| INDIGENOUS COMMISSION RETREAT MINUTES Commissioners In-Person Retreat, City Hall Public Access on Teams Meeting Link 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE SUNDAY, JULY 09, 2023, 9:00 A.M. |
1.
Call to Order
Co-chair Washington called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM.
Co-chair Washington called the meeting to order at 9:15 AM.
2.
Roll Call
Others Present: Dr. Chris Jocks, Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff; Brandy (guest) requested last name not given.
| NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| Diana Cudeii, Ex-Officio; Present Vacant Seat, Ex-Officio Vacant Seat, E-Officio Fawn Toya, Co-Chair, Present Joe. W. Washington, Co-Chair, Present Darrell Marks; Present Darren Lance; Present Shawna Whitehat; Present Jonathan Yellowhair; Present Mariah Zavala; Excused Absence |
Others Present: Dr. Chris Jocks, Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff; Brandy (guest) requested last name not given.
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 Regular Meetings of March 1, 2023, April 5, 2023, and May 3, 2023.
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.
Commissioner Whitehat motioned to approve all Minutes listed above as they are without amendments. Commissioner Marks seconded. The motion was passed unanimously.
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.
Commissioner Whitehat motioned to approve all Minutes listed above as they are without amendments. Commissioner Marks seconded. The motion was passed unanimously.
5.
GENERAL BUSINESS/POSSIBLE VOTE
A.
Update on Work Plan Based On Recommendations to City Council
Staff Liaison Rose Toehe will go over the Work Plan and provide updates both internally and externally. The work accomplished and work in progress based on the Recommendations. This overview may provide some projected goals on the work of the Commission, as well as collaboration efforts with partners.
Due to some technical difficulties with sharing this document, the Commissioners used this time for an introductory session. This has been a first in-person meeting since COVID. The document sharing was resolved.
Rose Toehe updated the Commission on the work plan. The updates required quite a bit of time and was completed with a Q & A and some clarification. The recommendations within the work plan are as follow:
The update on the work plan was accepted by Commissioners and they will look into the details of the work plan to clarify or ask other questions if needed. Collaboration and partnership will be revisited in regular meetings and devise areas to follow up and plan for.
Staff Liaison Rose Toehe will go over the Work Plan and provide updates both internally and externally. The work accomplished and work in progress based on the Recommendations. This overview may provide some projected goals on the work of the Commission, as well as collaboration efforts with partners.
Due to some technical difficulties with sharing this document, the Commissioners used this time for an introductory session. This has been a first in-person meeting since COVID. The document sharing was resolved.
Rose Toehe updated the Commission on the work plan. The updates required quite a bit of time and was completed with a Q & A and some clarification. The recommendations within the work plan are as follow:
- Indigenous Community Cultural Center
- Indigenous Commission (added later through City leadership discussion)
- Economic Inclusion and Impact
- Visibility
- Education
- Public Safety (Police, Fire, and Criminal Justice)
- Wellness (Well-being and Environmental Justice)
- Housing
- Transportation
- Joint Meetings between Flagstaff City Council and Indigenous/Tribal Councils
The update on the work plan was accepted by Commissioners and they will look into the details of the work plan to clarify or ask other questions if needed. Collaboration and partnership will be revisited in regular meetings and devise areas to follow up and plan for.
B.
Indigenous Community Cultural Center
Flagstaff City Council has approved a final concept for the Thorpe Park Annex Parcel. What are next steps for the Commission? Discussion and possible goals.
Rose Toehe reported that community members and allies are asking about what the next steps are in reference to the Indigenous Community Cultural Center. What are the roles of Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF), Indigenous Commission (IC), and the community in getting the plans moving within city government structure?
The floor was turned over to Dr. Chris Jocks. Dr. Jocks reported that ICF lead the conversation with Mayor and City Manager in the early days of 2016-2017. It is important to note that as an Indigenous community, there must be ready made partnerships on programming activities. Providing these activities in the community is essential. ICF has started these relationships, i.e. Cultural Connections, a local non-profit agency and others. Another idea is to start meeting within the space of the identified Community Cultural Center at the Thorpe Park Annex Parcel. In the future, the City will send out a public RFP and ICF plans to submit an application and proposal. Commissioner Marks also asked about how do we provide the knowledge responsibilities for/at the Community Cultural Center for all relatives, how to shape it, etc. For next steps, it was recommended to set up follow up meeting/s or work sessions between ICF and IC to plan the strategies going forward.
Flagstaff City Council has approved a final concept for the Thorpe Park Annex Parcel. What are next steps for the Commission? Discussion and possible goals.
Rose Toehe reported that community members and allies are asking about what the next steps are in reference to the Indigenous Community Cultural Center. What are the roles of Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF), Indigenous Commission (IC), and the community in getting the plans moving within city government structure?
The floor was turned over to Dr. Chris Jocks. Dr. Jocks reported that ICF lead the conversation with Mayor and City Manager in the early days of 2016-2017. It is important to note that as an Indigenous community, there must be ready made partnerships on programming activities. Providing these activities in the community is essential. ICF has started these relationships, i.e. Cultural Connections, a local non-profit agency and others. Another idea is to start meeting within the space of the identified Community Cultural Center at the Thorpe Park Annex Parcel. In the future, the City will send out a public RFP and ICF plans to submit an application and proposal. Commissioner Marks also asked about how do we provide the knowledge responsibilities for/at the Community Cultural Center for all relatives, how to shape it, etc. For next steps, it was recommended to set up follow up meeting/s or work sessions between ICF and IC to plan the strategies going forward.
C.
Native American Heritage Month (NAHM) Flag
Commissioner Lance will provide an update on the current status of the NAHM flag design. The sample design from a prior meeting to be used as basis for another/additional version for the Commission to consider and adopt for NAHM. This project is scheduled to be completed by August 2023.
Commissioner Lance suggested the use of the versions sent to Commissioners. There were no additional versions provided at this time. Commissioners commented on the versions submitted and agreed that the one chosen should go forward. Ms. Toehe will contact the graphic designer and work with him to see if the addition of the Indigenous nation names can be made and will share with the Commission if time permits based on completed work needed by Public Affairs for ordering purposes. Commissioner Lance will provide graphic designer contact information.
Commissioner Lance will provide an update on the current status of the NAHM flag design. The sample design from a prior meeting to be used as basis for another/additional version for the Commission to consider and adopt for NAHM. This project is scheduled to be completed by August 2023.
Commissioner Lance suggested the use of the versions sent to Commissioners. There were no additional versions provided at this time. Commissioners commented on the versions submitted and agreed that the one chosen should go forward. Ms. Toehe will contact the graphic designer and work with him to see if the addition of the Indigenous nation names can be made and will share with the Commission if time permits based on completed work needed by Public Affairs for ordering purposes. Commissioner Lance will provide graphic designer contact information.
D.
Indigenous Commission Informal Workgroups
A recommendation for consistent informal workgroups within the Commission. Based on projected goals, volunteers are needed to work on these projects. Input and commitment discussion is highly encouraged.
Rose Toehe informed the Commissioners about upcoming events that are usually planned by her and Commission members. Code Talkers, Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Heritage Month events will need informal workgroups from the Commission. Ms. Toehe requested members of the Commission to volunteer for the informal workgroup. The meetings occur more than once month.There will be a follow up email regarding this request for the different events.
A recommendation for consistent informal workgroups within the Commission. Based on projected goals, volunteers are needed to work on these projects. Input and commitment discussion is highly encouraged.
Rose Toehe informed the Commissioners about upcoming events that are usually planned by her and Commission members. Code Talkers, Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Heritage Month events will need informal workgroups from the Commission. Ms. Toehe requested members of the Commission to volunteer for the informal workgroup. The meetings occur more than once month.There will be a follow up email regarding this request for the different events.
6.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
Law Enforcement and Judicial System
One of the Recommendations to City Council includes Public Safety which includes the Criminal Justice. This will be an update to some of the developments in the last few years. Topics on involvement through CJCC, CARE Mobile Unit, CATs, etc., and various assessments that have been completed by community organizations.
Wendy White and Gary Pearlmutter, both attorneys at the Southwest Center for Equal Justice (SWCEJ), 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provided a PPT presentation titled Racial Disparities in Arrests. The presentation provided the Commission a perspective within the criminal justice which is outside the governmental outlets. The goal of SWCEJ is to eliminate systematic bias and disparate treatment in the criminal justice system, especially for people of color. The presentation focused on research and to explore the data & issues in Flagstaff. This research was funded by the Microsoft grant for Justice Reform Initiative. After the presentation, there was a short Q & A session. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, this discussion fell short of full in-depth discussion. Ms. White stated they are planning to have a full community forum around their research results in the future and will notify the Commission.
Also due to time constraints, the CARE Mobile Unit and CATs updates were not given; however, this information was included in the work plan updates.
One of the Recommendations to City Council includes Public Safety which includes the Criminal Justice. This will be an update to some of the developments in the last few years. Topics on involvement through CJCC, CARE Mobile Unit, CATs, etc., and various assessments that have been completed by community organizations.
Wendy White and Gary Pearlmutter, both attorneys at the Southwest Center for Equal Justice (SWCEJ), 501(c)(3) nonprofit, provided a PPT presentation titled Racial Disparities in Arrests. The presentation provided the Commission a perspective within the criminal justice which is outside the governmental outlets. The goal of SWCEJ is to eliminate systematic bias and disparate treatment in the criminal justice system, especially for people of color. The presentation focused on research and to explore the data & issues in Flagstaff. This research was funded by the Microsoft grant for Justice Reform Initiative. After the presentation, there was a short Q & A session. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, this discussion fell short of full in-depth discussion. Ms. White stated they are planning to have a full community forum around their research results in the future and will notify the Commission.
Also due to time constraints, the CARE Mobile Unit and CATs updates were not given; however, this information was included in the work plan updates.
B.
Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
Updates on topics including: 7/3/23 adoption of Resolution No. 2023-42 (Amending the Procurement Code Manual, Articles 1 through 7); Sacred Elements and involvement in regard to stewardship, research, community outreach; Update on the Peaks and restoration of the Öo'mawki name. Indigenous youth group's mission going forward. Discussion to include how the Commissioners can be involved or support.
Rose Toehe provided a quick update on some of the internal support for the items listed. In regard to Resolution No. 2023-42, City Council approved, as requested by City Manager Clifton, changes to the Procurement Code Manual which focuses on any topic that is deemed to be a matter of high community interest or potential controversy to end up in front of City Council to provide transparency. Staff who may have this type of topic that will move through procurement will alert leadership and City Council. In cases of Indigenous interest, these will pertain to water/reclaimed water leases or contracts. These conversations started with ICF and further supported by this Commission to move those decisions back to Flagstaff City Council. This is also to some degree inclusive of any IC sustainability efforts through research, stewardship, and community outreach on sacred elements of Indigenous peoples.
There was also a short update from Commissioner Marks on the efforts of Indigenous youth and City Council's support letter to the State of Arizona on the Agassiz Peak name change to Öo'mawki. He reported on the inception, the process and progress including the support being received from the Agassiz family, ICF, Indigenous Commission, CODA Commission, and others. The youth continue to reach out to other tribal nations. At some point, this effort will roll into the rest of the San Francisco Peaks, which will include research and data around the Peaks and the continued use of reclaimed water and the results therefrom. An idea was brought forward to incorporate native walkers on the peaks and maybe include some type of educational components for other folks. How can the youth be encouraged and empowered to walk and educate on the peaks?
Updates on topics including: 7/3/23 adoption of Resolution No. 2023-42 (Amending the Procurement Code Manual, Articles 1 through 7); Sacred Elements and involvement in regard to stewardship, research, community outreach; Update on the Peaks and restoration of the Öo'mawki name. Indigenous youth group's mission going forward. Discussion to include how the Commissioners can be involved or support.
Rose Toehe provided a quick update on some of the internal support for the items listed. In regard to Resolution No. 2023-42, City Council approved, as requested by City Manager Clifton, changes to the Procurement Code Manual which focuses on any topic that is deemed to be a matter of high community interest or potential controversy to end up in front of City Council to provide transparency. Staff who may have this type of topic that will move through procurement will alert leadership and City Council. In cases of Indigenous interest, these will pertain to water/reclaimed water leases or contracts. These conversations started with ICF and further supported by this Commission to move those decisions back to Flagstaff City Council. This is also to some degree inclusive of any IC sustainability efforts through research, stewardship, and community outreach on sacred elements of Indigenous peoples.
There was also a short update from Commissioner Marks on the efforts of Indigenous youth and City Council's support letter to the State of Arizona on the Agassiz Peak name change to Öo'mawki. He reported on the inception, the process and progress including the support being received from the Agassiz family, ICF, Indigenous Commission, CODA Commission, and others. The youth continue to reach out to other tribal nations. At some point, this effort will roll into the rest of the San Francisco Peaks, which will include research and data around the Peaks and the continued use of reclaimed water and the results therefrom. An idea was brought forward to incorporate native walkers on the peaks and maybe include some type of educational components for other folks. How can the youth be encouraged and empowered to walk and educate on the peaks?
7.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
8.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-chair Washington adjourned the meeting at 2:00 PM.
Co-chair Washington adjourned the meeting at 2:00 PM.