Native American Commission Meeting - June 3, 2021
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, June 3, 2021.
The Native American Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Lenore King, Rebecca Knutson, John Strand, Sonya Donahue, Chalsey Snyder, Whitney Fear, Emily Sargent (via conference call), Sharon White Bear (via conference call)
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair King welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda & Minutes
Member Knutson moved the Order of Agenda be approved. Second by Member Donahue. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Member Strand moved the minutes of the May 6, 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
Heather Keeler shared she will be instructing a summer class at NDSU (North Dakota State University) called “Indigenous Inclusion” and noted the closing date for sign-up is June 9. The class provides two education CEU credits, and more information is shared through the NDSU Extension Office.
Item 4: Statement of Solidarity with FM Muslim Community
Member Snyder read the statement that was included in the packet.
Member Knutson moved to approve the statement as presented. Second by Member Snyder. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 5. Bias Crime Ordinance Update
Assistant City Attorney Nancy Morris provided a background and summary of the Bias Crime Ordinance drafted by the City Attorney’s Office. Ms. Morris stated the three draft ordinances addressing criminal mischief, harassment, and simple assault were presented to the City Commission on June 1 to receive and file. The first reading will be held June 14.
Member Fear present.
Discussion was held on the reporting process, and who could be charged with these crimes.
Item 6. Indigenous Association Report
Member Fear shared that work is being done to organize a picnic event later in the summer. She also noted that the Executive Director position is still open and review of applicant finalists is underway.
Item 7. Subcommittee Reports
Member White Bear spoke on behalf of the housing subcommittee, and noted work is being done with the Cass Clay Community Land Trust. Member Strand stated the importance of having more applications in the pool of candidates.
Member Snyder spoke on behalf of the education subcommittee and shared that there is a summer reading program through the Indian Education Department of the schools.
No updates were provided from the health and wellness subcommittee.
Item 8. Announcements
Chair King stated a flier for enrollment at the Circle of Nations School for the upcoming year is included in the packet.
Chair King shared there is one vacancy on the Native American Commission and encouraged those interested to submit an application.
Member Snyder announced that June is Pride month.
Member Strand noted the City has hired Dr. Terry Hogan for the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion position.
Member Strand shared there is a program for people to apply for FEMA funding for funerals of COVID-19 related deaths.
Member Fear stated many tribes are offering financial assistance.
Planning Coordinator Tia Braseth noted anyone in need of rental or other assistance should call 211 (Firstlink).
Item 9. Staff Report
Fargo Police Lt. Bill Ahlfeldt provided an update on upcoming community programs and events through the Community Engagement Team, including the summer program, cultural swimming survival program, and the Police Department Picnic on June 16 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Urban Plains Park.
Ms. Braseth highlighted that vaccine clinics are being held at Fargo Cass Public Health, and the 2021 HUD (Housing and Urban Development) Action Plan is currently in public comment period.
Member Snyder shared that Saturday, June 19, is Juneteenth, and a freedom celebration will be held at Lindenwood Park.
Item 10. Adjourn – Next Meeting: July 1, 2021
The time of adjournment was 12:35 p.m.