Peace Garden News

Governor Kelly Armstrong and Lieutenant Governor Michelle Strinden visited the Spirit Lake Nation on Wednesday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen partnerships between North Dakota’s government and tribal nations. The delegation included state Cabinet members and agency representatives who met with Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street, state legislators, and other tribal leaders.

The meeting took place at the Spirit Lake Casino & Resort near St. Michael. According to officials, the visit aimed to address various challenges and opportunities faced by both the tribe and the state. The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission is coordinating these visits to help introduce the new administration to tribal nations and foster more effective partnerships.

Governor Armstrong has committed to visiting all five tribal nations in North Dakota during his first year in office. Since July, he has already visited the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation, with another visit planned soon for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

“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.”

During this visit, Armstrong and Chairwoman Street renewed an agreement that supports mutual aid across reservation boundaries. First signed in 2022, this agreement allows any nearby peace officer to respond immediately to emergency calls until local jurisdiction arrives.

The discussions covered topics such as gaming regulations, taxation issues, legal jurisdiction, trust lands management, health services delivery, wildlife concerns, economic development strategies, and educational initiatives. The day began with a briefing at the Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program in Fort Totten. State officials present included Attorney General Drew Wrigley and Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus.

The Spirit Lake Reservation is home to nearly 3,300 enrolled members out of a total enrollment of about 7,900 people. It covers roughly 405 square miles across Benson County as well as parts of Eddy, Nelson, and Ramsey counties.