Central ND News

Governor Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden visited the Spirit Lake Nation in St. Michael, North Dakota, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships between the state government and tribal nations. The meeting included discussions with Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street, state legislators, and other tribal leaders on a range of topics important to both the tribe and the state.

The visit is one of several planned by Governor Armstrong during his first year in office, aiming to meet with all five tribal nations in North Dakota. Since July, Armstrong has visited the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, and Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation. He also plans another visit to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the coming weeks.

During a meeting at Spirit Lake Casino & Resort near Devils Lake, Armstrong thanked the tribe for its partnership. “Our goal with these visits is to listen to the needs, challenges and opportunities of our tribal nations, which are each unique in their own way, and identify avenues to turn ideas into action,” Armstrong said. “We appreciate the hospitality shown by Chairwoman Street and the Tribal Council and look forward to continued collaboration and partnerships that strengthen state-tribal relations for the benefit of tribal members and all North Dakota citizens.”

Armstrong and Chairwoman Street renewed their commitment to cross-jurisdictional mutual aid by signing an agreement originally established in 2022. This agreement enables peace officers from either jurisdiction to respond quickly to emergency calls until authorities with primary responsibility arrive.

Topics discussed included gaming regulations, taxation issues, jurisdictional matters related to sentencing, trust lands management, health services delivery, fish and wildlife concerns, economic development initiatives, and education. The visit began with an update at the Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program located in Fort Totten.

Attorney General Drew Wrigley, Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus, and several state legislators were present at the event.

The Spirit Lake Nation has about 3,300 enrolled members living on its reservation—covering roughly 405 square miles mainly in Benson County—and a total enrollment approaching 7,900 members.