Native American Commission - May 2, 2024 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, May 2, 2024.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Lisa Ducheneaux, Whitney Johnson, Ashley Littlewolf, Dale Sayers, Amanda Strauss
Absent: Emily Sargent, Suzanne Senske
Also Present: Fargo School Board Liaison Seth Holden, Mayor Tim Mahoney
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 March 7, 2024 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member Sayers. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3: Public Comment
No public comments were made.
Item 4: Indigenous Association Report
Executive Director Brandon Baity shared that the Indigenous Association hosted the North Dakota Human Rights Summit and it went well.
He also shared that he had an opportunity to speak on the Native Lights podcast. Mr. Baity noted that the Indigenous Association is in the process of starting their own podcast with content being made available possibly by the end of May.
He stated that open craft nights are still ongoing and anyone is welcome to come.
Mr. Baity also shared that the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Task Force will be hosting the Faceless Doll Project event at the Indigenous Association. This event will be led by Agnes Yellow Bear and Melanie Moniz. He added that attendees are asked to wear red.
Candi Smith, leader of the breastfeeding support group, shared that there will be an Indigenous Lactation Training held June 24 - 28. She noted that the training will be free and per diem funds will be made available by the North Dakota Department of Health for those travelling from outside the Fargo-Moorhead area. Ms. Smith also stated applications for the training will be posted on the Indigenous Associations webpage soon. She invited anyone who has questions regarding this training to reach out to her via email at candi@indgns.org.
Ms. Smith also shared that there will be a Doula training class soon. She stated the details will be added to the Indigenous Associations webpage along with the applications.
Mr. Baity noted that the Indigenous lactation training will be specifically for Indigenous community members whereas the Doula training will be for anyone who is involved with those services in the Indigenous community.
Item 5. Subcommittee Reports
Member Sayers gave an update for the Health and Wellness subcommittee stating that the subcommittee will be part of a group advising the Fargo Cass Public Health Department on their tobacco prevention campaign geared towards Indigenous community members.
Member Littlewolf gave an update about the Savannah’s Day Resolution. She noted they are waiting for feedback on the finalized draft and are hoping to have it approved and ready by August 9.
Item 6. Staff Reports
Mayor Tim Mahoney spoke on Housing First, Milwaukee’s guaranteed rental program, and the possibility of the Native American Commission assisting with communications with the area Tribal Agencies.
Discussion was held regarding the Housing Subcommittee having had previous conversations about local homelessness, Housing First, and how tribal agency partnerships could be beneficial.
Item 7. Announcements
Chair Johnson announced the Woodlands & High Plains Powwow will be held this Saturday, May 4 with Grand Entries being held at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and the community meal will be at 5:00 p.m.
Ms. Johnson also announced the Moorhead Indian Education program’s end of year celebration will be next Wednesday evening, May 8.
Member Strauss added to Mr. Baity’s earlier mention of the Faceless Doll Project that the event will be held on May 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and a light meal will be offered.
Item 8. Adjourn
The time of adjournment was 12:23 p.m.