North Dakota mulling tribal flags display in state Capitol

BISMARCK (AP) — The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission plans to formally request that the flags of the state’s five tribes become a permanent fixture at the Capitol after three unsuccessful legislative attempts to secure such a display.

A committee of state lawmakers will hear the commission’s request Thursday, the Bismarck Tribune reported.

Gov. Doug Burgum declared during his State of the State address that he would display the flags outside his office in Bismarck. The flags represent the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation; the Standing Rock Sioux; the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa; the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate; and the Spirit Lake Nation.

“As we continue to engage with the tribes in discussions about oil and gas tax revenue distribution, law enforcement, behavioral health and other priorities, we will do so with mutual respect and the understanding that we are all North Dakotans,” the governor said during his January address.

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