Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong, along with representatives from over a dozen state agencies, visited the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in Belcourt, North Dakota. The visit aimed to strengthen state-tribal partnerships and identify shared priorities for collaboration.

This meeting is part of Armstrong's commitment to visit all five tribal nations in North Dakota during his first year in office. Facilitated by the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, these visits aim to introduce the new administration and build stronger relationships.

“We want to build on our relationships, partnerships and conversations that began at the Government to Government seminar and bring these conversations to you,” Armstrong stated. “These visits serve as listening sessions, opportunities to hear directly from tribal leaders and community members.”

The governor met with TMBCI Chairman Jamie Azure, Tribal Council members, District 9 state legislators, and other stakeholders at Sky Dancer Event Center. Discussions included topics such as health care, education, economic development, public safety, transportation, gaming, natural resources, hunting access, and extending natural gas service.

State agencies present included the Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, Department of Commerce among others. Other partners involved were the North Dakota Tribal College System and U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Armstrong encouraged participants to move discussions into actionable solutions and highlighted open communication's importance using the state's role in battling recent wildfires as an example.

Azure expressed hope for substantive action from these dialogues and thanked Armstrong for visiting Belcourt. “We appreciate people coming to our lands,” he said.