Dem-NPL names Burdick Dinner keynote speaker and honorees

Keynote and speakers

The North Dakota Democratic-NPL Party has named U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana as the keynote speaker for its 16th Annual Burdick Dinner, scheduled for Oct. 10 in Fargo.

Party Chair Adam Goldwyn pointed to Tester’s background as a third-generation farmer and former teacher, as well as his work on issues affecting rural communities. Heidi Heitkamp, who represented North Dakota in the U.S. Senate from 2013 through 2019, is also scheduled to speak.

Four people to receive awards

Former U.S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy will receive the Art and Grace Link Lifetime Achievement Award. Pomeroy represented North Dakota in the U.S. House from 1993 through 2011. He also served in the North Dakota House and as state insurance commissioner, and he cast a key vote for the Affordable Care Act.

State Rep. Gretchen Dobervich, a Fargo Democrat who has served in the North Dakota House since 2016, will receive the Hometown Hero Award. Her legislative work has included bills addressing behavioral health services, maternal health and the repeal of an HIV law the party described as outdated and discriminatory.

Other honorees

Katrina Christiansen will receive the Spirit of the NPL Award. Christiansen is an engineering professor and agricultural engineer with multiple patents. She ran for the U.S. Senate in 2022 and 2024 and currently chairs the District 12 Democratic-NPL organization.

Carter Hass, a Concordia College student and recent Valley City High School graduate, will also be recognized. Hass promotes youth participation in civic life and uses social media to explain issues affecting North Dakotans.