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Flagstaff Indigenous Commission names work group and confirms Oct. 13 date for Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Summary
Commissioners formed a work group to plan Indigenous Peoples’ Day activities, confirmed Oct. 13 as the event date and began scheduling planning meetings and venue discussions, with the Elks Lodge identified as a likely site.
The Flagstaff Indigenous Commission on May 14 established a work group to plan the city’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day event and confirmed Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, as the date for the celebration.
Commissioners nominated and approved members for the Indigenous Peoples’ Day work group by motion and voice vote (motion moved and seconded; commissioners present voted in favor). The initial planning timeline includes meetings through the summer and a first work group check‑in scheduled for June 25 at 3 p.m.
Commissioners discussed program elements they want to include: a business panel to showcase Native entrepreneurs; cultural sharing and performances (including an evening community dance that would invite attendees to join); youth engagement and leadership opportunities; language revitalization and climate‑related content; vendor tables; and opening and closing ceremonial elements such as land acknowledgment, opening prayer and a veteran song. Several commissioners recommended a theme that centers community strength such as “Still Here, Still Rising” or a “reclaiming our future” framing; no final theme was selected during the meeting.
The work group discussed possible venues. Commissioners said the Elks Lodge had worked well in prior years and could be the likely site; staff warned non‑city facilities typically require payment and estimated this year’s Elks Lodge fee could range in the high hundreds (roughly $700–$900) based on past experience. Commissioners discussed offset options, including vendor fees (past vendor fees were about $40) and sponsorships. Staff noted that when a city facility is available the city has sometimes provided space at no cost.
Participants recommended outreach to local ROTC, NAU ROTC and other groups for posting of colors, and to youth organizations and Coconino County partners for participation. Community members present offered to help recruit elders and family members of code talkers to speak or share family stories at events. Two community members introduced themselves and offered to participate: Nelice Lomakima, who said, “Hello. My name is Nelice Lomakima. I am from Hopi, and I will be the incoming 2025–2026 indigenous ambassador, and I would like to do the land acknowledgment,” and Dylan Nesingwaitowa, who identified himself and offered connections to Hopi community members with knowledge about Hopi Code Talkers and historical events.
Commissioners agreed that planning updates will be shared with the full indigenous commission as discussion items so commissioners not on the work group can provide input. Staff will circulate meeting invites, agendas and example flyers; Commissioner Francis and others volunteered to draft save‑the‑date notices and event flyers. The group intends to finalize a program and vendor plan over the summer and confirm sponsors, catering and rental logistics before October.
