Armstrong, Strinden visit Spirit Lake Nation

(Photo provided by governor’s office)

(KNOX) – Gov. Kelly Armstrong, Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, Cabinet leaders and other state agency representatives visited the Spirit Lake Nation meeting with Chairwoman Lonna Jackson-Street, state legislators and other tribal leaders and members to share perspectives and ideas on various challenges and opportunities facing the tribe and state.

The visit was part of the governor’s commitment to strengthen state-tribal partnerships and visit all five tribal nations in North Dakota during his first year in office. Since July, Armstrong has made official visits to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, and Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation, and he plans to visit the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in the coming weeks for the third time this year.

Meeting at the Spirit Lake Casino & Resort on the shores of Devils Lake near St. Michael, Armstrong expressed his gratitude to the tribe for its ongoing partnership and commitment to strengthening relationships with the state. The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission is facilitating the visits to introduce the new administration to tribal nations and build stronger relationships and effective partnerships.

“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.”