Native American Commission - September 2, 2021 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, September 2, 2021.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Lenore King, Whitney Fear, Emily Sargent, Rebecca Knutson, John Strand, Ashley Littlewolf (via conference call)
Absent: Sharon White Bear, Chalsey Snyder, Sonya Donahue
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Member Fear present.
Chair King welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
New Native American Commission Member Ashley Littlewolf was welcomed and provided a brief introduction of herself.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Member Knutson moved the Order of Agenda be approved. Second by Member Fear. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Member Strand moved the minutes of the August 5, 2021 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member Fear. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3. Public Comment
No public comment was provided.
Item 4: Truth and Reconciliation Day
Member Fear provided a background of Truth and Reconciliation Day, noted an event will be held in Bismarck on September 30, and encouraged the Board to find a way to start the process to have the City of Fargo recognize it as an annual day.
Member Strand stated he would like to know more about the background regarding boarding schools and their history and encouraged the Native American Commission to continue looking at the issue.
Member Sargent moved to have the Native American Commission draft a proclamation for 2021 and present to the City of Fargo Mayor for signature. Second by Member Fear. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 5. Indigenous Association Report
Hollie Mackey, Indigenous Association Interim Executive Director, provided an update on recent events, current fundraising and grant efforts, and upcoming events and programming. She stated more support and participation is needed.
Item 6. Subcommittee Reports
No subcommittee reports were provided.
Item 7. Announcements
Chair King shared that North Dakota State University currently has openings for its Tribal Initiative Director and for the Tribal Partnerships Manager. More information can be found at www.ndsu.edu/employment.
Member Sargent noted the Fargo Public School Indian Education Program currently is planning to host a back to school night for Native American students in the Fargo Public Schools on September 29, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Carl Ben Middle School.
Chair King stated that on Indigenous Peoples Day the Sweet Medicine Elders meeting and meal will be from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Indigenous Association.
Item 8. Staff Report
Deputy Fire Marshall Jamie Garvey shared an updated recruitment flier for the upcoming recruitment and orientation event for new firefighters. He stated the events will be held at Station #4 on September 11 at 1:00 p.m., and September 16 at 7:00 p.m. and applications are due September 30. He noted the updated flier will be distributed to the Board.
Sargent Bernier shared that the Fargo Police Department is seeking applications to hire a Community Service Officer and the deadline is September 3. He noted it is a non-sworn position. He additionally shared that the Fargo United Outreach Event was successful and thanked Chair King for participating in the event.
Assistant Planner Catlyn Christie shared that COVID vaccine clinics are still available at the Fargo Cass Public Health building, and reminded that those needing rental assistance should call 211 for available programs.
Item 9. Adjourn – Next Meeting: October 7, 2021
The time of adjournment was 12:50 p.m.