ND Indian Affairs Commission & Staff

Medium

h2

Center

The Commission is the liaison between the Executive Branch and the Tribes in North Dakota. Duties include mediation service with the Tribes and State and working with other state agencies regarding proper protocol in working with Native Americans and Tribal governments.

Over the years, nine governors have served as chair of the Commission as the NDIAC has tackled many issues including jurisdiction, assimilation, employment, economic development, welfare, discrimination, research, self-determination for Tribes and, most recently, gaming. The Commission has evolved as a vital link between the state and Tribal nations. The NDIAC continues to address tough issues and to serve as a facilitator for building a better North Dakota through cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect.

Commission Meeting Information

Medium

h2

Center

Commission Meeting Information

Thursday, November 5th, 2025

Pioneer Room, Located on the Ground Floor of the J Wing in the Capitol

Bismarck. ND

NDIAC Agenda TBA

ND Indian Affairs Commission Membership

Medium

h2

Center

ND Indian Affairs Commission Membership

Governor Kelly Armstrong NDIAC Chairman Office of the Governor 600 E Boulevard Ave Bismarck, ND 58505-0001 (701) 328-2200 (w) (701) 328-2205 (fax)	Mark Fox Chairman Three Affiliated Tribes 404 Frontage Road New Town, ND 58763 (701) 627-4781 (w) 701-627-4748 (fax)	Janet Alkire Chairwoman Standing Rock Sioux Tribe PO Box D Fort Yates, ND 58538 (701) 854-7201 (w) (701) 854-7299 (fax)
Lonna Jackson Street Chairwoman Spirit Lake Nation PO Box 359 Fort Totten, ND 58335-0359 (701) 766-4626 (w) (701) 766-4126 (fax)	Jamie Azure Chairman Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa PO Box 900 Belcourt, ND 58316-0900 701-477-2600 (w) 701-477-6836 (fax)	J. Garret Renville Chairman Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate PO Box 509 Agency Village, SD 57262 (605) 698-3911 (w) (605) 698-7907 (fax)
At Large Member - Dr. Leander "Russ" McDonald President United Tribes Technical College Dr. Leander "Russ" McDonald 3315 University Drive Bismarck, ND 58503 (701) 255-3285 (w)	At Large Member - Dr. Viola Slater Professional Development Specialist Western Educational Regional Cooperative	At Large Member - Erica Thunder Head of Tribal Health Equity and Experience Sanford Health

NDIAC Staff

Medium

h2

Center

NDIAC Staff

Executive Director
Brad Hawk
(701) 328-2448
bhawk@nd.gov

Deputy Director
Anthony Bauer
(701) 328-9056
baueranthony@nd.gov

Administrator of Strategy,
Operations, and Partnerships
Melinda Padilla Lynch
(701) 328-1552
melpadillalynch@nd.gov

External Affairs &
Communication Specialist
Kiera Fox
(701) 328-2428
Foxkiera@nd.gov

Medium

Goals

Increase and maximize educational opportunities for American Indians in North Dakota
Increase the economic self-sufficiency of American Indians in North Dakota and maximize Indian economic development initiatives
Achieve parity in employment for Indians of North Dakota
Improve the health status of American Indians in North Dakota
Increase the public awareness of American Indians
Provide for the state and/or federal recognition of North Dakota Indian tribes
Promote recognition of and the right of Indians to pursue cultural and religious traditions considered by them to be sacred and meaningful and to promote public understanding and appreciation of Indian culture

Mission

NDIAC Mission Statement (excerpts from ND Century Code 54-36)

(click here for a complete copy of ND Century Code 54-36 - Indian Affairs Commission)

The Indian affairs commission may assist and mobilize the support of state and federal agencies in assisting Indian individuals and groups in North Dakota, especially the five tribal councils, as the Indian individuals and tribal councils seek to develop their own goals, project plans for achieving those goals, and implement those plans. The commission may accept gifts, grants, donations, and services from any source which are appropriated on a continuing basis for the purposes of the commission. The commission's duties are to:

Investigate any phase of Indian affairs and to assemble and make available the facts needed by tribal, state, and federal agencies to work effectively together.
Assist tribal, state, and federal agencies in developing programs whereby Indian citizens may achieve more adequate standards of living.
Assist tribal groups in developing increasingly effective institutions of self-government.
Work for greater understanding and improved relationships between Indians and non-Indians.
Seek increased participation by Indian citizens in local and state affairs.
Confer with and coordinate officials and agencies of other governmental units and congressional committees with regard to Indian needs and goals.
Encourage and propose agreements and accords between federal, state, and local agencies and the several tribal governments, and, pursuant to chapter 54-40.2, to assist in monitoring and negotiating agreements and accords when asked by an affected tribe.

The North Dakota Indian affairs commission consists of the governor, three members appointed by the governor from the state at large, two of whom must be of Indian descent, must be enrolled members of a tribe, and must be current voting residents of the state, and the chairperson, or the chairperson's designee, of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe; the Spirit Lake Nation; the Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation; the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians; and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation. The governor is the chairperson of the commission. The commission shall meet quarterly or as otherwise agreed. Members of the commission or the chairperson's designee are entitled to receive mileage and expenses for attending each meeting as are allowed other state officers.

Meeting Minutes