2022-04-26 - DEIC Agenda Packet
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Attendance: This meeting will be held in person at Golden Valley City Hall and virtually via WebEx.
Some members of the board/commission may attend by telephone or interactive technology.
Members of the public may attend this meeting via Webex or by calling 1-415-655-0001 and
entering access code 133 659 0690.
Questions/Comments: Members of the public who have questions about the commission or any
items on the agenda should contact the staff commission liaison – Kiarra Zackery, Equity and
Inclusion Manager at (763) 593- 8045.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
Chair, Joelle Allen Vice Chair, Ajani Woodson Nyre Chester
Melissa Johnson Drew Jones Carol Luo
Chris Mitchell Ruth Paradise Teresa Sit
Lee Thorsen
3. Approval of Agenda
4. Approval of March 22, 2022 minutes
5. New Commissioner Introductions and Oath (Kiarra)
6. Updates/Reminders
A. Council Chamber Construction and Future Meeting Locations
B. Budget and Council Update
C. OSRC + Naming Policy
D. Virtual Meeting Request Forms
7. Work plan (Joelle)
8. Land Acknowledgement Resolutio
April 26, 2022 – 6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
City of Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission Regular Meeting
April 26, 2022 – 6:30 pm
2
9. Community Engagement Updates
A. Q2 BAEGV (Chris)
B. Allianz (Ajani)
10. Adjourn
Quarterly Activites: Jan - Mar Timeframe Cost
Work Plan Discussion Jan
Land Acknowledgement workshop Jan $500
Annual MLK Day Contest Jan
BAEGV Equity Forum: BLACK HISTORY MONTH 17-Feb
Sweet Potato Com. Pie MLK Wknd Feb $400
Sponsorship request process Mar
Quarterly Activites: Apr - Jun Timeframe Cost
Human Rights Day Planning
Day of Service Planning
Golden Valley Pride - Booth Planning $250
Work plan and Land Acknowledgement to Council May 10th
BAEGV Equity Forum: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE May 19th 400
Welcome packet planning
Public Asset Naming Policy w/ OSRC
Quarterly Activites: Jul - Sep Timeframe Cost
Human Rights Day planning
Bill Hobbs Award Promotion 150
Day of Service 11-Sep-22 300
BAEGV Equity Forum: HOUSING 18-Aug-22 $400
Golden Valley Pride Aug-27-2022
Welcome packet distributed in third quarter Aug-27-2022 1250
Quarterly Activites: Oct - Dec Timeframe Cost
Sweet Potato Comfort Pie Planning 400
Human Rights Day - Bill Hobbs Award 10-Dec-22
Human Rights Day Promotion $500
Purchase table for 2021 MLK breakfast Nov 17th
BAEGV Equity Forum (Engage & Celebrate Golden Valley)EOY November 17 400
Final report (city compliance??)12/31/2022
2022 DEIC Annual Report Nov 17th 400
Indigenous Peoples Day Nov 24,2022 2500
7850
Income
Left Over 2500
Budget 3500
Indengouus funds 10000
16000
Expenses 7850
Balance 8150
Notes
https://healourcommunities.org/day-of-racial-
healing/
The 2022 Day of Racial Healing Webinar has
a beautiful Land Acknowledgement by
Christian Parrish Takes the Gun, aka
Supaman/Awe aakeen baa aachile from the
Apsaalooke Nation in Montana of the Big
Lodge Clan. The land acknowledgement
starts at around 7:38 of the video. Hope you
have time to watch the entire video.
Pay speaker directly. Each speaker @$100 each.
SPCP to let us know how many speakers
Look at HSC process
Notes
Would be nice to focus these events on
positive relationships, diversity, peace, and
common good, in our community and our
city.
Dec. 10, 2022
May look at something different this year
Booth ($100) + $150 DEIC Swag
Present work plan and Land Acknowledgement
resolution at Council Work Session
Partner with environmental commission
Partner with OSRC to develop citywide policy. City
Council directive
Now Collaboration with OSRC (Rick Birno) - Kiarra to
arrange premeeting with Joelle & Rick
Notes
given out December 10th. Deadline is October
31st. Selection made at November meeting
Sheri Shoquist (speaker & Housing & Economic
Development Manager). Currently in Council
Chambers. Can look at different venue
Designed by a culturally sensative graphic artist and
printed.
Notes
Even though I've never participated in this
event, I really like the partnerships with the
community and local school and doing good
for others
Cost goes to supporting honorarium for the
speaker. Planning begins in November. Meetings
begin early December
This is a great award and the Human Rights
Day with the Bill Hobbs Award should
continue.
Consider doing an ad in the program book in lieu of
a table to recognize the Golden Valley Youth
Contest Winners and the work that the City of
Golden Valley is doing in alingment with Dr. King's
mission.
As long as there is an MLK breakfast, I am in
favor of continuing to purchase a table. If
there is not a breakfast, the budget for the
event should be spent to recognize Dr. King
and the fair andequal justice and
opportunity that he stood for.
EVERYTHING DONE BY THE FORUM: Annual Report,
Recommendations, Audience is for community, city
staff and city council. Meeting for November on
the 15th to move away from Thanksgiving
Data collection in early spring, census, employee
data, Met Council, Wilder Foundation, MN
Compass, MDE Scorecard for EOY report. City is
looking to create equity dashboard with ESRI.
Deliverable is to provide what data we want to see.
Provided at Forum in Novemer along with feedback
mechanisms.
Commission a piece of art (from an Indigenous
person) for Brookview, the library or City Hall. The
$2500 is for the total amount spent for the Land
Ackknowledgement Work plan
(Article 1)
Golden Valley – Who was here before us?
Why acknowledge that the City of Golden Valley is located on land that was the land of
the Dakota People, indigenous Native Americans? America has been referred to as a
“melting pot” of people coming from different countries and “melting” into one culture.
Today, we look at things differently, valuing the different cultural and ethnic identities
that people bring with them, as we live together as “Americans”. The majority of people
living in the United States are descendants of immigrants, or are immigrants
themselves. Native Americans were here, with their own civilization and cultures before
these immigrants arrived. What is known about the Native American people who lived in
our “Golden Valley” before the new immigrants arrived? What happened to them? What
is happening to them?
Native American identity must be understood not as seen in the movies, in cowboy and
Indian wars, but as real people. People who are working now to recapture their own
culture within the framework of the American “Dream”.
The City of Golden Valley is developing a statement, commonly referred to as a “Land
Acknowledgement Statement” to start at the beginning of the history of our city, before
any settlers came to live here. Similar “statements” are being made across the country,
by cities, states, universities, schools, businesses and not-for-profit organizations. The
goal is to learn from our history by acknowledging not only the past, but the present.
Looking to learn how we can have cultural differences while being a “melting pot”. This
acknowledgment is part of the steps we want to take meet this challenge.
Below is the proposed Land Acknowledgement statement to be used by the City
of Golden Valley. . Look specifically at the 1st paragraph.
¶1 We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral lands’ the
City of Golden Valley is built, and whose land resources we use.
¶2 We reflect on the forced exile and the codified dispossession of the Dakota peoples,
due to actions by the government, traders and land speculators, leading to the Land
Cession 289 and the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. We further recognize the
injustices done by actions taken to suppress, over the following many decades, the
Dakota People’s knowledge and practice of their cultural and spiritual heritage.
¶3 We further acknowledge, honor and respect their continuing existence as a
sovereign nation here in the land they call Mni Sota Makoce.
(Article 2)
Golden Valley: What happened to the people of the Dakota Nation after new
immigrants, mainly from Europe, arrived in Minnesota”
It has been hard ,over the past several years, to watch the news. We see people from
Ukraine, with only what they can carry, being displaced from their homes. We read of
the war in Syria, where six million people have become refugees, again, being forced to
leave with only what they could carry.
Do you know that when the first settlers arrived from Europe to the “new world” Native
Americans did not have resistance to the diseases the Europeans carried? It is
estimated that 90% to 95% of the Native American populations died of diseases brought
over from Europe in those early years. Europeans also came with much more
advanced and lethal weapons. Europeans also had a different concept of “land
ownership”, specifically “private” land ownership than did the Native Americans. The
Native Americans didn’t realize at first that the ”rules of the game” that the Europeans
were operating under were different than those of Native Americans.
As you read the second paragraph of our Land Acknowledgment Statement, you see
that it is really an acknowledgment, in a very short summary, of the catastrophic
decimation and trauma the Native American civilization experienced with the arrival of
the Europeans that “settled” America.
Below is the proposed Land Acknowledgement statement to be used by the City
of Golden Valley. . Look specifically at the 2nd paragraph.
¶1 We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral lands’ the City of
Golden Valley is built, and whose land resources we use.
¶2 We reflect on the forced exile and the codified dispossession of the Dakota
peoples, due to actions by the government, traders and land speculators,
leading to the Land Cession 289 and the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux.
We further recognize the injustices done by actions taken to suppress, over
the following many decades, the Dakota People’s knowledge and practice of
their cultural and spiritual heritage.
¶3 We further acknowledge, honor and respect their continuing existence as a
sovereign nation here in the land they call Mni Sota Makoce.
(Article 3)
Golden Valley – What happened to people from the Dakota Nation when they gave
up their land?
The Dakota People, as well as other Native American tribes, in spite of the hardships
they have endured, continue to live in Minnesota and throughout the United States.
They are recognized by Treaty as Sovereign Nations within the United States. They are
working to recover the use of their native languages, as well as the observance and
rekindling of their individual cultures. All while participating as full citizens of the United
States and participating in all aspects of life in America. Native American cultures
contribute to the great cultural diversity found in the United State, helping to create a
uniquely creative nation. The United States is a nation that draws on many strands of
culture to build a pluralistic society. 0.6% of the population in Golden Valley are Native
Americans.
We in Golden Valley acknowledge, through this Land Acknowledgment Statement the
fact that the land the City now occupy was once the land of the Dakota People.
Below is the proposed Land Acknowledgement statement to be used by the City
of Golden Valley. Look specifically at the 3rd paragraph.
¶1 We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral lands’ the City of
Golden Valley is built, and whose land resources we use.
¶2 We reflect on the forced exile and the codified dispossession of the Dakota peoples,
due to actions by the government, traders and land speculators, leading to the Land
Cession 289 and the 1851 Treaty of Traverse des Sioux. We further recognize the
injustices done by actions taken to suppress, over the following many decades, the
Dakota People’s knowledge and practice of their cultural and spiritual heritage.
¶3 We further acknowledge, honor and respect their continuing existence as a
sovereign nation here in the land they call Mni Sota Makoce.
(Article 4)
Is a Verbal and Written ”Land Acknowledgment Statement” Enough?
The answer is no. The Dakota people need to be recognized for who they are now,
what they are doing, the barriers they are facing, and the contributions they are making
to society. Part of the “Land Acknowledgment” project includes an Action Plan of
activities that moves us forward toward the realization of the intent of the Land
Acknowledgement Statement.
(Article 5)
Who Discovered America?
The indigenous people discovered America 15,000 to maybe 20,000 years ago. There
is evidence that they came across the Bering Land Bridge between Siberia and Alaska,
when ocean levels were much lower. People then migrated south and east to settle all
of America. There is proof that about 500 years ago Vikings had a presence on the
Canadian Island of Newfoundland. Columbus “discovered” a populated America in
1492 while he was looking for a shorter route to China.
(Article 6)
What was the land of Golden Valley like when the Settlers first arrived?
People from the Dakota Tribe hunted on the land now occupied by the City of Golden
Valley. They lived by Medicine Lake. The City of Golden Valley is part of the Bassett
Creek Watershed. Since many of us have sump pumps to prevent water from flooding
our basements, we know that we live on what was once wetlands. For that reason, the
Dakota people did not put their actual dwellings on the land where the City is located.
(Article 7)
Minnesota – Tribes and locations
In Minnesota, there are seven Anishinaabe (Chippewa, Ojibwe) reservations and four
Dakota (Sioux) communities. Find links to the web sites of those communities that have
web sites. Also included are links to other
valuable resources.
The 4 small round circles toward the
bottom of the map are Dakota land. Dakota Nation in Minnesota Before the
treaty of 1851
(Hennepin Co. Library
https://www.hclib.org/programs/books-reading/mary-ann-key-book-club
• An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People
• by Roxane Dunbar-Ortiz, adapted by Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza
• About the book
• In this adaptation of Roxanne Dunbar-Oritz’s An Indigenous
Peoples' History of the United States (2014), co-writers Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza reframe U.S. history from an Indigenous perspective in a way that is accessible, packed with facts and will have readers thinking critically from start to finish.
• “In spite of all that was done to them, Indigenous people are still here. It is breathtaking, but no miracle, that they have survived as peoples. This is a history of the United States.” From An
Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People.
Mary Ann Key Book Club: A Conversation With Debbie Reese
Tuesday, April 19, 7-8:30 p.m.
Join the Mary Ann Key Book Club for an online event featuring Debbie Reese, co-author of our spring 2022 book club selection An Indigenous
Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People. The author will be joined in conversation by Star Tribune columnist and book club partner Myron
Medcalf. Collaborator: Star Tribune. Sponsor: Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
Register for this live online event.
Mary Ann Key Book Club Discussions
Thursday, April 28, 10-11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, 7-8:30 p.m.
Join our discussion of An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young
People, adapted by Debbie Reese and Jean Mendoza. Please register for only one
small group discussion program. Collaborator: Star Tribune. Sponsor: Friends of the
Hennepin County Library.
Learn more and register for one of the online discussions.
Mary Ann Key Book Club: A Community Discussion of An Indigenous Peoples'
History of the United States for Young People
Thursday, May 12, 7-8:30 p.m.
Join columnist Myron Medcalf and moderator Ramona Kitto Stately in an online conversation with Native American community leaders Sharon Day, Marlena Myles, Dr. Katie Phillips and Pearl Walker-Swaney. Panelists will discuss An Indigenous Peoples’
History of the United States for Young People. Collaborator: Star Tribune. Sponsor:
Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
Register for this live online event.
Language Facts)
Minnesota – A Dakota Indian word “meaning “white water”.
Winnetka - The name is thought to be derived from a Native American word meaning
“beautiful land.”
Mississippi - French rendering of an Algonquian name (French missionaries first penetrated the
river valley in its upper reaches) meaning "big river;" compare Ojibwa mshi- "big," ziibi "river."
Minnehaha -Mni ḣa ḣa - waterfall, or curling waters;
(https://healingmnstories.wordpress.com/2016/01/31/whats-in-a-name-part-1-minnesota-
counties-with-indigenous-names/)
Susana Alcala Wood, City Attorney Jorge Oseguera, City Auditor
Mindy Cuppy, City Clerk Howard Chan, City Manager John Colville, City Treasurer
City Council Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2021-01420 December 14, 2021 Discussion Item 33
Title: Adopt an Official City of Sacramento Land Acknowledgement
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution establishing an official City of Sacramento Land
Acknowledgment to be read aloud at the beginning of every meeting of the Sacramento City
Council and its subsidiary committees, boards, and bodies (i.e., City Council standing
committees, City Council ad hoc committees, and City of Sacramento boards, commissions,
and committees), as well as the Financing Authority, Housing Authority, Public Financing
Authority, and Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency.
Contact: Kelly F. Rivas, Chief of Staff, (916) 808-5300, Office of Mayor Darrell Steinberg
Presenters: Kelly Fong Rivas, Chief of Staff, Office of Mayor Darrell Steinberg; Chairman
Jesus Tarango, Wilton Rancheria Tribe; Britta Guerrero, Chief Executive Officer, Sacramento
Native American Health Center.
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Sacramento Native American Health Center Land Acknowledgment Background
3-Resolutin (Ceremonial)
4-Resolution (City)
5-City of Sacramento Land Acknowledgment Statement
Page 1 of 8
File ID: 2021-01420 Discussion Item 33
December 14, 2021
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City of Sacramento
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: A land acknowledgment is a formal statement, a public recognition, of the
Indigenous Peoples who have been dispossessed and displaced from their ancestral
homelands and territories due to a variety of colonial and historical reasons. This statement
acknowledges that an organization, a city, a park, or any other structure was built, and
operates, on Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral homelands.
As articulated by Mayor Steinberg and members of the Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee at its
October 6, 2021 meeting, it is important for the City of Sacramento to acknowledge,
understand, and apologize for the City’s role in the perpetuation of America’s racial harm. In
this vein, it is important to understand the long-standing history that has brought the City of
Sacramento to this land, and to seek to understand our place within that history. Land
Acknowledgements are not about placing blame, they are the first step towards building a
more inclusive future that eliminates the erasure of Indigenous Peoples’ voices, lives, and
history. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose
territory we reside on.
During the first Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee meeting on October 6, 2021, Councilmember
Vang requested adopting a Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of every Racial Ad Hoc
Committee meeting and suggested having Britta Guerrero, CEO of the Sacramento Native
American Health Center (SNAHC), along with the Chairman of the Wilton Rancheria Tribe,
Jesus Tarango, lead the way with a presentation on the importance of a Land
Acknowledgement at the next Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee meeting. On October 12, 2021,
Britta Guerrero, and Chairman Tarango participated in a special presentation at City Council,
recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the request of Councilmember Valenzuela. They
returned to the ad hoc committee on October 26, 2021, for another presentation and dialogue
on the development and adoption of a Land Acknowledgement.
Ensuring that a Land Acknowledgement is presented at official City council meetings furthers
council’s stated commitment towards advancing racial equity by fostering an environment that
is aware and actively working towards integrating Indigenous People and their history of local
lands into decision-making processes. In doing so, the City will be acknowledging the
oppressive systems Indigenous people have experienced and continue to experience and will
bring us in solidarity to break down those barriers and create a culture that celebrates and
protects the heritage of Indigenous Peoples.
Policy Considerations: Council has directed staff to include consideration of racial equity in
future policy and budget decisions. Adopting a formal citywide policy to include a Land
Acknowledgement statement at the beginning of all City Council, council standing committee,
Page 2 of 8
File ID: 2021-01420 Discussion Item 33
December 14, 2021
powered by Legistar™
City of Sacramento
ad hoc committee, and board and commission meetings is a critical step forward for the City of
Sacramento to acknowledge and honor the original Indigenous People of the land where City
Hall and the City of Sacramento are located.
Economic Impacts: None.
Environmental Considerations: This action is not subject to CEQA because it is an
administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the
environment, and it relates to government fiscal activities that do not involve any commitment
to any specific project that may result in a potentially significant physical impact on the
environment. (CEQA Guidelines § 15378(a), (b)(2), (b)(4) and (b)(5)).
Sustainability: Not applicable.
Commission/Committee Action: On October 26, 2021, the Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee
passed a motion: 1) adopting a Land Acknowledgement at the beginning of every Racial
Equity Ad Hoc Committee meeting; and 2) forwarding the presentation to the full City Council
for consideration of the adoption of a Land Acknowledgement statement at the beginning of
every meeting of the Sacramento City Council and its subsidiary committees, boards, and
bodies (i.e., City Council standing committees, City Council ad hoc committees, and City of
Sacramento boards, commissions, and committees), as well as the Financing Authority,
Housing Authority, Public Financing Authority, and Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency.
Rationale for Recommendation: Adopting a policy for a Land Acknowledgement all
meetings of the City Council, standing committees, ad hoc committees, boards, and
commissions is in alignment with the City Council’s stated commitment to advancing racial
equity.
Financial Considerations: Not applicable.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
Page 3 of 8
Land Acknowledgment
The history of the Sacramento area, and the people, is rich in heritage, culture and tradition. This area
was, and still is, the Tribal land of the Nisenan people. Sacramento was a gathering place for many local
Tribes who have lived throughout the central valley and the foothills for generations and were the
original stewards of this land. We would like to acknowledge the Southern Maidu people to the North,
the Valley and Plains Miwok/ Me-Wuk Peoples to the south of the American River, and the Patwin
Wintun Peoples to the west of the Sacramento River. We would also like to honor the Wilton
Rancheria, the only federally recognized tribe in Sacramento County.
We acknowledge that we are standing on the tribal lands of Sacramento’s Indigenous people.
Why Land Acknowledgment?
Today, we recognize that change can only occur in the context of truthfulness, transparency, and
reconciliation around systems that have oppressed and excluded Indigenous people. We believe that
education can shift historically oppressive practices to build a more inclusive and socially conscious
community and society. One of the steps in this process includes asking our partners, supporters and
allies to include an Indigenous Peoples land acknowledgment at every opportunity. This statement
recognizes that Sacramento is the ancestral homeland of the Nisenan, Maidu, Miwok and Me-Wuk
peoples, who are the Indigenous Peoples of this land, and have lived here since time immemorial.
What is the purpose of a land acknowledgment?
A land acknowledgment is a formal statement, a public recognition, of the Indigenous Peoples who have
been dispossessed and displaced from their ancestral homelands and territories due to a variety of
colonial and historical reasons. This statement acknowledges that an organization, a city, a park, or any
other structure was built, and operates, on Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral homelands.
Why are land acknowledgments important?
Land acknowledgments are not about placing blame. These statements are the first step towards
building a more inclusive future where we eliminate the ongoing erasure of Indigenous Peoples’ voices,
lives, and history. Land acknowledgments can be an entry point and pathway for education. Our land
acknowledgment statement may be your first experience hearing about the Indigenous Peoples in the
area, which provides an opportunity to seed the path for learning and for respect to blossom and grow.
More Resources About Land Acknowledgments:
Guide to Indigenous Land and Territorial Acknowledgements for Cultural Institutions
Interactive Map and Guide to Territory Acknowledgements
Honor Native Land, A Guide and Call to Action – U.S. Department of Arts and Culture
Why Land Acknowledgments Matter
Page 4 of 8
City of Sacramento Land Acknowledgment
WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement, a public recognition, of the
Indigenous Peoples who have been dispossessed and displaced from their ancestral homelands
and territories due to a variety of colonial and historical reasons,
WHEREAS, this formal statement acknowledges that the City of Sacramento, its parks, and any
other infrastructure was built, and operates, on Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral homelands,
WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgement recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that
exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories and to recognize the land is an
expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose stolen territory we reside on,
WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgement re-centers Indigenous perspectives and aims to celebrate
and honor the past, present, and futures of Native peoples and acknowledges the harmful legacy
of colonialism, which has devastated Indigenous communities historically and continues to
negatively impact them today,
WHEREAS, Native Americans are descendants of the Indigenous people who were the original
inhabitants of this continent, and Sacramento is the home of the Nisenan people, Southern
Maidu, Valley and Plains Miwok, Patwin Wintun peoples, and the people of the Wilton
Rancheria, Sacramento’s only Federally recognized Tribe,
WHEREAS, these local tribes possessed an incredible understanding of the resources that were
available to them and have passed this knowledge down from generation to generation, ensuring
it remains very much a part of who they are today,
WHEREAS, Sacramento’s Native Community makes up 1.5% of the population and continues
to provide positive impacts in the region through the leadership and the strength of the Wilton
Rancheria, and Native-led organizations like the Sacramento Native American Health Center
who not only provide COVID-19 resources for the whole community but also provide a
culturally competent, holistic, and patient-centered continuum of care,
WHEREAS, reading a Land Acknowledgement before the Pledge of Allegiance is an active
practice of acknowledging our nation’s foundational history of colonial harm to the Indigenous
Peoples whose lands we reside on,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and the City Council of the City of
Sacramento that we do hereby establish a City of Sacramento Land Acknowledgment for the
beginning of every Sacramento City Council, its subsidiary committees, boards, and bodies (i.e.
City Council Standing Committees, City Council Ad Hoc Committees, and City of Sacramento
Boards, Commissions, and Committees) as well as the Financing Authority, Housing Authority,
Public Financing Authority, and Redevelopment Agency Successor Agency.
ISSUED: This XX Day of XX 2021.
Page 5 of 8
RESOLUTION NO. 2021-
Adopted by the Sacramento City Council
City of Sacramento Land Acknowledgment
BACKGROUND:
A. A Land Acknowledgement is a formal statement, a public recognition, of the Indigenous
Peoples who have been dispossessed and displaced from their ancestral homelands
and territories due to a variety of colonial and historical reasons.
B. This formal statement acknowledges that the City of Sacramento, its parks, and any
other infrastructure was built, and operates, on Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral
homelands.
C. A Land Acknowledgement recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that exists
between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories and to recognize the land is
an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose stolen territory we reside
on.
D. A Land Acknowledgement re-centers Indigenous perspectives and aims to celebrate
and honor the past, present, and futures of Native peoples and acknowledges the
harmful legacy of colonialism, which has devastated Indigenous communities
historically and continues to negatively impact them today,
E. Native Americans are descendants of the Indigenous people who were the original
inhabitants of this continent, and Sacramento is the home of the Nisenan people,
Southern Maidu, Valley and Plains Miwok, Patwin Wintun peoples, and the people of
the Wilton Rancheria, Sacramento’s only Federally recognized Tribe,
F. These local tribes possessed an incredible understanding of the resources that were
available to them and have passed this knowledge down from generation to generation,
ensuring it remains very much a part of who they are today,
G. Sacramento’s Native Community makes up 1.5% of the population and continues to
provide positive impacts in the region through the leadership and the strength of the
Wilton Rancheria, and Native-led organizations like the Sacramento Native American
Health Center who not only provide COVID-19 resources for the whole community but
also provide a culturally competent, holistic, and patient-centered continuum of care.
Page 6 of 8
H. Reading a Land Acknowledgement before the Pledge of Allegiance is an active practice
of acknowledging our nation’s foundational history of colonial harm to the Indigenous
Peoples whose lands we reside on.
BASED ON THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE RECITALS, THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. A City of Sacramento Land Acknowledgment (attached as Exhibit A) is to be read
aloud at the beginning of every meeting of the Sacramento City Council and its
subsidiary committees, boards, and bodies (i.e., City Council standing
committees, City Council ad hoc committees, and City of Sacramento boards,
commissions, and committees), as well as the Financing Authority, Housing
Authority, Public Financing Authority, and Redevelopment Agency Successor
Agency.
Exhibit A: City of Sacramento Land Acknowledgement
Page 7 of 8
City of Sacramento
Land Acknowledgement
Please rise for the opening acknowledgements in honor of
Sacramento’s Indigenous People and Tribal Lands.
To the original people of this land.
The Nisenan people,
The Southern Maidu,
Valley and Plains Miwok,
Patwin Wintun peoples, and
the people of the Wilton Rancheria,
Sacramento’s only Federally recognized Tribe.
May we acknowledge and honor the Native people
who came before us and still walk beside us today on these ancestral lands
by choosing to gather together today
in the active practice of acknowledgement and appreciation
for Sacramento’s Indigenous People’s history, contributions, and lives.
Thank you.
Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.
I pledge allegiance, to the flag
Of the United States of America
And to the Republic, for which it stands,
One Nation, under God,
Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Page 8 of 8
RESOLUTION NO. 20 –
RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN OFFICIAL CITY OF GOLDEN VALLEY LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgment is a formal statement, a public recognition, of the
Indigenous Peoples who have been dispossessed and displaced from their ancestral homelands and
territories due to a variety of colonial and historical reasons,
WHEREAS, this formal statement acknowledges that the City of Golden Valley, its parks, and
any other infrastructure was built, and operates, on Indigenous Peoples’ ancestral homelands
WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgement recognizes the unique and enduring relationship that
exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories and to recognize the land is an
expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose stolen territory we reside on,
WHEREAS, the City of Golden Valley and surrounding area is home to the Dakota People
WHEREAS, the Dakota people, original inhabitants of this land were subject to forced exile and
codified dispossession of the land due to actions of the government, traders and land speculators as
evidenced by the Land Cession 289 and 1851 Treat of Traverse des Sioux,
WHEREAS, Mni Sota Makoce is home to twelve federally recognized tribes and other sovereign
nations made up of the Dakota people and other Indigenous Peoples,
WHEREAS, the City of Golden Valley’s Native community makes up 0.6 percent of its
population, over 1,300 people, and continues to provide positive impacts in the region through
culturally sustaining and rejuvenating activities,
WHEREAS, a Land Acknowledgement re-centers Indigenous perspectives and aims to celebrate
and honor the past, present, and futures of Native peoples and acknowledges the harmful legacy of
colonialism, which has devastated Indigenous communities historically and continues to negatively
impact them today,
WHEREAS, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission developed an action plan to
acknowledge, educate and appreciate Minnesota Indigenous Peoples through their work plan to
support Golden Valley’s Native Community,
WHEREAS, reading a Land Acknowledgement before the Pledge of Allegiance is an active
practice of acknowledging our nation’s foundational history of colonial harm to the Indigenous Peoples
whose lands we reside on,
WHEREAS
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Golden Valley that:
1. The City of Golden Valley establishes a Land Acknowledgement for the beginning of every
Golden Valley City Council, _________________, ______________, _______________, meeting
2. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission is directed to integrate action plan items into
its work plan annually
3. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission is directed to research the adoption of
Indigenous Peoples’ Day the second Monday of October.
Adopted by the City Council of Golden Valley, Minnesota this 17th day of May 2022.
_____________________________
Shepard M. Harris, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Theresa J. Schyma, City Clerk
Inclusive Holiday & Cultural Events Calendar and Policy Subgroup
Subgroup Members: Eric, Kiarra, Rob, and Theresa
Recommendations
1. Inclusive Holiday Calendar for should be uploaded to the Outlook calendars of all employees
• This calendar will help staff when planning events, open houses, and Council/Commission meetings
• Calendar will also note which holidays could include fasting so staff can take that into account as well
2. Create awareness amongst staff and the community about holidays and cultural events that are not
solely based on a white, Christian calendar
• Have the Communications team prepare website and social media news stories each month about the
inclusive calendar observances occurring that month and also any themes that align with City goals
(e.g. Fair Housing Month, Women’s History Month, etc.)
• Consider asking the DEIC to assist in this effort by gathering personal stories which can have an impact
on community understanding
• Staff will prepare Council proclamations regarding monthly designations that align with City goals
3. Implement an employee ‘DEI Flex Time/Inclusive Calendar Policy’ for staff
Draft language was created as a starting point:
To honor and recognize the diversity of our team, we should consider adding an element to our paid time
off policy: DEI floating holidays. In addition to the Council-approved holidays where City administrative
offices are closed, every full-time employee will receives two additional floating holidays that they can use
as outlined by our new inclusive calendar policy:
Golden Valley is strongest when individuals feel comfortable embracing their full selves at work, which
means we need to create space to honor and recognize holidays, traditions, and observances that may fall
outside our standard holiday calendar. Options for DEI floating holidays include: Chinese New Year, Holi,
Passover, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Juneteenth, Indigenous People’s Day, National Coming Out Day,
Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
DEI floating holidays should be used as close as possible to the official observance but must be used within
one week of the official date. DEI floating holidays require advance notice but are not subject to approval
like vacation. Notice should be given as soon as possible, ideally at least a month in advance, and must be
given at least two weeks ahead of the observance.
4. Add Juneteenth to the annual list of City holidays that are observed with offices closing
Potential Next Steps
1. Send these recommendations to the DEIC for review and input
2. Subgroup and Kiarra will meet again to discuss making any necessary changes to the recommendations
3. Present recommendations to M-Team
4. Discuss specifics of implementation with IT and HR
5. Present recommended policy and calendar to the City Council
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Call to Order
Chair Allen called the meeting to order at 5:41 pm.
Roll Call
Commissioners in person: Ruth Paradise, Sheri Hixon, Drew Jones
Commissions virtual: Joelle Allen, Ajani Woodson, Chris Mitchell
Commissioners absent: Teresa Sit, Thomas Huling, Melissa Johnson
Staff present: Kiarra Zackery, Equity and Inclusion Manager
Cheryl Weiler, Communications Director
Approval of January 25, 2022 and February 22, 2022 minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Paradise for the approval of the minutes. Seconded by Commissioner
Mitchell. Motion carried.
Land Acknowledgement Update
Equity and Inclusion manager, Kiarra Zackery leads the discussion by announcing the
collaboration between her, the land acknowledgement subcommittee, and the City’s
Communication staff. Commission Paradise begins to share ideas revolving publishing, advertising,
and the benefits of informing the public the process of developing the land acknowledgement. The
Commission starts to discuss strategic planning and better ways to broaden and expand their
advertisement for upcoming events. Discussion such as timeline and utilizing different resources were
brought up.
New Commissioner Introductions and Oath
Commissioner Drew Jones was introduced and sworn in as the new youth Commissioner.
During this time, each Commissioner introduced themselves to Drew.
Work plan development
Chair Allen discusses her progress with the 2022 work plan DEIC will present in front of
Council. She adds the work plan highly focuses on ideas and roles for collaborating with
other Commissions in Golden Valley.
March 22, 2022 – 5:30 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
City of Golden Valley Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission Regular Meeting
March 22, 2022 – 5:30 pm
2
Community Engagement Updates
A. Q2 BAEGV
Commissioner Mitchell talks about the event being focused on explaining Environmental
Justice and the importance of it within the City. Logistics and advertising for the event
were briefly discussed.
B. Allianz
Equity and Inclusion Manager, Zackery asks the Commission to start brainstorming on
dates they would like to host the lunch and learn event at Allianz
Adjourn
MOTION by Chair Mitchell to adjourn at 6:51pm. Seconded by Hixon. Motion carried.
__________________________
Date
_________________________________
Kiarra Zackery, Equity and Inclusion Manager
_____________________________
Date
_________________________________
Joelle Allen, Chair