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Public commenter invoking indigenous title urges Pittsburgh council to address systemic injustice
Summary
A public commenter identifying as the Grand Inka of the Iroquois Confederacy urged Pittsburgh City Council to confront systemic racism, resource misappropriation, and historical oppression during the Feb. 18 meeting's public-comment period.
During the Feb. 18 Pittsburgh City Council meeting, a registered public commenter identifying themself as Aikahana Halmalkina and describing their title as “Grand Inka of the Iroquois Confederacy of Aboriginal American people” addressed council during public comment, urging elected officials to confront longstanding systemic injustice.
Halmalkina told the council it was a civic and moral duty to "unveil the truth" and to stop what they described as ongoing classism, racism and sexism that they said have been allowed to persist. “You must honor your oath. You must act in good faith with a good conscience, especially towards the indigenous people of this land,” Halmalkina said.
They framed their remarks in historical context, saying the nation has “looted and pillaged” and that indigenous accomplishments have been suppressed. The commenter said the current leadership’s actions and inaction contribute to continued marginalization and warned that economic pressures could worsen if unaddressed.
The public-comment period on the meeting agenda recorded that Dr. Ronald Miller was registered but not present; Halmalkina was the only registered speaker who appeared and spoke at length. Council did not take immediate formal action in response to the remarks during the meeting and proceeded to committee reports and votes.
