Native American Commission - September 5, 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, September 5, 2024.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Lisa Ducheneaux, Whitney Johnson, Ashley Littlewolf, Emily Sargent, Dale Sayers
Absent: Amanda Strauss, Suzanne Senske
Also Present: City Commission Liaison John Strand, Fargo School Board Liaison Nikkie Gullickson
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Johnson welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Member Sargent moved the Order of Agenda and the minutes of the May 2, 2024 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member Littlewolf. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3: Public Comment
No public comment was given.
Item 4: Presentation: Essentia Health Community Engagement
Alli Fast and Matthew Knodle, Essentia Health, gave a presentation on a community health survey and work plan. They asked board members for suggestions on how to better connect with Native communities.
Discussion was held regarding connecting with Indian Health Services on the Reservations, making sure collected data is accessible, timing of the survey, wording of the survey, and making connections.
Ms. Fast and Mr. Knodle shared ways that Essentia is currently connecting in the community, exposing students to healthcare professions, and career awareness.
Item 5. SENDCAA Land Acknowledgement Statement
SENDCAA Deputy Director Sarah Hasbargen shared the Land Acknowledgement Statement developed by their diversity committee.
Members shared that the statement is good and thoughtful and expressed gratitude that it was developed.
Item 6. Savanna’s Day Update
Chair Johnson noted Mayor Mahoney signed a proclamation, included in the packet, declaring August 9 as Savanna Greywind Day. She thanked Members Sayer, Littlewolf, and Strauss for their help, and noted the family was satisfied with it.
Member Littlewolf shared that Ruth Buffalo is hoping this will be an annual proclamation, and hopes in upcoming years there will be more time to prepare to celebrate and honor.
Item 7. Indigenous Association Report
Chair Johnson noted that Executive Director Brandon Baity was unable to attend the meeting today, but he passed along information to be shared. She noted that open craft nights will be held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. beginning this week, parent and kid play groups would be beginning soon, lactation support is available, and planning has begun for Indigenous Peoples Day.
The website address for the Indigenous Association has been updated to NativeFM.org.
Item 8. Subcommittee Reports
Member Littlewolf shared that the Housing Subcommittee met in July and discussed what tribal partnerships could look like in the community.
No other subcommittee reports were given.
Item 9. Staff Reports
Assistant Planner Catlyn Christie noted the City Commission recently passed a new City ordinance related to camping on public property and that there are temporary rules. She noted additional information can be found on the Gladys Ray Facebook page, and in the City Commission meeting information.
Item 10. Announcements
No announcements were given.
A reminder was given for those who would like to help with planning for Indigenous Peoples Day to reach out to the Indigenous Association.
Item 11. Adjourn
The time of adjournment was 12:45 p.m.