The Nashwaukt City Council is an important part of the city's municipal government structure, and the meetings are recorded for playback in-between the actual meeting times so our viewers can stay updated on city issues. It is believed that Nashwauk was named after a river in New Brunswick, Canada. The word is said to be from the Algonquin language and means "land between". Northern Minnesota was a vast forest land occupied only by Indians. First by the Sioux and later by the Chippewa. The town was the first mining community to develop in Itasca County. Nashwauk was incorporated on January 12, 1903. The city council consist of 5 elected councilors. Other common titles for members of the council include councilmember or councilman/woman. The mayor is a voting member of the council who serves as chairman. There is also a mayor pro tem councilmember, who serves as acting mayor in the absence of the mayor. The council functions as a small congressional style legislative body, proposing agenda items, holding votes, and passing ordinances to help govern the city. Meetings are held twice a month.