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.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Approval of August 7, 2025 Minutes
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.

Commissioner Lomaomvaya motioned to accept the Minutes as is and seconded by Co-chair Zavala. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of September 4, 2025 Minutes
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.

Co-chair Zavala motioned to accept the Minutes as is and seconded by Commissioner Francis. The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of October 9, 2025 Minutes
Motion to approve Minutes as is or approve with amendments.

Commissioner Lomaomvaya motioned to accept the Minutes as is and seconded by Co-chair Zavala. The motion passed unanimously.

Update on City Council's Commissioner Appointments. Selection of Co-Chairs for 2026.
Staff liaison Rose Toehe will update the Indigenous Commission (IC) on the appointments of commissioners at the January 6, 2025, City Council meeting. The IC will also vote to select the next co-chairs with an explanation of prior years' format.

At their January 6th council meeting, the Mayor and Vice-Mayor each nominated Commissioners Lance and Zavala. The City Council voted unanimously to re-appoint the commissioners. The commission does have a third voting seat available due to a resignation. An inquiry has been sent to check on the progress of that seat. There may be additional applicants needed for consideration to fill that seat.

Staff liaison explained the succession for the co-chairs as planned by several prior Indigenous Commissions. There would be a lead co-chair for the year and the second co-chair would act in the capacity of gaining knowledge and stepping in whenever the lead co-chair is not available. The following year, the lead co-chair will step down and the second co-chair will move into lead. A new second co-chair will be nominated or self-nominated and voted on. The thought behind this process is that it is more in line with the Indigenous way of thinking. When possible, the commission would have a male and female balance. There was some discussion around the subject and nominations were opened. Another perspective, while there is support for the male and female balance, it is also important to support matrilineal leadership.

Nominations:
Co-chair Lance nominated Commissioner Cherylee Francis. Commissioner Lomaomvaya self-nominated. Commissioner Francis nominated Commissioner Marks based on the male/female balance perspective and declined her nomination. There is also support for matrilineal leadership. Commissioner Marks declined his nomination. Nominations were closed.

Commissioner Darrell Marks made a motion to select Commissioner Mariah Zavala as lead co-chair and Commissioner Mowana Lomaomvaya for the second co-chair. Commissioner Darren Lance seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous. At this point, Co-chair Zavala took over the meeting.

Commissioner Volunteers for Event Work Groups

1. Community Powwow, possible date/s of April 4–5, 2026 or consideration of other dates.
2. Honoring All Code Talkers Celebration, August 2026.
3. Indigenous Peoples Day, October 12, 2026.

There was a short discussion on having less than optimum participation from commissioners volunteering in events organizing, specifically the Code Talker and Indigenous Peoples Day events. Last year, there was an ask that there be more active participation, including follow-up and follow-through. These are very important aspects in planning events. There should also be clear expectations of the commissioner roles for these events in addition to being present the day of the event. There will not be quorum for each of these working group planning meetings. Ex-officio commissioners can serve in these groups as they will not establish a quorum.

After some discussion, the following were voted on for each informal working group.
COF Powwow Working Group: Commissioner Marks and Commissioner Lance. Co-chair Zavala made a motion to accept the two commissioners to be on the working group and was seconded by Commissioner Lomaomvaya. The vote was unanimous.

Honoring All Code Talkers Celebration Working Group: Co-chair Zavala, Co-chair Lomaomvaya, and Commissioner Curley. Commissioner Marks made a motion to accept the three commissioners to be on the working group and was seconded by Commissioner Francis. The vote was unanimous.

Indigenous Peoples Day Working Group: Commissioner Lance, Co-chair Zavala, Commissioner Francis, and Commissioner Curley (ex-officio). Co-chair Lomaomvaya made a motion to accept the four commissioners to be on the working group and was seconded by Commissioner Marks. The vote was unanimous.

DISCUSSION ITEMS

Initial Discussion and Planning of a Community Powwow.
Discussion to include ideas on powwow name or theme, community feeding (or focus on headstaff), social powwow (open to the public, no fees), venue, recruitment of community volunteers, parade, donations, and other topics as needed. Staff liaison Toehe will be responsible for headstaff contact and agreements. What are the challenges and solutions?

A short background, staff liaison Toehe met with Commissioner Marks and the Flagstaff High School Native American Club to determine the basic information on current rates for headstaff expenses. The City has approved a budget of $8000. Staff liaison Toehe will meet with Parks & Recreation program to get some dates for the ball fields from April through June. It would be nice to have this powwow near the original spot of the original Flagstaff Powwow. There will also be expenses to consider having an event at the ball field. The commissioners discussed questions that were put forward and also some possible dates. ASU had provided their powwow on the first weekend in April. Currently, they are not doing that this year, so that weekend is open.

Overall, the consensus was to have everyone know their roles and volunteers to know what they are responsible for. Since this is the first year for a City powwow, it would be a plus to add partners. April and June are possibilities for the powwow. May will not be considered due to graduations and people traveling. The planning working group will start meeting to decide all details. All commissioners will be marketing and promoting the powwow event.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS TO/FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS, STAFF, AND FUTURE AGENDA ITEM REQUESTS

• Beautification Arts and Sciences, City of Flagstaff, is looking for some panelists for artist selection regarding an art mural on the water tank at Buffaclo Park. Email staff liaison Toehe and will get commissioners in contact with the responsible party.
• Native American businesses, maybe create a collective, network, or chamber. Would like to agendize and discuss.
• Girls on the Run board meeting and the state of North Country. All events are on hold in case anyone is looking to participate or donate.
• Flagstaff Women's Leadership Network meeting on Monday, 4:30-6:00pm. Commissioner Zavala will be a speaker.
• Observe a moment of silence to keep those in Minnesota and the country in thought and in relation to Indigenous people & history. What's happening affects all of us.
• CJCC Citizens Academy starts Feb 4th. It is about having more understanding of the court system.
• MLK event at NAU. Please participate if you are able.

ADJOURNMENT

Co-chair Mariah Zavala adjourned the meeting at 12:41 PM.