Turtle Mountain Chippewa invest in youth for long-term growth
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Jamie Azure, chairman of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, in North Dakota, urged tribal leaders to prioritize youth engagement and move beyond outdated political approaches at the 29th Tribal Leaders Summit in Bismarck.
Azure explained that after joining the tribal council in 2016, he sought ways to improve opportunities for his people. Strategic planning trainings revealed a need for better data and higher education to demonstrate the Turtle Mountain Nation’s sovereignty.
In 2018, the Turtle Mountain Band partnered with the Native Governance Center to hold a youth summit. Leaders asked young people about challenges and opportunities within their community, then used the feedback to create a 10-year strategic plan. The tribe invested in projects designed to benefit both families and young people, including a water park and a recovery center. Azure also described economic initiatives aimed at securing the future for tribal members.
The Turtle Mountain Band raised the minimum wage to $15 per hour and extended 401(k) and insurance benefits to youth employees after six months of work. Additionally, young people partnered with the tribe’s natural resources group to revitalize Gordon Lake, creating Sky Chief Park and successfully advocating for an alcohol ban. Azure believes these actions empower young people to exercise true sovereignty.
The Turtle Mountain Band is currently involved in a voting rights lawsuit with Spirit Lake Nation concerning North Dakota’s legislative redistricting. Azure emphasized the importance of collaboration between tribes, particularly in response to federal issues like cuts to tribal college funding.
