was provided with three additional handouts of information.
Planning Coordinator Tia Braseth noted population impacts funding coming into the community, and reviewed the confidentiality included when participating in the Census. She shared that they are presenting to this Board to seek assistance in outreach to the Native American community.
Chair White Bear noted there has been a meeting held for interested Native people to assist. She shared that all interested in serving on the Native American Census group are welcomed.
Ms. Braseth stated that additional copies of the handouts are available for Board members to use as tools to begin conversations on the Census.
Member Fear absent.
Item 6. Strategic Planning
Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield provided an overview of the report received from Consultant Maylynn Warne. She proposed to discuss the vision statement and next action steps at the upcoming executive committee meeting.
Chair White Bear agreed to have a topic at the next executive committee meeting and asked Member Fox to join the meeting.
Item 7. Event Updates
a. Community Picnic – August 3
Member Snyder provided an overview of the activities planned for the Community Picnic that will be held at Oak Grove Park on August 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
b. PRIDE Event – August 10
Chair White Bear stated that the Native American Commission will have a table at the Pride event to be held on August 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
c. Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 14
Chair White Bear shared that an initial planning meeting has been held and that the kickoff planning committee meeting will be held Monday, July 15, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Meadowlark Room, with more information to come soon.
Member Keeler noted that she has been working on the effort for the City of Moorhead to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Item 8. Sponsorship Update: Trading at the Red River and Lunch & Learn
Member Snyder shared that the event was successful, and work is being done to have a similar event in Moorhead in October.
Item 9. Public Comment
No public comment was provided.
Item 10. Announcements
Member Keeler discussed how Native American artists are welcomed in our community. She proposed looking at ways to provide hospitality during visits.
Member Strand absent.
Item 11. Staff Report
Ms. Crutchfield provided an update on the Orchard Project from the June meeting noting that it has been set up at the Gladys Ray Shelter.
Ms. Crutchfield noted that a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has gone out for a Native American Center Consultant.
Assistant Planner Catlyn Christie shared that temporary storage has been obtained for Native American Commission items and Members can contact her to make arrangements.
Member Snyder noted that a meeting for the Native American Festival would be at 4:00 p.m. in the Dawson Room of the Downtown Public Library today.
Item 12. Next Meeting – August 1, 2019
Item 13. Adjourn
The time of adjournment was 1:05 p.m.