September 9–12, 2025
Bismarck, ND — Consensus Council announces the successful conclusion of the 25th Anniversary International Legislators’ Forum (ILF), held September 9–12, 2025, in historic Deadwood, South Dakota.
This milestone gathering welcomed legislative delegates representing Manitoba, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, continuing a tradition of cross-border cooperation that began in 2001. For a quarter century, the ILF has fostered respectful dialogue and practical collaboration on issues vital to the northern plains prairie region.
“Twenty-five years of conversation and cooperation is an achievement worth celebrating, especially in this political moment,” said Ann Crews Melton, Consensus Council Executive Director. “The relationships built through the Forum have strengthened our region and inspired new, multipartisan solutions to shared challenges.”
Highlights of the 2025 anniversary forum included:
- A Sanford Underground Research Facility Tour, exploring world-class science beneath the Black Hills.
- A presentation on Agricultural Trade and Global Markets, by Joseph Janzen, agricultural economist at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focusing on opportunities and challenges for cross-border producers and international markets.
- A keynote on Working Across Differences, by Tyler Tordsen, former South Dakota state representative and Sisseton-Wahpeton tribal member, offering tools to bridge cultural, personal, and political divides and build lasting partnerships.
The anniversary Forum also featured showcases from each jurisdiction, highlighting the industry, tourism, cultures, and history of each state or province. Consensus Council extends its gratitude to all delegates, speakers, and partners who helped mark this special anniversary. Planning is already underway for the 2026 International Legislators’ Forum, which will be hosted in North Dakota.
For more information about the International Legislators’ Forum or to access post-event resources, please visit www.agree.org/legislators-forum/ or contact .
________________________________________
About the Consensus Council
For more than 30 years, Consensus Council has brought a diversity of voices to the table, teaching citizens and leaders to listen, converse, and collaborate across differences. Based in Bismarck, ND, Consensus Council facilitates conversations and builds agreements to empower people, transform communities, and advance the public good. Learn more at agree.org.
Delegates listening to a presenter at the International Legislators’ Forum
International Legislators’ Forum Steering Committee members prepared a presentation showcasing their jurisdiction.
International Legislators’ Forum Delegates listening to a tour guide share about the elevator system for the Sanford Underground Research Facility.