Native American Commission - October 3, 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, October 3, 2019.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Sharon White Bear, Lenore King, Rebecca Knutson, Whitney Fear, Heather Keeler, Anna Johnson (via conference call)
Absent: John Strand, Guy Fox, Chalsey Snyder
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair White Bear welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Prayer
Member White Bear led the Board in Prayer.
Item 3. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Member King moved the Order of Agenda and the minutes of the September 5, 2019 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Fear. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4: Sponsorship Request: Youthworks Native Youth Circle
Youthworks representatives, Sheyenne Puetz and Brandon Baity, presented a background and overview of their program and the new Native Youth Circles. They shared about the importance of the program, and noted that it allows youth to come together and learn cultural pieces. They stated that the first Native Youth Circle was held in September and was a success.
Assistant Planner Catlyn Christie noted there is not currently funds in the Native American Commission budget and that the executive committee recommended continuing the sponsorship request until the January 2020 meeting.
The Board discussed ways for those in the community to contribute or volunteer this fall for the program. Mr. Baity stated that those wanting to donate monetarily or of their time can contact the main line of Youthworks at 701.232.8558.
Member Keeler moved to table the Youthworks Native Youth Circle Sponsorship to the January 2020 Native American Commission meeting. Second by Member King. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 5. Gladys Ray Winner Award
Chair White Bear announced that Audra Stonefish was selected as the Gladys Ray Award winner and that the award will be presented on October 14 at the Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow.
Item 6. Indigenous Peoples Day – October 14, 2019
Member Keeler shared that the morning session will be held 9:00 a.m. at Moorhead City Hall. She noted activities will be held throughout the day in Fargo and Moorhead including a lunch and learn at Fargo City Hall at noon, and the meal will start at 5:00 p.m. at Moorhead High School with the Powwow following.
Chair White Bear noted the Tribal Flags will be presented at the October 7th Fargo City Commission meeting and will on display in the Fargo City Hall lobby through the end of November.
Member Knutson present.
Item 7. Public Comment
Claire Erickson, a graduate assistant for NDSU American Indian Public Health Resource Center, presented information and provided the Board a postcard about the 4th Annual Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Child Health Summit to be held November 20-21 at Prairie Heights Casino & Lodge.
Item 8. Announcements
Member Keeler share that the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) just opened and noted it is important for those planning to go to college to complete.
Member King gave a reminder that the Crossroads Powwow will be held this weekend, October 5-6, at the Scheels Arena. Chair White Bear highlighted that on Saturday former NDSU football players will be present, and Member Johnson highlighted the juried art show that will be happening as well.
Item 9. Staff Report
Ms. Christie stated that staff is prepared to do strategic planning in the meadowlark room after this meeting adjourns.
Item 10. Next Meeting – November 7, 2019
Item 11. Adjourn
The time of adjournment was 12:23 p.m. and the Board moved to the Meadowlark Room of City Hall to continue in a Strategic Planning Session.