DRAFT MINUTES
| INDIGENOUS COMMISSION RETREAT STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE SATURDAY, 8:30 A.M., JULY 31, 2021 |
1.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 8:43 A.M. by Co-chair Washington.
The meeting was called to order at 8:43 A.M. by Co-chair Washington.
2.
Roll Call
| NOTE: The retreat will be in person. |
| Diana Cudeii, Ex-Officio; Excused Absence Dorothy Gishie, Ex-Officio; Excused Absence Meg Kabotie Adakai, E-Officio; Present Cora M. Phillips, Co-Chair; Present Joe. W. Washington, Co-Chair; Present Courtney Scott; Present Fawn Toya; Present Kiara Weathersby; Present Shawna Whitehat; Present Jonathan Yellowhair; Present (left meeting at 11:24 A.M.) |
|
Others in attendance: Councilmember Adam Shimoni; Brooke Holiday, Coconino County employee/Agenda Item Facilitator; Rose Toehe, Staff Liaison/Coordinator for Indigenous Initiatives; Jordan Hollinger, Associate Planner, City Community Development. |
3.
Public Comment
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for Public Comment at the time the item is heard. (Five minutes/person)
1. Councilmember Shimoni made introductions and thanked everyone for their time and contribution to the Commission and the City. He also stated he was looking forward to what comes out of the retreat regarding agenda items.
2. Since this was the first in-person Commission meeting, commissioners, city staff, and facilitator also provided introductions.
At this time, any member of the public may address the Commission on any subject within their jurisdiction that is not scheduled before the Commission on that day. Due to Open Meeting Laws, the Commission cannot discuss or act on items presented during this portion of the agenda. To address the Commission on an item that is on the agenda, please wait for the Chair to call for Public Comment at the time the item is heard. (Five minutes/person)
1. Councilmember Shimoni made introductions and thanked everyone for their time and contribution to the Commission and the City. He also stated he was looking forward to what comes out of the retreat regarding agenda items.
2. Since this was the first in-person Commission meeting, commissioners, city staff, and facilitator also provided introductions.
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
None to approve at this retreat.
None to approve at this retreat.
5.
GENERAL BUSINESS
A.
Work Session on Mission and Vision Statements for Indigenous Commission
Ms. Brooke Holiday is the Program Manager at the Coconino County Health and Human Services, Page location. She will be the facilitator for this agenda item. Ms. Holiday will provide the presentation and process on the Mission and Vision statements. Staff liaison will assist as needed. The final version of the Mission and Vision Statements will be approved or tabled for final approval at August regular meeting.
Lead by the facilitator, Ms. Holiday, the Commission created ground rules to abide by: Mutual Respect; Be Kind; Holistic Values; Open Mine & Heart; Integrity; Ke' - Act in Kinship; Let speaker finish their thought before moving on to another speaker; Speak your Truth; Really Listen; No Competition; No Answer is Wrong.
The first subject for discussion was the Mission Statement. Ms. Holiday provided a presentation. A suggestion was put forward and that was to think about it as more than the ordinance. Provide a framework through the ordinance but will need to blossom from there. Some things to consider, the Mission is action and can change, while the Vision is something to work toward. The discussion began with "I joined the Commission because..."; "How to make the world better..."; "What values do you have or need to achieve your Vision?". While sharing, the next step was to look for patterns in the answers and group them by similar themes. This process continued for two hours as the commissioners brought out thoughts, ideas, and questions. Rough drafts were developed, reworded and arrived at some draft ideas. There was not a consensus to approve and these subjects will need additional work by the entire Commission. These are some ideas:
Ms. Holiday assured the commissioners that they were on the right track and many great ideas were expressed. All that is needed is for the Commission to agree on the words which will provide the mission/vision on how the Commission will carry on its work.
Ms. Brooke Holiday is the Program Manager at the Coconino County Health and Human Services, Page location. She will be the facilitator for this agenda item. Ms. Holiday will provide the presentation and process on the Mission and Vision statements. Staff liaison will assist as needed. The final version of the Mission and Vision Statements will be approved or tabled for final approval at August regular meeting.
Lead by the facilitator, Ms. Holiday, the Commission created ground rules to abide by: Mutual Respect; Be Kind; Holistic Values; Open Mine & Heart; Integrity; Ke' - Act in Kinship; Let speaker finish their thought before moving on to another speaker; Speak your Truth; Really Listen; No Competition; No Answer is Wrong.
The first subject for discussion was the Mission Statement. Ms. Holiday provided a presentation. A suggestion was put forward and that was to think about it as more than the ordinance. Provide a framework through the ordinance but will need to blossom from there. Some things to consider, the Mission is action and can change, while the Vision is something to work toward. The discussion began with "I joined the Commission because..."; "How to make the world better..."; "What values do you have or need to achieve your Vision?". While sharing, the next step was to look for patterns in the answers and group them by similar themes. This process continued for two hours as the commissioners brought out thoughts, ideas, and questions. Rough drafts were developed, reworded and arrived at some draft ideas. There was not a consensus to approve and these subjects will need additional work by the entire Commission. These are some ideas:
- To positively influence the Flagstaff community through advocacy, education, and equitable policies based in indigeneity
- The community of Flagstaff is knowledgeable and inclusive of Indigenous values and cultural beliefs and provides equitable leadership
- To create a respectful environment for all that is purposeful and will empower to heal, strengthen relationships with cultural knowledge and understanding.
- To empower _____________
- To provide a voice for the Indigenous/Native American community of this land.... Which include all people, gone before yet to be born.
- To build bridges of understanding through education, advocacy for indigenous values and culture to create a more empowering roadmap to develop a collective vision, defining challenges, problem solving, building partnerships, and unity to achieve a more just and equitable environment. (first version)
- To build bridges of understanding through education, advocacy for Indigenous values and culture creating an empowering roadmap by developing a collective vision, defining challenges, problem solving, building partnerships and unity to achieve an equitable environment.
Ms. Holiday assured the commissioners that they were on the right track and many great ideas were expressed. All that is needed is for the Commission to agree on the words which will provide the mission/vision on how the Commission will carry on its work.
B.
Work session on Land Acknowledgement
The Indigenous Commission will be given some background on this topic as it relates to indigenous communities and to Flagstaff City Council. Commissioners will be working together regarding Land Acknowledgement and to provide recommendation/s as an advisement commission. The final acknowledgement statement will be approved or can be approved at the August regular meeting. Once approved, the Land Acknowledgement will be forwarded to City Manager and/or Flagstaff City Council to consider utilizing.
Co-chair Washington and Co-chair Phillips lead the discussion on this topic. A review of Sara Dechter's presentation on Land Acknowledgement was provided by staff liaison, Ms. Toehe. Some discussion topics included calling out historical inaccuracies and recognizing labor contributions was important. Through discussion and presentation of varying perspectives, the final rough draft reads:
The Flagstaff City Council humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of the Indigenous Nations which are occupied and known as Flagstaff since 1928. The city sits at the base of the Sacred Mountain where the originals stewards inhabited these areas. We honor them, their continued contributions, legacies, their traditions, and their past, current, and future generations who will forever call this place home.
Co-chair Washington assigned all commissioners to review the Land Acknowledgement rough draft and send their revisions/ideas to Ms. Toehe. This topic will be on the August 12th Indigenous Commission agenda.
The Indigenous Commission will be given some background on this topic as it relates to indigenous communities and to Flagstaff City Council. Commissioners will be working together regarding Land Acknowledgement and to provide recommendation/s as an advisement commission. The final acknowledgement statement will be approved or can be approved at the August regular meeting. Once approved, the Land Acknowledgement will be forwarded to City Manager and/or Flagstaff City Council to consider utilizing.
Co-chair Washington and Co-chair Phillips lead the discussion on this topic. A review of Sara Dechter's presentation on Land Acknowledgement was provided by staff liaison, Ms. Toehe. Some discussion topics included calling out historical inaccuracies and recognizing labor contributions was important. Through discussion and presentation of varying perspectives, the final rough draft reads:
The Flagstaff City Council humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of the Indigenous Nations which are occupied and known as Flagstaff since 1928. The city sits at the base of the Sacred Mountain where the originals stewards inhabited these areas. We honor them, their continued contributions, legacies, their traditions, and their past, current, and future generations who will forever call this place home.
Co-chair Washington assigned all commissioners to review the Land Acknowledgement rough draft and send their revisions/ideas to Ms. Toehe. This topic will be on the August 12th Indigenous Commission agenda.
6.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
Update on Alternate Response Model
Staff liaison will provide background and update on the Alternate Response Model (ARM) to the Commission. The ARM RFP was sent to the Commissioners. Included in this update will be the mobile unit as part of ARM. The information on EPOCH (Extrajudicial Providers Offering Connected Healing) will be provided which will include acronym and definition regarding the mobile unit. Other topics to be discussed are considerations of colors and symbols to be utilized on the mobile unit. Commissioners also provided questions regarding the RFP, the questions and answers will be shared. Recommendations will be approved at the August regular meeting and forwarded to Alternative Response work group, unless the Commission determines the recommendations are ready for a vote.
Ms. Toehe provided an overview regarding the Alternate Response Model (ARM) and the associated RFP. Information given on the background how this initiative began. Explained the two areas of the RFP: Mobile Unit and Day Center (hopeful for a detox center). The Commission was requested by the ARM work group to provide some insight and recommendations into the name/acronym/symbols/colors for the mobile unit. The following recommendations were given and can elaborate further if needed:
Hopi blue is important, represents healing; Navajo colors white, blue/turquoise, yellow, and black (yellow as main color for healing); The four sacred elements are important for sustaining life, earth, air, water, & fire (all area indigenous people); Waters of the two parents - where you come from; Corn Stalk represents life and growth; Bear & badger paws or claws may represent healing in Hopi; Hopi corn colors, blue, yellow, white, & red; Universal identifier, intuitive, not signifying law enforcement. The Commission cautions the use of EPOCH (Extrajudicial means illegal).
Commissioners suggested research into gaming nations at Tribal Contributions, Arizona Department of Gaming (gaming.az.gov). This contact may be able to assist with housing in reference to ARM.
Staff liaison will provide background and update on the Alternate Response Model (ARM) to the Commission. The ARM RFP was sent to the Commissioners. Included in this update will be the mobile unit as part of ARM. The information on EPOCH (Extrajudicial Providers Offering Connected Healing) will be provided which will include acronym and definition regarding the mobile unit. Other topics to be discussed are considerations of colors and symbols to be utilized on the mobile unit. Commissioners also provided questions regarding the RFP, the questions and answers will be shared. Recommendations will be approved at the August regular meeting and forwarded to Alternative Response work group, unless the Commission determines the recommendations are ready for a vote.
Ms. Toehe provided an overview regarding the Alternate Response Model (ARM) and the associated RFP. Information given on the background how this initiative began. Explained the two areas of the RFP: Mobile Unit and Day Center (hopeful for a detox center). The Commission was requested by the ARM work group to provide some insight and recommendations into the name/acronym/symbols/colors for the mobile unit. The following recommendations were given and can elaborate further if needed:
Hopi blue is important, represents healing; Navajo colors white, blue/turquoise, yellow, and black (yellow as main color for healing); The four sacred elements are important for sustaining life, earth, air, water, & fire (all area indigenous people); Waters of the two parents - where you come from; Corn Stalk represents life and growth; Bear & badger paws or claws may represent healing in Hopi; Hopi corn colors, blue, yellow, white, & red; Universal identifier, intuitive, not signifying law enforcement. The Commission cautions the use of EPOCH (Extrajudicial means illegal).
Commissioners suggested research into gaming nations at Tribal Contributions, Arizona Department of Gaming (gaming.az.gov). This contact may be able to assist with housing in reference to ARM.
B.
Updated Work Plan
Staff liaison will share updated work plan and start conversation on some priorities going forward. An explanation on how items of interest will come about and what staff time encompasses. The work plan is a comprehensive guide and evolving as needed. Staff will share what are now within the realm of immediate targets for the Commission and to understand the connections for the Commission's advisory capacities. (Example: ARM)
Updated work plan was shared with commissioners. Commissioners will contact Ms. Toehe, if there are any questions.
Staff liaison will share updated work plan and start conversation on some priorities going forward. An explanation on how items of interest will come about and what staff time encompasses. The work plan is a comprehensive guide and evolving as needed. Staff will share what are now within the realm of immediate targets for the Commission and to understand the connections for the Commission's advisory capacities. (Example: ARM)
Updated work plan was shared with commissioners. Commissioners will contact Ms. Toehe, if there are any questions.
7.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
A.
Staff Informational Items
Announcements from staff liaison that items of interest and importance will be released from the City which will need critical input from Indigenous community members. Information will be disseminated through emails or other media outlets. Examples include:
A. Flagstaff Neutrality Plan
B. Flagstaff 10 Year Housing Plan
C. Flagstaff Regional Plan
D. Art Surveys, Outreach/Call for Artists
E. Request For Proposals (RFP)
Ms. Toehe shared and emphasized the importance of commissioners to provide the indigenous perspective and input when various documents are released for public input & review. The list above are examples of items which are currently being reviewed or will be released in the coming weeks or months. The City looks for all input and recommendations. It is also important to note that these items are part of the overarching recommendations made to and accepted by City Council on behalf of indigenous community. The information will either be sent from Ms. Toehe, by City Press Releases, City website, or other partnership information channels (i.e. County Public Affairs). Sharing with your circles and encouraging participation are most urgent.
Announcements from staff liaison that items of interest and importance will be released from the City which will need critical input from Indigenous community members. Information will be disseminated through emails or other media outlets. Examples include:
A. Flagstaff Neutrality Plan
B. Flagstaff 10 Year Housing Plan
C. Flagstaff Regional Plan
D. Art Surveys, Outreach/Call for Artists
E. Request For Proposals (RFP)
Ms. Toehe shared and emphasized the importance of commissioners to provide the indigenous perspective and input when various documents are released for public input & review. The list above are examples of items which are currently being reviewed or will be released in the coming weeks or months. The City looks for all input and recommendations. It is also important to note that these items are part of the overarching recommendations made to and accepted by City Council on behalf of indigenous community. The information will either be sent from Ms. Toehe, by City Press Releases, City website, or other partnership information channels (i.e. County Public Affairs). Sharing with your circles and encouraging participation are most urgent.
8.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-chair Washington adjourned the meeting at 4:06 P.M.
Co-chair Washington adjourned the meeting at 4:06 P.M.