| INDIGENOUS COMMISSION VIRTUAL TEAMS REGULAR MEETING 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 05, 2023, 12:00 P.M. |
1.
Call to Order
Co-chair Toya called the meeting to order at 12:04 PM.
Co-chair Toya called the meeting to order at 12:04 PM.
2.
Roll Call
Others present: Staff Liaison Rose Toehe; Council Liaison Councilmember Lori Matthews; City Manager Greg Clifton; Michael Jackiewicz, Director, Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
| NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| Diana Cudeii, Ex-Officio; Present (joined at 12:13 PM) Seat Vacant, Ex-Officio Seat Vacant, Ex-Officio Fawn Toya, Co-Chair; Present Joe. W. Washington, Co-Chair; Excused Absence Darren Lance; Present Darrell Marks; Excused Absence Shawna Whitehat; Excused Absence Jonathan Yellowhair; Present Mariah Zavala; Present |
Others present: Staff Liaison Rose Toehe; Council Liaison Councilmember Lori Matthews; City Manager Greg Clifton; Michael Jackiewicz, Director, Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.
A.
Land Acknowledgment
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 person)
None.
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 person)
None.
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None at this time.
None at this time.
5.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
Introduction of New IC Commissioners
Newly appointed Commissioners will provide introduction and give a brief history of their current work and prior experience. Commissioner Mariah Zavala and Commissioner Darren Lance.
Co-chair Toya welcomed the new Commissioners and called on Commissioner Mariah Zavala to introduce herself to the IC.
Commissioner Zavala stated she works at North Country Healthcare and is the health benefits advocate. She has met many people in the community. Half of her job is getting people set up with affordable health insurance, food stamps, AHCCCS and focusing on the public health emergency. The other half is building community partnerships. She completed her education at Pima Community College and at Northern Arizona University. She obtained degrees in science and public health with a minor in biology. She is Yaqui and some of her lineage loops throughout Mexico and California. Her background is working with the youth in Indigenous communities. She has been active in bringing youth groups to Northern Arizona for rafting and other projects. She is happy to have joined the Indigenous Commission and wishes to learn from everyone.
Commissioner Darren Lance also made introductions. He is a local Flagstaff citizen, attended high school here and graduated in 1992. He started his career as an electrician in 1997, in 2001 received an electrical contractors license, and started his business. Back then it was a small electrician business (two people). In 2015, he stepped it up with a larger team, and currently employs 20 people. He also started a plumbing company called Indigenous Plumbing Company with a friend, Gerald Redsteer, now a business partner. He also started a general contracting company last year with Aaron Bahe. Currently he helps out and runs three businesses. Electrical business is largest company.
Achievements include awards like Best of Flagstaff for the last six years. His mother is Navajo (from Black Mesa) and father is from South Dakota, he is Cheyenne River Sioux; and, he is enrolled with father's nation. He would like this community to know that Indigenous people are conducting and growing businesses here. He would like to learn more and is his reason for applying for this position to see what is being talked about and how he can help out.
After introductions of the new Commissioners. All others were able to introduce themselves for the benefit of our new Commissioners and CJCC Director.
Newly appointed Commissioners will provide introduction and give a brief history of their current work and prior experience. Commissioner Mariah Zavala and Commissioner Darren Lance.
Co-chair Toya welcomed the new Commissioners and called on Commissioner Mariah Zavala to introduce herself to the IC.
Commissioner Zavala stated she works at North Country Healthcare and is the health benefits advocate. She has met many people in the community. Half of her job is getting people set up with affordable health insurance, food stamps, AHCCCS and focusing on the public health emergency. The other half is building community partnerships. She completed her education at Pima Community College and at Northern Arizona University. She obtained degrees in science and public health with a minor in biology. She is Yaqui and some of her lineage loops throughout Mexico and California. Her background is working with the youth in Indigenous communities. She has been active in bringing youth groups to Northern Arizona for rafting and other projects. She is happy to have joined the Indigenous Commission and wishes to learn from everyone.
Commissioner Darren Lance also made introductions. He is a local Flagstaff citizen, attended high school here and graduated in 1992. He started his career as an electrician in 1997, in 2001 received an electrical contractors license, and started his business. Back then it was a small electrician business (two people). In 2015, he stepped it up with a larger team, and currently employs 20 people. He also started a plumbing company called Indigenous Plumbing Company with a friend, Gerald Redsteer, now a business partner. He also started a general contracting company last year with Aaron Bahe. Currently he helps out and runs three businesses. Electrical business is largest company.
Achievements include awards like Best of Flagstaff for the last six years. His mother is Navajo (from Black Mesa) and father is from South Dakota, he is Cheyenne River Sioux; and, he is enrolled with father's nation. He would like this community to know that Indigenous people are conducting and growing businesses here. He would like to learn more and is his reason for applying for this position to see what is being talked about and how he can help out.
After introductions of the new Commissioners. All others were able to introduce themselves for the benefit of our new Commissioners and CJCC Director.
B.
Introduction of Coconino County, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) Director Michael Jackiewicz.
Director Jackiewicz will provide an introduction on his work and experience. He will also present a short summary about CJCC and Indigenous Initiatives Committee work plan and strategic goals.
Director Jackiewicz took some time to introduce himself and some of the work he had been involved with before coming to CJCC. He brings an abundance of experience in criminal justice which includes working with the Philadelphia based organization, Oasis of America, founded in 1970 by the civil rights leader, Reverend Doctor Leon Sullivan. It is a national office to 31 affiliates across the country, all working toward economic justice for the poor. He was Director of Operations where he was overseeing a workforce re-entry program, providing justice involved individuals skills training, wrap around services, and placing them in jobs with high growth industries. He is proud to have served over 3500 individuals. Here, Director Jackiewicz is happy to work with CJCC and to work directly with policymakers focused on keeping the community safe and treating folks fairly.
A quick background of CJCC was given: CJCC started in the 1970s and there are dozens across the country. The idea was there were leaders in government and the community who are focused on particular aspects of the justice system like police, the courts, health services for folks in the system, etc.; however, the community would benefit from a body that's looking at the system as a whole. Coconino county started their CJCC in 2005, currently it has 22 voting members and a number of associate members. CJCC is lead by the presiding judge of the superior court and members include positional members of the county and the city, i.e. judges, sheriff, police chief, county manager, city manager, members of City Council and Board of Supervisors, county & city attorneys, Indigenous community member, community member at large, probation, to name a few. Please visit the Coconino County CJCC website to learn more.
At the 2021 retreat of the CJCC, a new strategic plan was created and five priority areas were identified with multiple strategies under each area - to further the mission of the CJCC and to advance safety and justice. One of those priority areas is Indigenous Initiatives and a sub-committee was established based on the issue of Indigenous populations being overrepresented in the criminal justice system, underserved by justice related community resources, and lack of needed services throughout the justice system. Given these challenges, the goal is to eliminate the overrepresentation of Indigenous populations in the system and ensure equitable outcomes regardless of race and ethnicity. Under Indigenous Initiatives, there have been four strategies proposed. Please visit the county CJCC website to learn more.
Director Jackiewicz will provide an introduction on his work and experience. He will also present a short summary about CJCC and Indigenous Initiatives Committee work plan and strategic goals.
Director Jackiewicz took some time to introduce himself and some of the work he had been involved with before coming to CJCC. He brings an abundance of experience in criminal justice which includes working with the Philadelphia based organization, Oasis of America, founded in 1970 by the civil rights leader, Reverend Doctor Leon Sullivan. It is a national office to 31 affiliates across the country, all working toward economic justice for the poor. He was Director of Operations where he was overseeing a workforce re-entry program, providing justice involved individuals skills training, wrap around services, and placing them in jobs with high growth industries. He is proud to have served over 3500 individuals. Here, Director Jackiewicz is happy to work with CJCC and to work directly with policymakers focused on keeping the community safe and treating folks fairly.
A quick background of CJCC was given: CJCC started in the 1970s and there are dozens across the country. The idea was there were leaders in government and the community who are focused on particular aspects of the justice system like police, the courts, health services for folks in the system, etc.; however, the community would benefit from a body that's looking at the system as a whole. Coconino county started their CJCC in 2005, currently it has 22 voting members and a number of associate members. CJCC is lead by the presiding judge of the superior court and members include positional members of the county and the city, i.e. judges, sheriff, police chief, county manager, city manager, members of City Council and Board of Supervisors, county & city attorneys, Indigenous community member, community member at large, probation, to name a few. Please visit the Coconino County CJCC website to learn more.
At the 2021 retreat of the CJCC, a new strategic plan was created and five priority areas were identified with multiple strategies under each area - to further the mission of the CJCC and to advance safety and justice. One of those priority areas is Indigenous Initiatives and a sub-committee was established based on the issue of Indigenous populations being overrepresented in the criminal justice system, underserved by justice related community resources, and lack of needed services throughout the justice system. Given these challenges, the goal is to eliminate the overrepresentation of Indigenous populations in the system and ensure equitable outcomes regardless of race and ethnicity. Under Indigenous Initiatives, there have been four strategies proposed. Please visit the county CJCC website to learn more.
6.
GENERAL BUSINESS/POSSIBLE VOTE
A.
Discussion and Direction on In-person Retreat for Indigenous Commission (IC)
There will be a discussion regarding an in-person retreat for the IC. Commissioners are to provide dates to consider. Agenda will be developed with Commission input. There will be a training session on Open Meeting Law and Commissioners' responsibilities.
The Commission discussed several alternatives, also shared other May events, it was concluded that a retreat can be scheduled in June. A poll will be sent out to finalize a date in June.
There will be a discussion regarding an in-person retreat for the IC. Commissioners are to provide dates to consider. Agenda will be developed with Commission input. There will be a training session on Open Meeting Law and Commissioners' responsibilities.
The Commission discussed several alternatives, also shared other May events, it was concluded that a retreat can be scheduled in June. A poll will be sent out to finalize a date in June.
7.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
Commissioner Zavala shared the health event that is being finalized and flyer will be sent out soon. Questions were asked about: The plans for an Indigenous Art Market; The holiday designation discussion in a prior meeting. Feedback was given for the questions. Information regarding AHCCCS re-enrollment due to end of emergency pandemic enrollment, individuals will be "falling off" - North Country Health can assist individuals.
Commissioner Zavala shared the health event that is being finalized and flyer will be sent out soon. Questions were asked about: The plans for an Indigenous Art Market; The holiday designation discussion in a prior meeting. Feedback was given for the questions. Information regarding AHCCCS re-enrollment due to end of emergency pandemic enrollment, individuals will be "falling off" - North Country Health can assist individuals.
8.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-chair Toya adjourned the meeting at 1:04 PM.
Co-chair Toya adjourned the meeting at 1:04 PM.