minutes-dei-feb 22
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Call to Order
Chair Allen called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm.
Roll Call
Commissioners in person: Joelle Allen, Ajani Woodson, Ruth Paradise, Teresa Sit
Commissions virtual: Thomas Huling, Chris Mitchell, Sheri Hixon
Commissioners absent: Jonathan Kim
Staff present: Kiarra Zackery, Equity and Inclusion Manager
Airrion Williams, Community Connection and Outreach Specialist
Guests: Wayne Ducheneaux and Lauren Kramer, Native Governance Center
Approval of January 25, 2022 Agenda and November 22, 2021
MOTION by Commissioner Huling for and approval of agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Johnson.
Motion carried 7-0.
MOTION by Commissioner Paradise to approve minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Johnson. Motion
carried 7-0.
Native Governance Center Land Acknowledgement Workshop
Staff liaison, Kiarra Zackery, introduces Wayne Ducheneaux (Executive Director) and Lauren
Kramer (External + Donor Relations Officer) as speakers for workshop. Commissioners Paradise
and Hixon discuss process for drafting Land Acknowledgement and related action items. Special
guests Ducheneaux and Kramer provide context and areas for improvement within Land
Acknowledgement. Commissioners Sit, Johnson, Allen and Paradise discuss intentions and
impacts of Land Acknowledgement for community and the need for words to lead to action.
Commissioners Mitchell, Woodson and Huling affirm the work of the subcommittee. Chair Allen
closes workshop with appreciation to special guests Ducheneaux and Kramer.
January 25, 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
September 28, 2021 – 6:30 pm
2
Special Meeting Update
Staff liaison, Kiarra Zackery, provides overview of Jan. 6 special meeting – including the
need for votes on budgetary considerations for the Martin Luther King Essay Contest and
Sweet Potato Comfort Pie Martin Luther King Day event. Chair Allen asserts the importance
of continuing the relationship with Sweet Potato Comfort Pie and providing financial
support. Commissioner Paradise describes Sweet Potato Comfort Pie event and provides
group perspective on success of event.
Chair Allen discusses importance of beginning and ending meetings on time for increased
efficiency. Staff liaison Zackery agrees and expounds on topic by suggesting subcommittees
to complete work between meetings. Chair Allen discusses communication expectations
and engagement between meetings via email. Staff liaison Zackery announces departure of
Vice Chair Kim and opportunity to recruit new commissioners including youth. Commission
MOTION by Commissioner Huling to support Sweet Potato Comfort Pie. Seconded by Johnson.
Motion carried 7-0.
Adjourn
MOTION by Commissioner Huling and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn at 7:54pm.
Motion carried 8-0.
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Date
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Kiarra Zackery, Equity and Inclusion Manager