Please join us either virtually or in-person Wednesday, November 6th, 2024 from 2:30 - 4:30 PM for a November forum. We are pleased to have BWSR Agency Tribal Liaison, Melissa King, for a discussion on intergovernmental relationships between tribal nations and the United States and the State of Minnesota!

In-person: REI Training Room at 750 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55420.

Topic: Intergovernmental Relationships between Tribal Nations and the United States and State of Minnesota

Forum Topic: Tribal Nations have unique legal status, absolute rights, and sovereign authority to protect and enhance the health, safety, and welfare of their citizens and territory. The State of Minnesota and Tribal Nations have shared geography, history, people, natural resources, and priorities for the protection of waters and water quality. Participants will gain a better understanding of Tribal sovereignty, treaties, ceded lands and Indian Country, and the unique intergovernmental relationships that exists between Tribal Nations and the United States and State of Minnesota –the complex regulatory framework that exists for the protection of waters and wetlands, and the importance of working with Tribal Nations on these issues.

Speaker: Melissa King (Odaawaa-Zaaga'iganiing, Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) has been with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) for six years and is currently the agency’s Tribal Liaison. In her role she works to cultivate meaningful relationships with Tribal Nations and Tribal organizations. She provides guidance to the agency to ensure that BWSR’s work is guided by principles of respect for Tribal sovereignty and brings awareness of and ensures Tribal values and concerns are considered into agency initiatives and policy-making

MPWCP Credits: 2 hours, pending

PWS Credits: 2 hours