Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate host North Dakota officials for committee meeting

The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate hosted members of the North Dakota Tribal and State Relations Committee on Aug. 19 at Dakota Magic Casino near Hankinson, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Chair J. Garret Renville told legislators, “Your presence here today demonstrates respect for our people.”

The meeting marked the committee’s first session of the 2025-27 interim and its first held on the Lake Traverse Reservation, said Sen. Tim Mathern, D-Fargo, the committee’s vice chair. Rep. Dawson Holle, R-Mandan, who chairs the committee, said the group “is setting the tone that we want to be in conversation with our tribal leaders.” Officials discussed gambling, health care and tourism. Gov. Kelly Armstrong also met separately with tribal leaders. The committee plans to visit each of the state’s five tribal nations, with the next meeting scheduled in September at Fort Berthold with the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation.