| DRAFT | INDIGENOUS COMMISSION VIRTUAL TEAMS REGULAR MEETING 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE WEDNESDAY, 11:00 A.M., MAY 4, 2022 |
1.
Call to Order
Co-chair Phillips called the meeting at 11:07 AM.
Co-chair Phillips called the meeting at 11:07 AM.
2.
Roll Call
Others present: Rose Toehe, Staff Liaison; Councilmember Adam Shimoni; Jana Weldon, City's Beautification, Arts, Sciences Project Administrator; City Manager Greg Clifton; Sharon Singer, County Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council; and Chris Jocks, Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff
| NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| Diana Cudeii, Ex-Officio: Present Meg Kabotie Adakai, Ex-Officio: Present after 12:00 PM. Dorothy Gishie, Ex-Officio: Present after 11:30 AM Cora M. Phillips, Co-Chair: Present Joe. W. Washington, Co-Chair: Excused Absence Darrell Marks: Absent Fawn Toya: Present Kiara Weathersby: Present Shawna Whitehat: Present Jonathan Yellowhair: Present after 12:00 PM
|
Others present: Rose Toehe, Staff Liaison; Councilmember Adam Shimoni; Jana Weldon, City's Beautification, Arts, Sciences Project Administrator; City Manager Greg Clifton; Sharon Singer, County Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council; and Chris Jocks, Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff
A.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Flagstaff City Council humbly acknowledges the ancestral homelands of this area’s Indigenous nations and original stewards. These lands, still inhabited by Native descendants, border mountains sacred to Indigenous peoples. We honor them, their legacies, their traditions, and their continued contributions. We celebrate their past, present, and future generations who will forever know this place as home.
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 maximum per speaker)
Councilmember Shimoni shared his conversations with American Rehab Campuses (ARC), treatment centers for substance abuse and substance use, based in Tucson. They have large projects, one located in Tucson has about 140 beds. They offer long term treatment. Nearest one is in Prescott. The company purchased land in Flagstaff to build a campus with a detox and treatment center. They accept Medicaid. Councilmember Shimoni toured their campus in Tucson. There seems to be much potential once built. ARC expressed strong interest in customizing programming efforts to align with/for indigenous values. Put them in touch with Rose Toehe and this topic can be put on the agenda for further discussion. Ms.Toehe added, contact with ARC representative has been made and will plan for future meetings with them and later include stakeholder meetings.
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 maximum per speaker)
Councilmember Shimoni shared his conversations with American Rehab Campuses (ARC), treatment centers for substance abuse and substance use, based in Tucson. They have large projects, one located in Tucson has about 140 beds. They offer long term treatment. Nearest one is in Prescott. The company purchased land in Flagstaff to build a campus with a detox and treatment center. They accept Medicaid. Councilmember Shimoni toured their campus in Tucson. There seems to be much potential once built. ARC expressed strong interest in customizing programming efforts to align with/for indigenous values. Put them in touch with Rose Toehe and this topic can be put on the agenda for further discussion. Ms.Toehe added, contact with ARC representative has been made and will plan for future meetings with them and later include stakeholder meetings.
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None at this time.
None at this time.
5.
GENERAL BUSINESS AND POSSIBLE DECISION
A.
Indigenous Representation Project at Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park
City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program through input from The Beautification and Public Art Commission, City staff and City Council has dedicated funding for Indigenous Representation cultural art project(s). Staff will inform the Indigenous Commission on the start phase of these plans. Staff welcomes discussion and requests two Commissioners to volunteer for the project's Work Group.
Jana Weldon, Beautification, Arts, and Sciences Project Administrator, provided a PPT presentation to inform the Commission on upcoming plans for an art project at Sawmill Multicultural County Park. Her specific topic was on Indigenous representation for these art projects. The City has set aside dedicated funding for this collaboration regarding Indigenous representation cultural projects. The project has a core planning group consisting of Ms.Weldon, Rose Toehe, and Cynthia Nemeth, County Parks & Recreation Director. This group has been meeting to work out the foundation work of agreements, park condition, timeframes to launch, rotating art, etc. Conducted a site visit.
Ms. Weldon provided background information on the county park and what was started in the past and current status. The park has five pedestals/pads, an amphitheater, a gazebo, and Willow Bend Environmental Center. This presentation was focused on forming a working group consisting of various members coming from different cultural background, including City Commissions and County Advisory Councils. This working group will put together the scope of work regarding Indigenous representation for the projects and the call for artists input. What can be brought together for the community to provide art and learning? There will be openness to multicultural representation as long as Indigenous representation is a primary part of the project. Ms.Whelon would like to have two volunteers from the Indigenous Commission. The working group will have volunteers also from BPAC, CODA, Parks & Rec Commission, and County Tri-Diversity Councils.
It was also important to note to the Commissioners that this topic has been brought forward to City Council through ICF recommendations under Visibility. The Beautification, Arts & Sciences took that to heart and provided to set aside funds to address this need. This effort is just now beginning and will need commissions and advisory councils input. Commissioner Toya volunteered to assist and Commissioner Marks was nominated to be included. Ms. Weldon will start communicating with the working group.
City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program through input from The Beautification and Public Art Commission, City staff and City Council has dedicated funding for Indigenous Representation cultural art project(s). Staff will inform the Indigenous Commission on the start phase of these plans. Staff welcomes discussion and requests two Commissioners to volunteer for the project's Work Group.
Jana Weldon, Beautification, Arts, and Sciences Project Administrator, provided a PPT presentation to inform the Commission on upcoming plans for an art project at Sawmill Multicultural County Park. Her specific topic was on Indigenous representation for these art projects. The City has set aside dedicated funding for this collaboration regarding Indigenous representation cultural projects. The project has a core planning group consisting of Ms.Weldon, Rose Toehe, and Cynthia Nemeth, County Parks & Recreation Director. This group has been meeting to work out the foundation work of agreements, park condition, timeframes to launch, rotating art, etc. Conducted a site visit.
Ms. Weldon provided background information on the county park and what was started in the past and current status. The park has five pedestals/pads, an amphitheater, a gazebo, and Willow Bend Environmental Center. This presentation was focused on forming a working group consisting of various members coming from different cultural background, including City Commissions and County Advisory Councils. This working group will put together the scope of work regarding Indigenous representation for the projects and the call for artists input. What can be brought together for the community to provide art and learning? There will be openness to multicultural representation as long as Indigenous representation is a primary part of the project. Ms.Whelon would like to have two volunteers from the Indigenous Commission. The working group will have volunteers also from BPAC, CODA, Parks & Rec Commission, and County Tri-Diversity Councils.
It was also important to note to the Commissioners that this topic has been brought forward to City Council through ICF recommendations under Visibility. The Beautification, Arts & Sciences took that to heart and provided to set aside funds to address this need. This effort is just now beginning and will need commissions and advisory councils input. Commissioner Toya volunteered to assist and Commissioner Marks was nominated to be included. Ms. Weldon will start communicating with the working group.
B.
Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff Presentation (ICF)
Member/s of ICF will provide their work and plan for an Indigenous Community Cultural Center and provide background information on the formation of this plan. Information will also include the formation of ICF, growth and focused work. ICF presentation material will be forwarded to the Commission if one is utilized.
Mr. Chris Jocks made his introductions in his traditional way and expressed gratitude. Mr. Jocks talked about a concept of Indigenous people and moving it towards reality. Explained that ICF is now a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and organized according to Indigenous principles and values. The concept has had additions and subtractions as input and updates occurred. He provided a short PPT with his presentation, showing the Sacred Mountain and the proposed site for an Indigenous Community Cultural Center which ICF is pursuing at this time. Mr. Jocks provided a short background of the concept not being a new idea, where other local organizations have proposed this idea. He also gave background on the forums ICF and the City of Flagstaff conducted in 2016-2017 and the consistent request coming out of those was a need for a community cultural center for Indigenous people.
Mr. Jocks also spoke about some of the topics which had been of interest/concern to Indigenous community members, such as: Responses to Snowbowl's development plan; Advocating for unshelterd and unsafe relatives; Economic contribution study; What wellness means to our community; Respect for sacred and revered places; Culturally grounded treatment for substance abuse and other areas of need/dispair; Correct Native history and lifeways to be taught.
As for the concept of an Indigenous Community Cultural Center (ICCC), it is conceptualized as a home away from home, where Native families and individuals can share, visit, relax, and learn. It will have meeting rooms, a kitchen and gardens. It will be inclusive of intertribal members of all Native nations and our community. Welcome an Advisory Board with representatives of regional Native nations and active outreach. Programming would focus on youth and elders, learning and teaching language, cultural knowledge and skills. The Community Center would also include interface and connections with the many other local service providers, as well as regional Native nations. Emphasize Community Center is core, and surrounding it is an interface concept of a Cultural Center where everyone in Flagstaff would be welcome as relatives. Including non-Indigenous residents and visitors, the purpose here would be to increase visibility and understanding of indigenous accomplishments, challenges, history and culture.
Other ideas are rotating welcome exhibits that would introduce visitors to Indigenous history and presence in Flagstaff, including the significance of the Sacred Peaks. Also in the vision, a performance and showcase venue for Native artists and speakers. There would be gatherings, workshops, events dedicated to sharing, understanding around historical trauma and reconciliation. That is the public facing aspect of this Community Cultural Center concept.
All of the programs put into ICF proposal is organized in three program areas: Intergenerational programming; Healing and Conciliation; and Platform for Indigenous History and Vision Makers.
Some history of the location, it was always a traditional gathering place and intertribal gathering place. Indigenous Nations used the areas for traditional prayer or ceremonial pilgrimage. It was also the location of the Flagstaff All Indian Powwow from 1929 to 1979; today, it is part of what "we are calling Jim Thorpe Park", near Flagstaff High School and Kinlani Dorms. It is in the heart of the city of Flagstaff. This land must be used for either park, recreation or museum. It completely qualifies as the Museum Museum today no longer has to mean a dry, stuffy place with old stuff in cases. There is an updated view and definition of museums in modern times.
This parcel is going through a public participation process as to how the City will use it in the future. The consultants hired by the City, Southwest Decision Resources are doing a really good job. They are working hard to reach the public and on they online as well. The online surveys that were turned in are providing a lot of input, over 1000 responses. Two in-person events had been planned for public input.
Councilmember Shimoni commented that it is important to keep City Council in the loop through emails about thoughts, recommendations. Keep them engaged, small gestures can go a long way. Getting the youth involved is a good idea and equally important to have them speak at Council meetings. Engage throughout the process. Commissioner Whitehat had a question about the ICCC, ICF and the Commission as to how they are working on the recommendation to City Council and how are they connected. Rose Toehe answered her questions with explanations and examples; as well as, the role of the Commission relative to representing/recommendations to City Council as an advisory body. There are working partnerships within the community and also internally with departments/personnel. City Manager Clifton also gave some insight as to how the Commission has a integral role which has been established purposely with a purpose and with an autonomous voice. The Commission is representative of/for all Indigenous people in the area. Commissioner Whitehat was grateful for the explanation.
Member/s of ICF will provide their work and plan for an Indigenous Community Cultural Center and provide background information on the formation of this plan. Information will also include the formation of ICF, growth and focused work. ICF presentation material will be forwarded to the Commission if one is utilized.
Mr. Chris Jocks made his introductions in his traditional way and expressed gratitude. Mr. Jocks talked about a concept of Indigenous people and moving it towards reality. Explained that ICF is now a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and organized according to Indigenous principles and values. The concept has had additions and subtractions as input and updates occurred. He provided a short PPT with his presentation, showing the Sacred Mountain and the proposed site for an Indigenous Community Cultural Center which ICF is pursuing at this time. Mr. Jocks provided a short background of the concept not being a new idea, where other local organizations have proposed this idea. He also gave background on the forums ICF and the City of Flagstaff conducted in 2016-2017 and the consistent request coming out of those was a need for a community cultural center for Indigenous people.
Mr. Jocks also spoke about some of the topics which had been of interest/concern to Indigenous community members, such as: Responses to Snowbowl's development plan; Advocating for unshelterd and unsafe relatives; Economic contribution study; What wellness means to our community; Respect for sacred and revered places; Culturally grounded treatment for substance abuse and other areas of need/dispair; Correct Native history and lifeways to be taught.
As for the concept of an Indigenous Community Cultural Center (ICCC), it is conceptualized as a home away from home, where Native families and individuals can share, visit, relax, and learn. It will have meeting rooms, a kitchen and gardens. It will be inclusive of intertribal members of all Native nations and our community. Welcome an Advisory Board with representatives of regional Native nations and active outreach. Programming would focus on youth and elders, learning and teaching language, cultural knowledge and skills. The Community Center would also include interface and connections with the many other local service providers, as well as regional Native nations. Emphasize Community Center is core, and surrounding it is an interface concept of a Cultural Center where everyone in Flagstaff would be welcome as relatives. Including non-Indigenous residents and visitors, the purpose here would be to increase visibility and understanding of indigenous accomplishments, challenges, history and culture.
Other ideas are rotating welcome exhibits that would introduce visitors to Indigenous history and presence in Flagstaff, including the significance of the Sacred Peaks. Also in the vision, a performance and showcase venue for Native artists and speakers. There would be gatherings, workshops, events dedicated to sharing, understanding around historical trauma and reconciliation. That is the public facing aspect of this Community Cultural Center concept.
All of the programs put into ICF proposal is organized in three program areas: Intergenerational programming; Healing and Conciliation; and Platform for Indigenous History and Vision Makers.
Some history of the location, it was always a traditional gathering place and intertribal gathering place. Indigenous Nations used the areas for traditional prayer or ceremonial pilgrimage. It was also the location of the Flagstaff All Indian Powwow from 1929 to 1979; today, it is part of what "we are calling Jim Thorpe Park", near Flagstaff High School and Kinlani Dorms. It is in the heart of the city of Flagstaff. This land must be used for either park, recreation or museum. It completely qualifies as the Museum Museum today no longer has to mean a dry, stuffy place with old stuff in cases. There is an updated view and definition of museums in modern times.
This parcel is going through a public participation process as to how the City will use it in the future. The consultants hired by the City, Southwest Decision Resources are doing a really good job. They are working hard to reach the public and on they online as well. The online surveys that were turned in are providing a lot of input, over 1000 responses. Two in-person events had been planned for public input.
Councilmember Shimoni commented that it is important to keep City Council in the loop through emails about thoughts, recommendations. Keep them engaged, small gestures can go a long way. Getting the youth involved is a good idea and equally important to have them speak at Council meetings. Engage throughout the process. Commissioner Whitehat had a question about the ICCC, ICF and the Commission as to how they are working on the recommendation to City Council and how are they connected. Rose Toehe answered her questions with explanations and examples; as well as, the role of the Commission relative to representing/recommendations to City Council as an advisory body. There are working partnerships within the community and also internally with departments/personnel. City Manager Clifton also gave some insight as to how the Commission has a integral role which has been established purposely with a purpose and with an autonomous voice. The Commission is representative of/for all Indigenous people in the area. Commissioner Whitehat was grateful for the explanation.
6.
DISCUSSION ITEMS AND POSSIBLE DECISION
A.
Items for Commissioners to Consider
Staff liaison will provide the following information for Commissioners to consider:
Rose Toehe explained the need for involvement in these areas and the extended invitations. This was a quick run down of the list above. A tour is scheduled for May 23 for a visit to FFS if Commissioners would like to attend. Invitations are also given to Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council and ICF. Confirmation needed and to respond to Rose Toehe. The Reclaimed Water facility also extended invitation to interested Commissioners to tour the facility. Date will be determined based on interest. Sara Dechter and her team will be on the June agenda, this is a reminder to review materials as there will be a group activity during the meeting. The final notice is for the Vision and Mission statements for the Indigenous Commission. What is the next step and to keep Ms. Toehe informed on the work in progress regarding this topic.
Staff liaison will provide the following information for Commissioners to consider:
- Flagstaff Shelter Service (FSS) invitation to tour: The Indigenous Commission (IC) is invited to take a tour of FSS on May 23rd at 2:00pm. Members of the Coconino Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council and Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff have also been invited. Staff liaison will need to know whom from IC will be attending and to please respond to Ms. Toehe for this invitation. FSS does provide a high percentage of services to the Indigenous population, so it would be important to learn more about FSS.
- Reclaimed Water Facility invitation to tour
- Regional Plan second presentation will be on the June agenda. Please review important material.
- Vision & Mission statements
Rose Toehe explained the need for involvement in these areas and the extended invitations. This was a quick run down of the list above. A tour is scheduled for May 23 for a visit to FFS if Commissioners would like to attend. Invitations are also given to Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council and ICF. Confirmation needed and to respond to Rose Toehe. The Reclaimed Water facility also extended invitation to interested Commissioners to tour the facility. Date will be determined based on interest. Sara Dechter and her team will be on the June agenda, this is a reminder to review materials as there will be a group activity during the meeting. The final notice is for the Vision and Mission statements for the Indigenous Commission. What is the next step and to keep Ms. Toehe informed on the work in progress regarding this topic.
7.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
Rose Toehe made an announcement that she will need help with a presentation to City Council on work of the Commission. Commissioners Adakai, Weathersby, and Toya volunteer to be on the working group to provide a presentation to City Council on May 24th.
Rose Toehe made an announcement that she will need help with a presentation to City Council on work of the Commission. Commissioners Adakai, Weathersby, and Toya volunteer to be on the working group to provide a presentation to City Council on May 24th.
8.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-chair Phillips adjourned the meeting at 12:44 PM.
Co-chair Phillips adjourned the meeting at 12:44 PM.