TWO COMMISSIONERS SWORN INTO OFFICE

Commissioners Raina Killspotted, Education, and Kelly Applegate, Natural Resources (front) were sworn into offices by the Honorable Chief Justice Rhonda Sam (back, second from right) on June 30, 2025. Celebrating the honor are District III Representative Harry Davis, District I Representative Carolyn Beaulieu, District II Representative Wendy Merrill, Chief Executive Virgil Wind, and Speaker Sheldon Boyd.

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowiin Editor

Three open commissioner spots remain

With the commissioner terms ending on September 30, 2025, two commissioners were sworn into office on Monday, June 30, 2025, during a special session of Band Assembly. Commissioner of Natural Resources Kelly Applegate and Commissioner of Education Raina Killspotted were sworn in by Chief Justice Rhonda Sam.

Applegate has been the Commissioner of Natural Resources since 2021 and has worked within the DNR since 2006. Killspotted has been the Commissioner of Education since 2024 and has worked in the education field for decades.

The Office of Chief Executive Wind and other well wishers held a smudge walk to celebrate the swearing-in of Commissioners Applegate and Killspotted and to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the outgoing commissioners, Commissioner of Health Nicole Anderson and Commissioner of Administration Darcie Big Bear. This smudge walk is intended to help move forward in a good way, even a little bit of rain didn't dampen the spirits of those walking.