Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong and leaders from over a dozen state agencies met with the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) in Belcourt to strengthen partnerships and identify shared priorities. This visit is part of Armstrong's commitment to visit all five tribal nations in North Dakota during his first year in office. The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission is facilitating these visits to introduce the new administration and build stronger relationships.

Armstrong stated, “We want to build on our relationships, partnerships and conversations that began at the Government to Government seminar and bring these conversations to you.” He emphasized that these visits serve as listening sessions, allowing for direct communication with tribal leaders and community members.

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

State agencies present included the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, Department of Commerce, Department of Environmental Quality among others. Other partners included the North Dakota Tribal College System and USDA Rural Development.

Armstrong encouraged participants to move discussions toward actionable solutions. He highlighted open communication lines as essential for addressing issues like the wildfires that affected Turtle Mountain in May.

Chairman Azure expressed hope that discussions would lead to substantive action and thanked Armstrong for bringing his administration to Belcourt. “We appreciate people coming to our lands,” he said. “You can see with your own eyes … a lot of the issues.”