The Joint Clearlake City Council and Planning Commission held a special meeting on June 30, 2023, at 9:02 AM in the Clearlake City Council Chambers. The meeting was organized as a training session focused on tribal consultation, specifically addressing the B 52 law enacted in 2015. City Manager Alan Flora introduced the session, highlighting the importance of the topic and thanking attendees for their participation.

Lisa Westwood, a registered professional archaeologist and director of cultural resources for ECORP Consulting, led the workshop. She emphasized the collaborative nature of the training, which included representatives from various tribes, including the Koye Nation and the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake. Westwood expressed gratitude for the diverse group of attendees, which included elected officials, appointed officials, and tribal council members.

The meeting featured a presentation by Dino Beltran from the Koye Nation, who spoke about the significance of tribal consultation and the spiritual connections Native Americans have with the land. He stressed the importance of understanding the intangible aspects of cultural heritage, beyond just physical artifacts. Beltran's remarks underscored the need for policies that respect and acknowledge the ancestral ties of Native tribes to the land.

Westwood concluded the session by outlining the objectives of the workshop, which aimed to enhance understanding of government-to-government consultation and the fundamentals of the tribal consultation process. The meeting served as a platform for fostering better relationships between the city and tribal representatives, aiming for a more inclusive approach to cultural resource management.

Overall, the special meeting highlighted the city's commitment to engaging with tribal communities and ensuring that their voices are heard in local governance. The collaborative effort is seen as a step towards strengthening the relationship between the city and the tribes, promoting mutual respect and understanding.