Governor Doug Burgum’s recent nomination for secretary of the Interior and National Energy Council chair has been described as a “match made in heaven” for North Dakota tribes by Mark Fox, chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation. The announcement by President-elect Donald Trump has been welcomed by tribal leaders in North and South Dakota.
Burgum, who has been credited with improving relations with local tribes during his time in office, is seen as someone who understands the challenges faced by Indian country, such as public safety, tribal education, and economic development. Tribal officials believe that Burgum could be a crucial ally in Washington, especially in reducing red tape for Native nations.
While some concerns about Trump administration policies have been raised, State Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille hopes that Burgum will continue to work collaboratively with tribes to address critical issues such as sustainable development, cultural preservation, and economic opportunity. Fox and other tribal leaders are optimistic that Burgum will create a friendlier regulatory environment for oil-rich tribes like the MHA Nation.
Burgum’s efforts to build relationships with tribes in North Dakota, particularly during the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, have been recognized by U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer as a positive step towards improving Indian relations. With his experience working with tribal leaders in North Dakota, Burgum is seen as a good fit for leading the Department of the Interior, according to Cramer.
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