Fargo commission approves Native American Commission transition to community‑led model

The Fargo City Commission on March 2 approved a transition plan for the Native American Commission that shifts the body to a volunteer, community‑led governance model while preserving its advisory role to city leadership.

Ashley Little Wolf, chair of the Native American Commission and an enrolled member of the Bois Fort Band of Ojibwe, presented the transition plan and said the commission will continue bimonthly public community meetings without reliance on city funding. The plan requests continued appointment of a city liaison, access to city meeting space when needed, and use of city communications platforms for announcements. Little Wolf emphasized sustained community ownership and sovereignty partnerships as part of the plan’s goals.

Nicole Crutchfield and other staff described technical steps to adapt resolutions and processes to implement the new governance model. Commissioners praised the commission’s leadership and the plan’s emphasis on community ownership. Commissioner Strand moved to approve the proposed transition plan and authorize coordination among the city attorney’s office, planning department and administration to retrofit relevant processes; the motion was seconded and approved by roll call.

The action directs staff to implement procedural changes necessary to support the commission’s new structure and maintain a formal advisory channel between the Native American Commission and city leadership. The plan does not allocate new city funding but asks for continued nonfinancial support such as appointment of a liaison and occasional meeting space.

Next steps: city staff will work with the commission to adjust ordinances and administrative processes as needed to reflect the new community‑led model.