Finally flagged: Burgum's surprise move aims to set tone for state-tribal relations

A spirit of reconciliation between the state and tribal governments was in the air on the opening day of the 2019 legislative session, as Gov. Doug Burgum announced to a standing ovation that the flags of North Dakota's five tribal nations will be on display outside the governor's office alongside the state and national flag.

"Surprised, yes, but not that surprised," said Scott Davis, executive director of the state Indian Affairs Commission, when asked about Burgum's announcement. "We've been working on this for a long time."

Davis said the tribes always display the national, state, and tribal flags together, as well as an eagle staff, at ceremonies on the reservations and at Native American events.

This gesture comes after relations between the state and tribal governments were strained during and after the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in 2016 and accusations of discrimination during this past election cycle over North Dakota's voter ID laws. Both issues made national headlines, and the State of the Relationship address was canceled at the start of the 2017 legislative session as legislative leaders cited security concerns with anticipated protests.

Myra Pearson, chairwoman of the Spirit Lake nation, delivering the state of the relationship address before the governor spoke, referenced the tension. "Not all of the national attention has been positive," she said. "It is important that we learn from both our negative and positive experiences while we forge new and stronger relationships."

Pearson ended her speech by presenting the governor and First Lady Kathryn Burgum each with a traditional gift, a Native American honor blanket, as a show of goodwill. Two hours later, that gesture was matched during the State of the State address by Burgum's announcement, which was met by sustained applause throughout the House chamber and loud whooping from the Native American delegation present.

"We had tears in our eyes," Davis said. "This is big. He's a courageous leader. He's taken the initiative to do something like this and I can't say enough."

It is a beginning, said Rep. Ruth Buffalo, D-Fargo, the first female American Indian of her party elected to the Legislature. "To me, it means an exciting step in the right direction," she said. "The governor has done his part. Now it's time for us to do ours."

Davis emphasized the importance of the symbolism of respect and honor in Native American culture. "It shows, in that relationship, we are committed in this state to get better and stronger, and we have the best relationship between the state and the tribes in America," said Davis.