Advancing Leaders, Communities and Agriculture | | |
Building Connection and Perspective: RLND Seminar 9 in Belcourt
By Seminar 9 Communications Team: Brandon Baity, Barb Mothershead, and Anna Ross
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Seminar 9 brought RLND Class X to Belcourt, ND, for a deep and engaging exploration of leadership through the lens of cultural preservation, rural innovation, and community resilience. Over the course of three days, participants learned from local leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, and tribal representatives who are shaping the future of the Turtle Mountain region.
Day 1: Immersion in Culture and Community Development
The seminar opened at the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center, where participants explored the traditions of the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe), Métis, and Cree peoples. The day continued with visits to Turtle Mountain Community Schools and the Ojibwe Indian School, where youth leadership and cultural pride were on full display through music, storytelling, and educational initiatives. RLND Class X also visited the Turtle Mountain Recovery Center and Emergency Youth Shelter, where leaders shared how culturally rooted healing and support services strengthen the social fabric. A stop at Arrow-Tech, Inc. in Rolla showcased the global impact of rural innovation, and a final tour of the International Peace Garden highlighted regional collaboration and diplomacy.
Day 2: Leadership, Culture, and Entrepreneurship
Day two began at Turtle Mountain Community College, a hub for economic resilience and cultural education. Leadership lessons were shared with local Gifted & Talented high school students, exploring how values-driven leadership transcends titles. Participants met the founders of Bineshi Ikwewag, whose business celebrates Anishinaabe identity through art and fashion. A Round Dance reminded participants of the power of ceremony to foster healing and unity. The class also visited the Anishinaabe Campus to learn about traditional food systems and community gardens. A Talking Circle with Tribal Chairman Jamie Azure provided a powerful close to the day’s sessions, followed by an evening dinner with tribal leaders and RLND alumni.
Day 3: Agricultural Leadership and Sustainable Practices
The final day featured a visit to Mothershead Ranch, where participants gained perspective on ranching and agricultural leadership. A conversation with Paul Overby reinforced the importance of regenerative agriculture and soil health in creating resilient rural economies. The seminar closed with reflections led by RLND alumnus Chuck Neubauer, who inspired the group with his story of local impact and continued community engagement.
This seminar provided space for learning, connection, and meaningful reflection. For some participants, it was an enlightening experience in a tribal community; for others, it was a proud opportunity to share their heritage. Throughout each visit and conversation, Seminar 9 reinforced that leadership is not just about process—it’s about people, place, and purpose. The stories shared in Belcourt spoke to the strength of community-led solutions, the power of culture in shaping leadership, and the spirit of giving back. The energy, innovation, and commitment to youth across the Turtle Mountain region was contagious—reflecting a vibrant culture of intergenerational learning that will continue to inspire us long after the seminar ends.
A big thank you to our seminar sponsors: Leader Corp Sponsor Level ($2,500+):Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI), Leader Corp Member Level ($1,000+): Starion Bank and Belcourt Public Schools: Transportation, Program Sponsors ($200+): Turtle Mountain College American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), Turtle Mountain Community High School Gifted and Talented Leadership, Mothershead Ranch, ($100+) Turtle Mountain College, and ($99 and under) Turtle Mountain Chippewa Heritage Center.
| | Class X at the International Peace | | Class X with Chuck Neubauer, RLND Class VII | | Class X at the Turtle Mountain Recovery Center | | Class X members Kyle, Barb, and Lule enjoying the Leadership Dinner | | Class X members Melinda and Christie engaging with TMBCI Tribal Council Treasurer | | Class X at Mothershead Ranch | | |
Leaders are Readers: Spring 2025 Book Study
RLND Alumni, the current Class, and RLND Council members (past and present) are invited to join our exclusive Spring 2025 book study featuring High Conflict: Why we Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley.
In High Conflict, Ripley explores how good people can find themselves trapped in soul-crushing conflicts with co-workers, neighbors, family members, or even politicians they’ve never met. Through powerful stories from conflict survivors across three countries, Ripley uncovers strategies to break free from destructive feuds and foster healthy, productive conflict instead.
Meeting Dates: May 7 and May 14, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. CST
Location: Online {meeting link will be sent in the confirmation email after you sign up for this event}
Please get your copy of High Conflict: Why we Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley from your favorite local bookstore, download the audiobook from your preferred platform, or order it online!
RLND Alumni Association members can submit their receipt for the book to be reimbursed up to $20 (instructions will be sent to those who sign up!).
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and strengthen your leadership skills!
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Applications for RLND Class XI Are Open - Nominate a Leader Today!
Do you know someone passionate about making a difference in their community, agriculture, or rural development? Now is the time to nominate them for Rural Leadership North Dakota (RLND) Class XI!
Why Nominate? RLND is seeking dedicated individuals from across North Dakota who are eager to enhance their leadership skills, expand their networks, and create lasting change. The program is ideal for farmers, business owners, community leaders, and engaged citizens who want to make a meaningful impact.
What Does RLND Offer? Participants gain hands-on experience through:
- Statewide seminars covering key leadership and community development topics
- An international study seminar exploring global perspectives on leadership
- Opportunities to engage directly with leaders, policymakers, and industry experts
Your Role: If you know someone who would thrive in this dynamic program, we encourage you to submit a nomination. By nominating a leader today, you can help shape the future of North Dakota's communities and agriculture.
📅 Applications for Class XI are open! Don't wait — nominate someone today and help build a stronger North Dakota!
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Upcoming RLND Class X Seminar Locations!
Seminar 10: Devils Lake
June 25-27, 2025
Leadership Dinner: Wednesday, June 25, Location TBD. Alumni can RSVP here.
Alumni and friends will be notified by email to RVSP for Leadership Dinners closer to the date of the seminar in that region.
Want to be sure you are contacted to RSVP for a leadership dinner in your area? Make sure your email address is current by clicking on the update your email button below!
| | 🎓 You’re Invited: Save the Date! | |
Friday, November 21, 2025 | Medora, ND
We're celebrating a monumental milestone — Class X Graduation Gala! Join us for a spectacular evening in historic Medora, ND, as we mark the 20th Anniversary of Rural Leadership North Dakota.
Come for an unforgettable evening featuring:
✨ Class X Perspectives – Hear inspiring reflections from the graduating class.
🏆 RLNDAA Eagle Award Presentation – Recognizing an outstanding alumni.
🎖️ RLND Council Leaders & Champion Awards – Honoring exemplary leaders and organizations in the RLND community.
👏 Thanking our Leader Corp Sponsors – Celebrating those who have supported RLND’s growth.
🎉 Silent Auction – Bid on amazing items for a good cause!
🍸 After Gala Social – Continue the celebration with fellow alumni and guests.
This year, we’re thrilled to host the event in Medora, the historic community nestled in the beautiful North Dakota Badlands, offering a stunning backdrop for this special occasion. You won’t want to miss the charm and warmth of this iconic venue!
Formal invitations and full event details will follow soon — but for now, mark your calendar for November 21, 2025, and prepare to be part of this extraordinary event!
💡 RSVP, lodging information, and RLNDAA professional development opportunities will be posted online and sent to you via email.
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Rural Leadership North Dakota
NDSU Extension
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108
701-361-1869
ndsu.ruralleadership@ndsu.edu
Visit website
| | | The NDSU Extension does not endorse commercial products or companies even though reference may be made to tradenames, trademarks or service names. NDSU encourages you to use and share this content, but please do so under the conditions of our Creative Commons license. You may copy, distribute, transmit and adapt this work as long as you give full attribution, don’t use the work for commercial purposes and share your resulting work similarly. For more information, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/agcomm/creative-commons. | | County commissions, North Dakota State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. NDSU does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of age, color, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, participation in lawful off-campus activity, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, public assistance status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, spousal relationship to current employee, or veteran status, as applicable. Direct inquiries to Vice Provost for Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Old Main 201, NDSU Main Campus, 701-231-7708, ndsu.eoaa@ndsu.edu. This publication will be made available in alternative formats for people with disabilities upon request, 701-231-7881. | | | | |
