Native American Commission - September 7, 2023 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 7, 2023.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Whitney Johnson (via conference call), Emily Sargent (via conference call), Ashley Littlewolf, Amanda Strauss, Dale Sayers (via conference call)
Absent: Suzanne Senske
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Johnson welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Member Littlewolf moved the Order of Agenda and the minutes of the July 7, 2023 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member Sargent. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3: Public Comment
Reverend Karen Van Fossan, Justice for Shane, requested a copy of the letter that is to be sent from the Native American Commission to the Fargo City Commission regarding an independent investigation in the police involved shooting of Shane Netterville. She also asked the Board when the Fargo Police would be coming to a Native American Commission meeting to speak with the Board and community.
Chair Johnson stated the letter to the Fargo City Commission is being finalized and a copy will be provided to Justice for Shane when it is available. Ms. Johnson shared that a date has not been set for the Fargo Police to speak with the Board and the community.
Item 4: Presentation: Savanna Greywind Day
Ruth Buffalo and Mia Buffalo gave a presentation on creating a day of recognition for Savanna Greywind.
Discussion was held regarding expectations of Savanna’s family for the proposal, and how the Board would be able to assist with the request.
Assistant Planner Catlyn Christie stated that a navigating team could be created to help work with the Mayor’s office to define a path forward for the request.
Members Littlewolf and Sayers shared that they would like to be involved.
Item 5. Indigenous Peoples’ Day – October 9
a. Gladys Ray Award Nominations Due September 22
Chair Johnson stated that there will be a breakfast kickoff at the Indigenous Association and encouraged the Native American Commission Members to attend. She also shared that the Gladys Ray Award will be presented at the breakfast and nomination forms are available online and in paper. Ms. Johnson noted more details are to come regarding a Lunch and Learn for community members and professionals at the Hjemkomst Center.
Item 6. Truth & Reconciliation Day – September 30
Chair Johnson noted the Native American Commission would be submitting a request for a city-wide proclamation to recognize September 30 as Truth & Reconciliation Day. Ms. Johnson shared that she and Member Sargent created an educational video regarding Truth & Reconciliation Day that can be viewed on the Native American Commission’s webpage.
Item 7. Indigenous Association Report
Chair Johnson directed those who wanted to know what events were upcoming to visit the Indigenous Association’s webpage.
Item 8. Subcommittee Reports
Chair Johnson shared that she and Member Sargent met with the States Attorney’s office back in May and the visit went well.
Member Littlewolf stated since school is back in session she is hoping to set up a time to meet with West Fargo Indian Education to discuss goals for this year.
Ms. Johnson noted that no one is on the Housing Subcommittee and asked if any Members would like to volunteer.
Item 9. Staff Reports
Dr. Terry Hogan, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, shared that his department has instituted a development and training plan for the City Cabinet Members in which they will be taking IDI (Intercultural Development Inventory) assessments and learning about biases.
Item 10. Announcements
Member Littlewolf stated she would be interested in being part of the Housing Subcommittee.
Discussion was held regarding Member Littlewolf joining the Housing Subcommittee.
Member Strauss commented that she would like to be involved with assisting with the creation of Savanna Greywind Day.
Chair Johnson shared that there is one vacancy for the Native American Commission and the application process will be open until September 18, 2023 with the application and information available on the City of Fargo website.
She also shared that the Fargo Moorhead Indian Education Back to School Bash is tonight from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fargo Public School District Office and the Native American Education Program Back to School Night is September 22 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Item 11. Adjourn
The time of adjournment was 12:33 p.m.