Native American Commission Meeting - September 7, 2023

The Native American Commission met on September 7, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included public comment, a presentation on establishing a permanent Savannah Greywind Day in Fargo, planning for Indigenous People's Day and Truth and Reconciliation Day, subcommittee reports, and a staff update from the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda and the July 6, 2023, meeting minutes by voice vote with a motion from Ashley and a second.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Reverend Karen Van Fauson, representing the Justice for Shane group, thanked the commission for reiterating support for an independent investigation and for calling on the Fargo Police Department to meet with the commission. She requested the commission's continued support and advice on approaching the city commission and asked for details on when the police chief would be invited and how the public could interact.
• Ruth Buffalo (enrolled citizen of Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara) and Maya Buffalo (student at M State) presented a proposal to establish a permanent Savannah Greywind Day in Fargo on August 9th (Savannah's birthday). Ruth explained that Savannah's mother had contacted her after Turtle Mountain passed a similar recognition. Maya noted that the U.S. Department of Justice reports more than 4 in 5 Native American and Alaskan Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, and Indigenous women are murdered at a rate 10 times the national average. She stressed that Savannah's life and tragic death call for awareness and that the day should celebrate her life rather than her death. The request seeks a permanent recognition at the same level as Indigenous People's Day, without needing annual proclamations.

Discussion Items

Savannah Greywind Day Proposal

• Commissioners expressed strong support for the proposal. Chair Whitney Johnson (Oglala Sioux) affirmed the importance of honoring the request from Savannah's family. Commissioner Ashley Little Wolf (Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe) and Commissioner Dale Sayers (Blackfeet Nation) volunteered to help spearhead the effort alongside city planning staff and the family. Assistant Planner Catelyn noted there is no clear-cut path, so a navigating team would be formed to work with the mayor's office. Later in the meeting, Commissioner Amanda Strauss (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate) also asked to be involved.

Indigenous People's Day – October 9, 2023

• Chair Johnson announced a breakfast kickoff at Indigenous Association, encouraging community members to attend a "Meet the NAC" opportunity. The GLaDIS Gray Award nomination forms are available online or in hard copy; nominations are due by Friday, September 22, 2023. Additional programming is being compiled, including a lunch and learn at the YumCon Center (details to come).

Truth and Reconciliation Day – September 30, 2023

• Chair Johnson reported that the commission will again submit for a citywide proclamation. Last year, Fargo City Hall's exterior lights were lit in orange (Orange Shirt Day). An educational video is available on the NAC webpage.

Subcommittee Reports

• Health and Wellness (Chair Whitney Johnson): Met with State's Attorney Kim Hegzik and her office in May. The meeting went well; Hegzik has since reached out for resource connections, showing improved collaboration.
• Education and Cultural Awareness (Chair Ashley Little Wolf): No updates yet, but hope to meet with Fargo West Fargo Public Schools Indian Ed now that the school year is back.
• Housing Subcommittee: Currently no members. Ashley Little Wolf expressed interest in joining or chairing, given her professional background. Chair Johnson agreed that this could be handled informally; Ashley will remain chair of Education and Cultural Awareness but also join Housing.

Staff Reports

• Dr. Terry Hogan, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Announced a development and training plan for the cabinet, including IDI assessments and a focus on reducing biases. The first session occurred on the meeting day. No board questions.

Announcements

• Chair Whitney Johnson: The commission has one vacancy; applications are open through September 18, 2023 (information on city website).
• Upcoming events: Fargo Moorhead Indian Back-to-School Dash (tonight, 5:30-8 PM at Fargo Public School District office) and Native American Education Program Back-to-School Night (September 22, 6-8 PM).

Key Outcomes

• Savannah Greywind Day Team: Commissioners Ashley Little Wolf, Dale Sayers, and Amanda Strauss volunteered to form a navigating team with Ruth Buffalo, Maya Buffalo, city planning staff, and the family to advance the permanent day designation.
• Housing Subcommittee: Ashley Little Wolf will join (no formal vote needed).
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for November 2, 2023.