| INDIGENOUS COMMISSION VIRTUAL REGULAR TEAMS MEETING 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE WEDNESDAY, MAY 03, 2023,12:00 P.M. |
1.
Call to Order
Co-chair Washington called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM.
Co-chair Washington called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM.
2.
Roll Call
Others present: Staff Liaison Rose Toehe; Council Liaison Councilmember Lori Matthews; Mayor Becky Daggett; Dr. Kerry Grimm, Presenter; Jana Weldon, Beautification, Arts & Science Program Director, Presenter; Susan Hardiman, Beautification, Arts & Science Project Administrator; and Jenna Ortega, Sustainability Division staff.
| NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| Diana Cudeii, Ex-Officio; Excused Absence Seat Vacant, Ex-Officio Seat Vacant, Ex-Officio Fawn Toya, Co-Chair; Present Joe. W. Washington, Co-Chair; Present Darren Lance; Present Darrell Marks; Present Shawna Whitehat; Excused Absence Jonathan Yellowhair; Excused Absence Mariah Zavala; Present |
Others present: Staff Liaison Rose Toehe; Council Liaison Councilmember Lori Matthews; Mayor Becky Daggett; Dr. Kerry Grimm, Presenter; Jana Weldon, Beautification, Arts & Science Program Director, Presenter; Susan Hardiman, Beautification, Arts & Science Project Administrator; and Jenna Ortega, Sustainability Division staff.
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
A.
Approval of Minutes for February 1, 2023
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.
Co-chair Toya made a motion to approve February 1, 2023 Minutes. Co-chair Washington seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.
Co-chair Toya made a motion to approve February 1, 2023 Minutes. Co-chair Washington seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
5.
GENERAL BUSINESS/POSSIBLE VOTE
A.
Indigenous Artist Applications for Recent Beautification, Arts and Science Projects
Jana Weldon, Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program Director, City of Flagstaff, will report on the uptick in applications from Indigenous Artists and discuss next steps to encourage selection of a wider range of artists and artwork.
Jana Weldon had a brief PowerPoint and explained her work with the City of Flagstaff and Office of Indigenous Initiatives to increase cultural visibility and inclusion of a Indigenous artists in her department projects. She wanted to share some uplifting news on some progress and stated there was an uptick in applications from Indigenous artists. Jana explained the project around recruitment of artists for traffic signal cabinet at intersections. These have become very popular. There were four strong Indigenous candidates. There were five projects to be completed and each project brought in 10-17 applications. A Hopi artist was chosen for one of the project and a close second with another Indigenous artist (she tapped as an alternate). Each location has a separate selection panel and made up of community members in that area. Her team is taking steps to make sure the same artists are not chosen repeatedly, as some have been in the past and to move away from the perception that they are endorsed by their program. The team is working to grow the community to recognize a diverse array of artists and also to give more artists opportunity. Businesses also have interest in artists to paint their buildings, they would be eligible to apply for available grants. Jana and team can provide recommendations of artists as appropriate. Jana stated they also want to meet with Indigenous artists individually to provide feedback from the selection panels and to encourage applying for other projects.
Ms. Weldon also updated on the art fence at the airport which had Indigenous input. The fence was installed. It has 28 panels. There will be pictorials on the fence and medallions in the sidewalk with explanations for what's on the fence. There is cultural visibility for all parts of the population including highlights of Indigenous people of the area featuring the Three Sisters, corn, Cheii horned toad, Spider Woman, abalone shell a sacred aspect of the Peaks, and a tribute to Fred Kabotie, all pieces interacting with other art items on the fence. After the update presentation, there were a few questions and appreciation expressed to Jana and her program team. It was requested for Commissioners to encourage artists to apply for Call to Artists campaigns.
Jana Weldon, Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program Director, City of Flagstaff, will report on the uptick in applications from Indigenous Artists and discuss next steps to encourage selection of a wider range of artists and artwork.
Jana Weldon had a brief PowerPoint and explained her work with the City of Flagstaff and Office of Indigenous Initiatives to increase cultural visibility and inclusion of a Indigenous artists in her department projects. She wanted to share some uplifting news on some progress and stated there was an uptick in applications from Indigenous artists. Jana explained the project around recruitment of artists for traffic signal cabinet at intersections. These have become very popular. There were four strong Indigenous candidates. There were five projects to be completed and each project brought in 10-17 applications. A Hopi artist was chosen for one of the project and a close second with another Indigenous artist (she tapped as an alternate). Each location has a separate selection panel and made up of community members in that area. Her team is taking steps to make sure the same artists are not chosen repeatedly, as some have been in the past and to move away from the perception that they are endorsed by their program. The team is working to grow the community to recognize a diverse array of artists and also to give more artists opportunity. Businesses also have interest in artists to paint their buildings, they would be eligible to apply for available grants. Jana and team can provide recommendations of artists as appropriate. Jana stated they also want to meet with Indigenous artists individually to provide feedback from the selection panels and to encourage applying for other projects.
Ms. Weldon also updated on the art fence at the airport which had Indigenous input. The fence was installed. It has 28 panels. There will be pictorials on the fence and medallions in the sidewalk with explanations for what's on the fence. There is cultural visibility for all parts of the population including highlights of Indigenous people of the area featuring the Three Sisters, corn, Cheii horned toad, Spider Woman, abalone shell a sacred aspect of the Peaks, and a tribute to Fred Kabotie, all pieces interacting with other art items on the fence. After the update presentation, there were a few questions and appreciation expressed to Jana and her program team. It was requested for Commissioners to encourage artists to apply for Call to Artists campaigns.
B.
Assessing Accessibility, Inequities, and Barriers with Wildfire Communication in Environmental Justice Communities
This presentation shares information about research study examining experiences and opinions of wildfire/post-fire flooding communications and information. We aim to learn more about the needs and concerns of those with the Indigenous Commission, and the communities they represent, especially since a main goal of this project is to identify differences in what people from different neighborhoods, demographics, and home ownerships experience and inform future communication efforts. Presentation to be provided by: Kerry Grimm, Ph.D., Social Science Research Consultant, www.kerrygrimm.wordpress.com; Director of Social Science Research, Ecoculture, www.ecoculture.us/about/kerry-grimm/; Research Faculty Adjunct, School of Earth & Sustainability, Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes, NAU
Dr. Grimm presented on the topic and the project looking at basically wildfire communication & information and how different communities within Flagstaff experienced that. To understand people's thoughts about their risk, what are they doing to mitigate for wildfire, and also looking at how different groups experience it differently. One thing to clarify is when talking about wildfire communication, it's looking at the communication beforehand. Like things the city and the forest service are doing to mitigate the potential of catastrophic fire. Also prescribed burns and thinning are things that people could do at their own homes and also preparedness and information during an active wildfire that people are receiving. Looking at things post fire, flooding is an issue which are on a lot of people's minds. There is also flood insurance, disaster relief and if people are aware and know this information.
The group is trying to improve wildfire communications and information for these different groups, are they are experiencing gaps, are not getting some of information. Looking at those barriers or challenges that might need to be addressed, such as language, Internet accessibility, if people are getting information through trusted and preferred modes. What type of information is being shared and what's not. As a social scientist, Dr. Grimm is this leading that part of the project which has a few different of phases of the research. He has been conducting interviews with those who create and share wildfire information from within the city federal agencies. Local media and nonprofits are areas that need some understanding and what they are doing or challenges.
Dr. Grimm is finalizing a survey to use for this project to obtain feedback. It will used with different neighborhoods and mailed out to 3000 homes focusing on the kind of areas where people who would be considered by the EPA's definition of environmental justice communities or using census block data, and also an online version that will be shared widely with anybody to take it within our study area. He would like to have feedback on the survey and also ask everyone to share it with their networks, with your neighborhoods, we want to get as many voices, especially those who are not typically heard. An email was provided to reach out to Dr. Grimm.
This presentation shares information about research study examining experiences and opinions of wildfire/post-fire flooding communications and information. We aim to learn more about the needs and concerns of those with the Indigenous Commission, and the communities they represent, especially since a main goal of this project is to identify differences in what people from different neighborhoods, demographics, and home ownerships experience and inform future communication efforts. Presentation to be provided by: Kerry Grimm, Ph.D., Social Science Research Consultant, www.kerrygrimm.wordpress.com; Director of Social Science Research, Ecoculture, www.ecoculture.us/about/kerry-grimm/; Research Faculty Adjunct, School of Earth & Sustainability, Center for Adaptable Western Landscapes, NAU
Dr. Grimm presented on the topic and the project looking at basically wildfire communication & information and how different communities within Flagstaff experienced that. To understand people's thoughts about their risk, what are they doing to mitigate for wildfire, and also looking at how different groups experience it differently. One thing to clarify is when talking about wildfire communication, it's looking at the communication beforehand. Like things the city and the forest service are doing to mitigate the potential of catastrophic fire. Also prescribed burns and thinning are things that people could do at their own homes and also preparedness and information during an active wildfire that people are receiving. Looking at things post fire, flooding is an issue which are on a lot of people's minds. There is also flood insurance, disaster relief and if people are aware and know this information.
The group is trying to improve wildfire communications and information for these different groups, are they are experiencing gaps, are not getting some of information. Looking at those barriers or challenges that might need to be addressed, such as language, Internet accessibility, if people are getting information through trusted and preferred modes. What type of information is being shared and what's not. As a social scientist, Dr. Grimm is this leading that part of the project which has a few different of phases of the research. He has been conducting interviews with those who create and share wildfire information from within the city federal agencies. Local media and nonprofits are areas that need some understanding and what they are doing or challenges.
Dr. Grimm is finalizing a survey to use for this project to obtain feedback. It will used with different neighborhoods and mailed out to 3000 homes focusing on the kind of areas where people who would be considered by the EPA's definition of environmental justice communities or using census block data, and also an online version that will be shared widely with anybody to take it within our study area. He would like to have feedback on the survey and also ask everyone to share it with their networks, with your neighborhoods, we want to get as many voices, especially those who are not typically heard. An email was provided to reach out to Dr. Grimm.
6.
DISCUSSION ITEMS/POSSIBLE DIRECTION
A.
Greater Observatory Mesa Area (GOMA) Trail Plan Draft for Comments
Southwest Decision Resources (SDR) is supporting the City of Flagstaff in trail planning on Observatory Mesa. They are in the stakeholder comment phase and welcome any thoughts from the Indigenous Commission. SDR is asking interested partners for comments on the current version of the draft plan. Comments provided will be considered for the next version of the draft plan to be displayed at a community meeting slated for late May 2023. The request would be for a few members of the Commission to learn more about the draft plan, obtain comments from your circles, and provide comment back to SDR within two weeks.
SDR would like to hear from the Indigenous Commission as stakeholders on the draft plan conducted on the Greater Observatory Mesa Area regarding trail planning. Since stakeholder feedback must be completed in two weeks, it is recommended to have three Commissioners volunteer to a meeting with SDR within two weeks. The meetings with stakeholders are being done before the general public forum. Commissioners Zavala and Lance volunteered. Commissioner Cudeii will also be invited as she is a runner and likes to take part in discussions around trails. Meeting with SDR will be set up.
Southwest Decision Resources (SDR) is supporting the City of Flagstaff in trail planning on Observatory Mesa. They are in the stakeholder comment phase and welcome any thoughts from the Indigenous Commission. SDR is asking interested partners for comments on the current version of the draft plan. Comments provided will be considered for the next version of the draft plan to be displayed at a community meeting slated for late May 2023. The request would be for a few members of the Commission to learn more about the draft plan, obtain comments from your circles, and provide comment back to SDR within two weeks.
SDR would like to hear from the Indigenous Commission as stakeholders on the draft plan conducted on the Greater Observatory Mesa Area regarding trail planning. Since stakeholder feedback must be completed in two weeks, it is recommended to have three Commissioners volunteer to a meeting with SDR within two weeks. The meetings with stakeholders are being done before the general public forum. Commissioners Zavala and Lance volunteered. Commissioner Cudeii will also be invited as she is a runner and likes to take part in discussions around trails. Meeting with SDR will be set up.
B.
Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) Flag
NAHM flag needs an updated look. The Commission will view current flag utilized for NAHM and two draft samples that can be used to replace the current flag. Commission is encouraged to provide input based on internal avenues & costs regarding utilization of flags for monthly recognition.
Pictures of the current NAHM flag and samples of internal staff produced designs were also shared. City Council has requested to give the Commission time to recommend a new flag for use during November NAHM. The flag will be flown on the second flagpole outside of City Hall. The maximus cost would be around $200 and will have a specific measurement. A request for input and if there could be a recommendation of others who can design. The samples could be a starting point. Some ideas included using flags, emblems, logos, or colors of Indigenous nations in area. Are the ideas about just Coconino County, Northern Arizona, or 13-14 nations who revere the Peaks sacred? Co-chair Toya offered to share a recent flag that won a contest. Commissioner Lance volunteered to contact his designer to see what he can come up with. The samples will be emailed to Commissioner Lance and will get a design back to me to share out.
NAHM flag needs an updated look. The Commission will view current flag utilized for NAHM and two draft samples that can be used to replace the current flag. Commission is encouraged to provide input based on internal avenues & costs regarding utilization of flags for monthly recognition.
Pictures of the current NAHM flag and samples of internal staff produced designs were also shared. City Council has requested to give the Commission time to recommend a new flag for use during November NAHM. The flag will be flown on the second flagpole outside of City Hall. The maximus cost would be around $200 and will have a specific measurement. A request for input and if there could be a recommendation of others who can design. The samples could be a starting point. Some ideas included using flags, emblems, logos, or colors of Indigenous nations in area. Are the ideas about just Coconino County, Northern Arizona, or 13-14 nations who revere the Peaks sacred? Co-chair Toya offered to share a recent flag that won a contest. Commissioner Lance volunteered to contact his designer to see what he can come up with. The samples will be emailed to Commissioner Lance and will get a design back to me to share out.
C.
Updates
Renaming Agassiz Peak and City Council
Retreat Planning for Indigenous Commission, June 2023.
Mayor Daggett shared on the youth effort regarding the Renaming Agassiz Peak. She reported that City Council unanimously supported the signing on to the statewide effort and and then unanimous support to pursue it federally. As she understand it, the state effort would change the name on state maps and state documents.
Then City Council would also pursue some sort of federal recognition of the name change. Council was really excited and enthusiastic about it. Mayor also extended appreciation for all the critical support and participation on the mural in her office and also extending that to the students and teachers. She is "thrilled" to have it and felt the entire process was a lesson in community.
The retreat plan for the Commission will be scheduled in June. It will be on the weekend. The publice will have access by the Teams platform. Shared the possibilities of where it will be held, at City Hall staff conference room or Aquaplex. Choices presented are Monday and Sunday (June 8, 12). Sunday had the majority votes for the day. Contact to be made with those absent and get back with everyone.
Renaming Agassiz Peak and City Council
Retreat Planning for Indigenous Commission, June 2023.
Mayor Daggett shared on the youth effort regarding the Renaming Agassiz Peak. She reported that City Council unanimously supported the signing on to the statewide effort and and then unanimous support to pursue it federally. As she understand it, the state effort would change the name on state maps and state documents.
Then City Council would also pursue some sort of federal recognition of the name change. Council was really excited and enthusiastic about it. Mayor also extended appreciation for all the critical support and participation on the mural in her office and also extending that to the students and teachers. She is "thrilled" to have it and felt the entire process was a lesson in community.
The retreat plan for the Commission will be scheduled in June. It will be on the weekend. The publice will have access by the Teams platform. Shared the possibilities of where it will be held, at City Hall staff conference room or Aquaplex. Choices presented are Monday and Sunday (June 8, 12). Sunday had the majority votes for the day. Contact to be made with those absent and get back with everyone.
7.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
Commissioner Zavala made announcement on her event Indigenous Health Fair, on Saturday, May 20. She will share the flyer. Invited Commissioners to attend. Welcome cultural, traditional attire.
Rose Toehe shared a list of possible topics for the retreat agenda based on feedback from Commissioners. If there are other topics to offer, please send to her.
Commissioner Zavala made announcement on her event Indigenous Health Fair, on Saturday, May 20. She will share the flyer. Invited Commissioners to attend. Welcome cultural, traditional attire.
Rose Toehe shared a list of possible topics for the retreat agenda based on feedback from Commissioners. If there are other topics to offer, please send to her.
8.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-chair Washington adjourned the meeting at 1:10 PM.
Co-chair Washington adjourned the meeting at 1:10 PM.