North Dakota tribes call for respect, autonomy amid federal cuts

Tribal leaders from North Dakota’s five tribal nations voiced concerns about federal funding cuts and called for greater respect and collaboration from state lawmakers during the seventh annual Government-to-Government Conference, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Chairman Jamie Azure criticized state legislators’ remarks on the tribe’s Grand Forks casino project as insulting and urged the Legislature to shift its mindset. Standing Rock Chairwoman Janet Alkire highlighted a co-stewardship agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and ongoing energy infrastructure efforts. Spirit Lake Nation Chairperson Lonna Jackson-Street advocated for reinstating the motor vehicle tax exemption for off-reservation members and addressed economic losses due to electronic pull tabs. Gov. Kelly Armstrong praised a new state law establishing a task force to address the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples.