Chairman Mark Fox outlines Fort Berthold recovery, energy projects and greenhouse plan

Chairman Mark Fox of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA) Nation told Minot’s city council on Nov. 3 that the tribe’s economy has shifted from agriculture to energy and community services following historic population losses and land reductions. He described Fort Berthold’s recovery and several major projects intended to expand local infrastructure and revenues.

Fox said the tribe suffered catastrophic epidemics and territorial reductions in the 18th and 19th centuries, then rebuilt an economy now driven in part by oil development in the Bakken formation. "We currently produce nearly 3% of all the crude in the United States," he said, and noted about 3,000 active wells on the reservation and roughly 7,000 wells that have been drilled there over time. He said tribal leaders are planning to increase crude storage capacity from roughly 300,000 barrels to between 3 million and 5 million barrels to manage market volatility.

Fox also described two other energy-related strategies: efforts to move liquefied natural gas (LNG) to foreign markets via pipeline and a project to capture otherwise wasted natural gas for local power generation. That power, he said, would support a data center and other industry uses. He framed those energy projects as revenue sources to fund roads, water, schools and other infrastructure.

The chairman previewed Native Green Grove, a greenhouse project that will use captured gas and combined heat-and-power (CHP) equipment to produce heat, light and carbon dioxide for year-round growing. Fox said phase one is expected to yield close to 2,000,000 pounds of food annually and that a grand opening is planned for Nov. 26. He also described new and renovated community facilities — schools, community centers and a wellness campus — and urged regional cooperation, noting many tribal members live off-reservation in cities such as Minot.

Fox emphasized losses tied to federal projects and policies — including the Garrison Dam and the resulting Lake Sakakawea — and said those events destroyed farmland and moved communities. He said a 1985 joint tribal advisory committee and subsequent federal judgment recognized some of that loss and that current development seeks to restore services and infrastructure the tribe lacks, including higher-level long-term care and hospital services.

Theresa May introduced Fox to the council and Fox invited council members to visit Fort Berthold for the greenhouse opening and other projects. He closed by presenting ceremonial blankets to council members and explaining the cultural significance of giveaway traditions.

The presentation occupied the early portion of the evening agenda; council business resumed after Fox’s remarks.