| INDIGENOUS COMMISSION MINUTES VIRTUAL TEAMS MEETING 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025, 11:00 A.M. |
1.
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 11:03 AM by Co-chair Darren Lance.
The meeting was called to order at 11:03 AM by Co-chair Darren Lance.
2.
Roll Call
Others present: Staff liaison Rose Toehe and Community Development Senior Planner Lauren Clementino
| NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| DIANA CUDEII, EX-OFFICIO; Excused Absence LINDA CURLEY, EX-OFFICIO; Absent DARREN LANCE, CO-CHAIR; Present MARIAH ZAVALA, CO-CHAIR; Present CHERYLEE FRANCIS; Present KIMBERLY HOSKIE; Present MOWANA LOMAOMVAYA; Present DARRELL MARKS; Present MARIAN MARSHALL; Present, late 11:17 AM; connectivity issues, joined/dropped three times. VACANT SEAT; EX-OFFICIO |
Others present: Staff liaison Rose Toehe and Community Development Senior Planner Lauren Clementino
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. (Maximum three minutes per individual)
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. (Maximum three minutes per individual)
None.
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A.
Approval of May 14, 2025 Rescheduled Meeting Minutes
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.
Co-chair Mariah Zavala motioned to approve the Minutes as is and seconded by Commissioner Mowana Lomaomvaya. The motion passed unanimously.
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.
Co-chair Mariah Zavala motioned to approve the Minutes as is and seconded by Commissioner Mowana Lomaomvaya. The motion passed unanimously.
5.
GENERAL BUSINESS (Possible Vote)
A.
Possible Collaboration: Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival - Indigenous Voices
A request for a possible collaboration between the Indigenous Commission and the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival (FMFF) which provides Indigenous Voices through film and video. The request was made by Colleen Cooley, FMFF Boardmember and included Montana Gia, Executive Director of the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival.
Staff liaison Toehe talked about a meeting with Colleen Cooley and Montana Gia regarding a possible collaboration or participation of IC with the film festival. Ms. Cooley is stepping off the board and would like IC to work with Ms. Gia. Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF) could also play a role in this involvement. They brought some ideas forward, which include Indigenous film recruitment, serving on selection panels for the competing films, and/or tabling IC or ICF information to the public. There was some discussion as to what the involvement would entail and there is a need for other information the IC will need to have to make this decision. Commissioner Zavala can reach out to Ms. Cooley regarding further information. Commissioner Francis would like to hear both sides; pros and cons; and IC can better decide how and if to collaborate. Expressed ideas, it would be nice for Flagstaff to have a more significant platform for a variety of filmmakers. That would be a good goal. This conversation could be held again in the future depending on interest.
A request for a possible collaboration between the Indigenous Commission and the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival (FMFF) which provides Indigenous Voices through film and video. The request was made by Colleen Cooley, FMFF Boardmember and included Montana Gia, Executive Director of the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival.
Staff liaison Toehe talked about a meeting with Colleen Cooley and Montana Gia regarding a possible collaboration or participation of IC with the film festival. Ms. Cooley is stepping off the board and would like IC to work with Ms. Gia. Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF) could also play a role in this involvement. They brought some ideas forward, which include Indigenous film recruitment, serving on selection panels for the competing films, and/or tabling IC or ICF information to the public. There was some discussion as to what the involvement would entail and there is a need for other information the IC will need to have to make this decision. Commissioner Zavala can reach out to Ms. Cooley regarding further information. Commissioner Francis would like to hear both sides; pros and cons; and IC can better decide how and if to collaborate. Expressed ideas, it would be nice for Flagstaff to have a more significant platform for a variety of filmmakers. That would be a good goal. This conversation could be held again in the future depending on interest.
6.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
Get To Know Your Neighbor Event, Sept 28, 2025
A discussion on participant contacts to assist with the Cultural/Ethnic Clothing/Regalia segment for this community event.
Staff liaison Toehe explained that some contacts are needed for participation in this event. Discussion and ideas were presented to include students at NAU through their pow-wow group, high school students, and local community individuals. Currently, the idea is to have 4-6 individuals who have a specific type of pow-wow regalia with additional traditional wear from 2-3 Indigenous nation members. They will be rotating in a span of five minutes to several tables and explaining their regalia or clothing. Q & A as time permits. The total time commitment is approximately 30-35 minutes. Volunteering is encouraged for this community event. It is a chance to share our culture and clothing/regalia. Any contacts will be sent to Staff liaison Toehe to see participants. There will be other types of sharing from different cultures or neighborhoods. The event is to take place on
September 28th, starting at 12:00pm, Market of Dreams.
A discussion on participant contacts to assist with the Cultural/Ethnic Clothing/Regalia segment for this community event.
Staff liaison Toehe explained that some contacts are needed for participation in this event. Discussion and ideas were presented to include students at NAU through their pow-wow group, high school students, and local community individuals. Currently, the idea is to have 4-6 individuals who have a specific type of pow-wow regalia with additional traditional wear from 2-3 Indigenous nation members. They will be rotating in a span of five minutes to several tables and explaining their regalia or clothing. Q & A as time permits. The total time commitment is approximately 30-35 minutes. Volunteering is encouraged for this community event. It is a chance to share our culture and clothing/regalia. Any contacts will be sent to Staff liaison Toehe to see participants. There will be other types of sharing from different cultures or neighborhoods. The event is to take place on
September 28th, starting at 12:00pm, Market of Dreams.
B.
Update on the Indigenous Community Cultural Center (ICCC)
The Commission will be provided an update on the status of the ICCC after the RSOQ procurement process.
A quick update was given for the purpose of keeping the IC informed. A public Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ) process has been completed and an internal evaluation process done. Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF) has been identified as the Indigenous-led non-profit who will be overseeing the ICCC and its programming. An MOU must be completed first, outlining what ICF and City of Flagstaff will bring to the table. The building is not occupiable due to a large amount of work and maintenance yet to be done inside the building. There is also $200,000 within the PROSE budget specifically for the ICCC and its area. Once an MOU is established, ICF and the City will be able to decide on how the funds will be spent.
At a June 24th Council meeting, Vice Mayor Sweet presented the idea of possibly purchasing the Orpheum Theater. Vice Mayor also spoke on an Arts and Culture District within the city. With that idea, the ICCC became a main point in that discussion. The takeaway here was that, if the City is going to have an Arts and Culture District, then the ICCC must be included. The staff will need to do some research and get back to City Council on several things. At this meeting, the ICCC had a good boost of support from City leadership. An Arts and Culture District would include a bond campaign and voter approval. Further information will be shared as they develop.
The Commission will be provided an update on the status of the ICCC after the RSOQ procurement process.
A quick update was given for the purpose of keeping the IC informed. A public Request for Statement of Qualification (RSOQ) process has been completed and an internal evaluation process done. Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF) has been identified as the Indigenous-led non-profit who will be overseeing the ICCC and its programming. An MOU must be completed first, outlining what ICF and City of Flagstaff will bring to the table. The building is not occupiable due to a large amount of work and maintenance yet to be done inside the building. There is also $200,000 within the PROSE budget specifically for the ICCC and its area. Once an MOU is established, ICF and the City will be able to decide on how the funds will be spent.
At a June 24th Council meeting, Vice Mayor Sweet presented the idea of possibly purchasing the Orpheum Theater. Vice Mayor also spoke on an Arts and Culture District within the city. With that idea, the ICCC became a main point in that discussion. The takeaway here was that, if the City is going to have an Arts and Culture District, then the ICCC must be included. The staff will need to do some research and get back to City Council on several things. At this meeting, the ICCC had a good boost of support from City leadership. An Arts and Culture District would include a bond campaign and voter approval. Further information will be shared as they develop.
C.
Indigenous Code Talkers Celebration (ICTC) Work Group Update
The ICTC work group will update the Indigenous Commission on the current status of the planning process.
The planning work group has been meeting. The event venue, Market of Dreams, has been secured and will be paid for by the City. It will be held on Monday, August 11, 9:00am - 1:00pm. Through the efforts of Co-chair Zavala, Desert Financial has committed to sponsoring the lunch and Artisans Kitchen will make the food. Arizona Complete Health will sponsor breakfast and will pay the vendor for the breakfast burritos. A request has been made to Family Food Center to provide 50 lunch sacks for any unsheltered relatives in the area. Geno Talas has been confirmed to be the keynote speaker. A couple of slots are being confirmed. Agenda participants will be solidified by July 18 and a final version to be completed by July 23. Save the Date has been scheduled to go out. The IC had a good discussion and other suggestions were made for the event. All commissioners will be responsible for sharing the event in their contact circles.
The ICTC work group will update the Indigenous Commission on the current status of the planning process.
The planning work group has been meeting. The event venue, Market of Dreams, has been secured and will be paid for by the City. It will be held on Monday, August 11, 9:00am - 1:00pm. Through the efforts of Co-chair Zavala, Desert Financial has committed to sponsoring the lunch and Artisans Kitchen will make the food. Arizona Complete Health will sponsor breakfast and will pay the vendor for the breakfast burritos. A request has been made to Family Food Center to provide 50 lunch sacks for any unsheltered relatives in the area. Geno Talas has been confirmed to be the keynote speaker. A couple of slots are being confirmed. Agenda participants will be solidified by July 18 and a final version to be completed by July 23. Save the Date has been scheduled to go out. The IC had a good discussion and other suggestions were made for the event. All commissioners will be responsible for sharing the event in their contact circles.
7.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS
Open Space representative would like to include the Indigenous Commission to assist in the renaming of the Observatory Mesa.
City Manager Greg Clifton will be retiring. The effective date was not announced due to the candidate chosen for the position.
The Boys and Girls Club would like to have some Native peer mentors.
Girls on the Run organization is looking for coaches. It is a huge commitment.
Sponsors are needed for Commissioner Zavala's youth rafting trip.
Open Space representative would like to include the Indigenous Commission to assist in the renaming of the Observatory Mesa.
City Manager Greg Clifton will be retiring. The effective date was not announced due to the candidate chosen for the position.
The Boys and Girls Club would like to have some Native peer mentors.
Girls on the Run organization is looking for coaches. It is a huge commitment.
Sponsors are needed for Commissioner Zavala's youth rafting trip.
8.
ADJOURNMENT
Co-chair Darren Lance adjourned the meeting at 12:24 PM.
Co-chair Darren Lance adjourned the meeting at 12:24 PM.