Native American Commission - February 6, 2020 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, February 6, 2020.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Sharon White Bear, John Strand (via conference call), Sonya Donahue, Anna Johnson, Lenore King, Rebecca Knutson, Chalsey Snyder, Whitney Fear, Heather Keeler
Absent: None
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair King welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Willard Yellow Bird led the Board in a Prayer.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Chair King noted that Item 5 will be removed from the Agenda.
Member Snyder moved the Order of Agenda as amended and the minutes of the December 5, 2019 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member Knutson. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3: Honoring of Guy Fox
Mr. Yellow Bird spoke providing a background and honoring former Native American Commission Member Guy Fox for his 11 years of service to the Board. Mr. Fox was presented with a blanket and plaques in honor of his service.
Item 4: Induction of New Member Sonya Donahue
Mr. Yellow Bird gave a blessing, prayer, and smudging for new Native American Commission Member Sonya Donahue.
Item 5. Presentation: Lightspring, Edwin Hahn
Removed from the Agenda.
Item 6. Presentation: NDSU Land Acknowledgement Statement
Representatives from NDSU (North Dakota State University) Seinquis Leinen, Creighton Brown, Vanessa Tibbitts, and Ryan Eagle presented two draft land acknowledgment statements to the Board. They noted they are looking for feedback on the two versions presented and have been working with serval groups across campus and alongside community elders.
The Board discussed the options noting support for this effort.
Item 7. Presentation: 2020 Census, Planning Coordinator Donald Kress
Planning Coordinator’s Donald Kress and Tia Braseth gave a brief presentation regarding the census and the importance of all being counted. They noted that volunteers and paid workers are needed and there is a focus on harder to count populations. More information and FAQ’s can be found at www.2020census.gov.
Item 8. Old Business
a. Winter Powwow Summary
Member Keeler noted that the event was successful and had a great turnout.
b. FM Native Programs Consultant update
Member Snyder noted that Member Whitney Fear is the elected representative from the Native American Commission for the Board of Directors for FM Native Programs. Ms. Snyder noted there is a seven member working board with a draft mission and vision in place.
Member Fear gave a brief update and shared the draft mission and vision.
Item 9. Public Comment
Member Snyder shared that the YWCA Women of the Year event is upcoming and would like to nominate Member Sharon White Bear for the award. She noted that she would like for one of the letters of recommendation to come from the Native American Commission.
Member Fear moved for the Native American Commission to write a letter of nomination for Sharon White Bear for the Woman of the Year award. Second by Member Keeler. Member Snyder and White Bear abstained from voting. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 10. Announcements
Heard after item 11.
Member Keeler noted the Fargo Indian Education program is holding an Indian Taco Sale on Thursday, February 13.
Item 11. Staff Report
a. Sweat Lodge Update
Planning and Development Director Nicole Crutchfield stated that an update with information is in the meeting packet. She noted the City is looking for leaders and community support to develop the process and structure for the Sweat Lodge.
b. Strategic Planning Exercise
Member Snyder moved to initiate a strategic planning session to be held before the end of February 2020. Second by Member Fear.
Discussion was held regarding open meeting requirements.
On call of the roll, majority of Members voted aye. The motion was declared carried.
Member Fear Absent.
Item 12. Adjourn – Next Meeting: March 5, 2020
Member Snyder moved to adjourn the meeting. Second by Member Keeler. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
The time of adjournment was 1:15 p.m.