APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None at this time.

GENERAL BUSINESS
None at this time.

DISCUSSION ITEMS/POSSIBLE VOTE

Southwest Decision Resources (SDR), Inc. - Continuation of Stakeholder Interview
SDR is contracted by the City of Flagstaff. SDR services have been obtained to conduct stakeholder interviews as part of the public participation process regarding the Thorpe Park Annex Parcel. The Indigenous Commission is a named stakeholder and SDR staff will continue the interview process which started at the last Commission meeting on 1/5/22. Commissioners are highly encouraged to fully participate in this process. The information provided will be critically essential and will play an integral role in advising City leadership and City Council.

SDR staff, Andi Rogers and Carrie Eberly, introduced themselves and provided Part II of the Thorpe Park Annex public participation interview. Short PPT presentation on Indigenous Community Cultural Center (ICCC) "some ideas so far". What would be the goals of the building? How would it compliment/supplement your organization? What role could/would the Indigenous Commission (IC) of Flagstaff have into the future? What are you ideas on programming?

Real and symbolic benefits of an ICCC would bring to individuals, families, and communities: It would bring a sense of place, recognition, learning and leadership. Sense of belonging for youth to elders. Traditional outdoor use, demonstrations, and events. It would increase Indigenous visibility. ICCC would be the anchor for the parcel - important for other activities to flow to and from it. SDR's responsibility is to gather as much information as possible for City Council and city leadership. These are the questions/topics to be discussed at this meeting.

According to SDR, in terms of implementation, others have expressed the following: That ICCC be intertribal; Partnerships are key; Focused effort with a form of "steering committee"; Learn from other models; Indigenous leaders and designers important.

• Commissioner Scott expressed that it is very important to include the youth to expose them to other Indigenous nations; Provide exchange programs with cultural programming through the ICCC.
• Commissioner Toya stated that partners/partnerships will be important and key. Strengthens all Indigenous people and non-Indigenous community members. Dances outside, etc.
• Commissioner Cudeii expressed concerns about security of the area and for the people, especially in the recent times of violence against people of color. City staff responded to security topic as part of the planning and will be addressed more when direction is solidified.
• Commissioner Weathersby said she is thinking of the students at CCC/NAU and to include them at the ICCC. To be inclusive of multi-racial and multi-tribal students/people. There are knowledge carriers within these as well. ICCC can be a place of healing. This would include all aspects of building ICCC too - contractors, security, IT - giving consideration to them is a form of giving back to the people. Also shared was an upcoming listening session at NAU for community and alumni input.
• Commissioner Gishie said it would provide education to the community. There will be learning and a sense of belonging for Indigenous community, especially the youth. Having activities that bring people and cultures together. An example given was the Old Flagstaff Pow-Wow, it is where she learned about other Indigenous nations as a young girl. ICCC will be a learning and teaching stage.
• Councilmember Shimoni stated that having Indigenous partners to do work on the ICCC is a good idea and would help build trust. It would also take intention on part of the City. He also asked, in regard to youth, what would be the role of NAU and Kinlani?
• Co-chair Washington stated that Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF) convened community forums and serves as a 100% Indigenous board membership as part of bylaws. ICF intends to be involved and look for grants with establishing ICCC, this can be helpful in regard to Indigenous workers/labor. Commissioners Weathersby supports the statement on grants and stated we know people who can provide this work. Also does not see intention as a barrier.
• Co-chair Phillips expressed her concern for the youth - in strengthening, decolonizing, and re-indigenizing, and cultural healing. Language is important in retaining culture, "it is our root". It has been studied that if nothing is done, by 2050 our language can die out. This is where the ICCC will be important and bringing in NAU, speakers bureau, etc. to preserve and teach.
• Commissioner Gishie expressed ICF had pushed this initiative forward as well as other things being done and support from Council is appreciated. The community is saying we need more and ICF has taken the steps in voicing these initiatives. There is always room for partners and teamwork.
• Co-chair Washington stated that ICF is a 501(c)(3) corporation. ICF would like to lease this property from the City of Flagstaff and to raise funds for the building. There will be a specific proposal for that and have had conversation with City Councilmembers since the beginning. There is also intercepts with ICF and other Indigenous organization to establish partnerships.
• Councilmember Shimoni expressed if ICF is going to play an integral role, there could be consideration for ICF to present to the IC and speak on organization, members, successes and struggles. Hear the plan on how to include other partners, tribal groups/people. If a third party is needed, it could potentially be helpful.
• Co-chair Washington supports an ICF presentation to the IC. The presentation will come from a member of the ICF Board. Commissioner Toya supports this idea.
• Commissioner Cudeii would like to invite the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council (IPAC) to the ICF presentation when it is scheduled.
• SDR thanked the Commissioners for their input and have gathered a lot from them. The project's official launching will be in 3 weeks to a month. It will include the short video on the parcel, other information to the public and a survey for the general public. SDR asks assistance in sharing out for further input. SDR is hopeful to have design ideas in the spring or summer to take back to City.
• Rose Toehe expressed gratitude to Commissioner Scott as this will be his last meeting with the Commission. Co-chair Washington joined in gratitude. Commissioner Scott stated he enjoyed his time with IC and thankful he was able to contribute.
• Commissioner Toya confirmed her application for IC reappointment. There are 11 applicants.

Indigenous Commission Regular Meeting Schedule for 2022
Commissioners will discuss their meeting schedule for 2022, starting with March 2022. Currently, the schedule is bi-monthly (every other month). Do Commissioners prefer to change or keep the current schedule of the second Thursday of every other month, 4:30 - 6:30 PM?

After discussion the Commissioners decided it would be in the best interest to start monthly meetings. The meeting day and time will change from the previously scheduled regular meetings.

Commissioner Weathersby made a motion for the Indigenous Commission to have their regular meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Commissioner Phillips seconded. The vote passed with none opposing.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS

Councilmember Shimoni suggested a video could be next steps, around empowerment or to empower. Communication plan and telling your story.

ADJOURNMENT

Co-chair Washington adjourned the meeting at 12:50 PM.