Native American Commission - December 2, 2021 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, December 2, 2021.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Lenore King, Whitney Fear, Sonya Donahue, Emily Sargent, Rebecca Knutson, Ashley Littlewolf
Absent: Sharon White Bear, Chalsey Snyder, John Strand
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair King welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Member Fear moved the Order of Agenda and the minutes of the October 7, 2021 Native American Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member Knutson. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3: Public Comment
Tracey Wilkie spoke on behalf of the North Dakota Federations of Families for Children’s Mental Health. She noted the organization is looking for more families to serve in this part of the state.
Ms. Wilkie additionally noted, on December 7, there will be a Wisdom of Trauma event at the Fargo Theatre at 7 p.m. She provided an overview of a 12-week healing program being offered through HeartSprings Community Healing Center.
Item 4: Elections
Chair King provided and overview of the bylaws regarding officer elections and spoke on behalf of the nominating committee. She noted Member Fear will transition to the Native American Commission Chair position in January and the nominating is recommending Member Emily Sargent for Vice Chair.
Member Knutson moved to appoint Emily Sargent as Vice Chair of the Native American Commission. Second by Member Fear. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 5. 2022 Meeting Schedule
Chair King noted the 2022 meeting schedule is included in the packet.
Item 6. Indigenous Association Report
Member Fear shared that many events were held for Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Heritage Month, adding that an overview of the events was provided at the October Native American Commission meeting. She noted that things are going well and the Indigenous Association board has developed subcommittees.
Item 7. Subcommittee Reports
Member Knutson noted that the education subcommittee recently met and they are planning to meet in January with representatives of the Indian Education Program.
No updates were provided from the housing or health subcommittees.
Item 8. Announcements
Member Fear shared that Tuesday, December 21 is Homeless Memorial Day and a gathering event will be held. She encouraged residents to check shelters websites to see what needs they have.
Member Fear stated that COVID vaccines are available at Fargo Cass Public Health.
Item 9. Staff Report
Planning Coordinator Tia Braseth additionally shared that COVID vaccines are available at many local pharmacies; if Members know of residents in need of rental assistance, they are encouraged to have them call 211; and proposals will be accepted for HOME and CDBG funds from December 8-31.
Sgt. Cristie Jacobsen, Fargo Police Department, stated that applications are being accepted for employment as well as the summer police academy.
Item 10. Adjourn
The time of adjournment was 12:19 p.m.