Consideration and Approval: Flagstaff City Council Land Acknowledgment to be added to the Flagstaff City Council Rules of Procedure

The purpose of a Land Acknowledgement is to formally acknowledge and reflect on the attempted erasure of Indigenous peoples and the historic trauma caused by colonialism. This practice opens opportunities for a deeper understanding and convenes steps toward reconciliations and conciliation. Adopting a land acknowledgement from a neutral perspective that includes all Indigenous peoples will help to further enhance meaningful collaboration with and for Indigenous community members, organizations, and Nations.

The attached language details the Land Acknowledgement text that is recommended and supported by the City of Flagstaff's Indigenous Commission (Commission). The Commission and the staff liaison worked on the Land Acknowledgement at the July 2021 retreat and during regular meetings throughout August and October of 2021. 

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Priority Based Budget Key Community Priorities and Objectives
Inclusive & Engaged Community: Foster community pride and civic engagement (SP)1.5/ 4.4/ (RP) E&C.5/ CC.1-6/ LU.3/ T.4/ NH.6/ ED.7/ REC.1; Facilitate and foster diversity and inclusivity (SP)4.3/ (RP)NH.1/ LU.18/ CC.5-6; Enhance community outreach and engagement opportunities (SP)3.5/ (RP)LU.1-2/ LU.6-7/ LU.9-12/ LU.18/ PF.1-2/ T.1-2/ T.4-7/ CD.1/ NH.1/ NH.3-5/ ED.2
Livable Community: Create a welcoming community through partnerships, strong neighborhoods, civic engagement, and resident participation (RP)REC.1/ ED.1-2/ CC.2-3/ CC.5/ LU.1/ LU.9/ LU.13/ LU.18/ PF.1/ NH.1/ NH.3

At the Flagstaff City Council (Council) meeting on October 10, 2017, the Council accepted Key Recommendations as presented from the Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF). Council directed the City Manager to work with ICF to further the work on the recommendations through a strategic plan. Under the list of Key Recommendations is a section titled Visibility where land acknowledgment fits. The Visibility plan works to build the visibility of Indigenous presence and contributions through and not limited to public art, street and place names, and public advertising of events.