Native American Commission - November 7, 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, November 7, 2019.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Sharon White Bear, John Strand, Anna Johnson, Lenore King, Rebecca Knutson, Chalsey Snyder, Heather Keeler, Whitney Fear (via conference call)
Absent: Guy Fox
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 Knutson moved the Order of Agenda and the minutes of the October 3, 2019 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member King. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4: Presentation: Musical Bridges, Lisa Parrish
Lisa Parrish, Musical Bridges, gave a brief presentation of the Musical Bridges program sharing its background, and goal to bridge cultures through music and interactive learning. She noted a goal to work together to advance understanding and unity with the Native American community.
Discussion was held regarding locations the program is already happening, the curriculum, cost of the program, and how sensitive subjects are addressed in a respectful way.
Item 5. Events Update
a. Indigenous Peoples Day
Member King shared the events of the day were successful and there was good turnout.
Member Keeler noted that approximately 700 people were reached throughout the day and the events of the day were nicely blended between Fargo and Moorhead.
Board Members shared their experiences of the event, noting highlights of the lunch and learn and evening powwow.
b. Native American Heritage Month Event Series
Member King provided an overview of the events scheduled throughout the month at the Fargo Public Library.
Claire Erickson, NDSU student, shared that there will be a National Native American Heritage Month luncheon and discussion held on November 18 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. in the Mandan Room, Memorial Union, North Dakota State University.
c. Winter Powwow
Planning and Development Director Nicole Crutchfield noted staff is looking for direction from the Native American Commission of how to proceed with this event. She shared options of a possible partnership with FM Crossorads, having a volunteer-driven event, or not holding the event in 2020. She noted staff recommends partnering with FM Crossroads, and that the Fargo Civic Center has been reserved for January 11, 2020.
Discussion was held noting that Board Members would like to see FM Crossroads represented at a meeting to discuss the event. Feedback was also given on the event date of later in January instead of New Year’s Eve, the importance of continuing to hold this Powwow event, and the need for the Native American Commission to provide partnership opportunities with other entities in the community to build good relations.
Ms. Crutchfield shared the Board will need to designate 1-2 Members to take the lead with this event. She stated that in the past this event was led by the Native American Center.
Chair White Bear stated the importance of holding this drug and alcohol free event, and having it end earlier in the night was successful last year and allowed for better attendance from elders and young children.
Member Keeler volunteered to serve on the planning committee, and Member Fear shared that she will co-lead. Ms. Crutchfield noted that she will coordinate with Member Keeler and Fear for logistics.
Item 6. New Business
a. 2020 Calendar
Ms. Crutchfield provided an overview of the 2020 meeting dates.
Chair White Bear stated that there will not be a January meeting.
b. Elections
Chair White Bear noted that Member King who is the current Vice Chair will be the Chair on January 1, 2020. She stated the Board will need to nominate a new Vice Chair and Treasurer per the Native American Commission Bylaws.
Ms. Christie clarified that to be consistent with the City’s other Boards; staff is recommending removing the Treasurer position when updating the bylaws.
Chair White Bear stated that Members should be thinking of whom to nominate for Vice Chair, and that the Treasurer position will be addressed with the Bylaws.
c. Bylaws Updates
Chair White Bear noted the need to be reviewed and that Board Members should submit any changes or solutions to be considered.
d. FM Native American Programs Center Consultant
Ms. Christie noted the Board was provided with laydown items that included a consulting agreement and resume of the selected consultant for the FM Native American Programs Center, Chalsey Snyder, to get the groundwork established for the Center.
Discussion was held regarding if conflict of interest was an issue with this selection. Ms. Crutchfield noted that this is a temporary contract position and that Ms. Snyder’s skill set was most suited to get this program up and running.
Chair White Bear confirmed this is a short time position and the goal is to select a director.
Member Strand moved to have Member Snyder abstain from voting on this issue. Second by Member Knutson. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Member Fear moved to approve the contact as presented. Second by Member Knutson. On call of the roll Members Strand, Johnson, Keeler, Knutson, King, Fear, and White Bear voted aye. Absent and not voting: Member Fox. Member Snyder abstained from voting. The motion was declared carried.
Item 7. Public Comment
No public comment was provided.
Member Strand absent.
Item 8. Announcements
Member Fear shared that December 21 is National Homeless Persons Memorial Day and for Board Members to save the date for a walk and event to be held. She noted that more information will be provided once available.
Item 9. Staff Report
a. Upcoming Speakers
Ms. Christie shared that a representative from MMIIW (Missing, Murdered, and Indigenous Peoples) will be speaking at next month’s meeting, and a representative from Lightspring will be presenting in early 2020.
Member Keeler absent.
b. 2020 Work Plan
Ms. Crutchfield stated the Planning and Development department is preparing a work plan for 2020 projects that is included in the packet, and would like to receive feedback from the Native American Commission.
Item 10. Next Meeting – December 5, 2019
The time of adjournment was 1:10 p.m.