Indigenous Commission hears updates on cultural center RSOQ, events, outreach and community concerns

At its Jan. 8, 2025 meeting, the Flagstaff City Indigenous Commission received multiple informational updates from staff, commissioners and community members about procurement, upcoming cultural events, outreach and community concerns.

Staff update on cultural center procurement: "The RSOQ for the indigenous cultural community cultural center is out," staff said, adding that the city is "seeking a partner through this RSOQ" and that commission members will be involved in review meetings. Rose, the commission staff liaison (title updated to Indigenous Affairs Administrator in late December), said the RSOQ review schedule may overlap commission meeting dates and that she would arrange coverage as needed.

Events and work groups: Commissioners discussed two standing events the commission helps plan: Code Talkers Day in August and Indigenous Peoples' Day (observed on the second Monday in October). Commissioners said they want to form small work groups of about three members to avoid triggering quorum rules while planning events, and one commissioner urged beginning planning for Code Talkers Day as early as May to allow adequate time for logistics, food orders and tabling. Rose said she has placed a budget request for an additional citywide powwow or music festival; whether the event proceeds depends on the budget team's review and approval for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Outreach, trainings and community meetings: Commissioners and community members highlighted several items of interest: - Mountain Mojo Group will partner with the Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community College to host a free lunch-and-learn for nonprofits and small businesses on Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Murdoch Center (staff to circulate registration link). - A Microsoft Teams meeting on Jan. 29 at noon will revisit the Picture Canyon pit-house interpretive sign; tribal representatives from local nations are being contacted for input. - A webinar titled "Protecting Native Americans in Arizona: Addressing human trafficking through a health care lens" was shared; it is scheduled for Jan. 22 and lists Lynette Grable of Not Our Native Daughters as a speaker. - Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona will hold a fundraiser, "Valentine's Day," on Feb. 13 at Coconino Community College; commissioners sought sponsors and community participation. - The Flag High Native American Club announced a Valentine's Bazaar and asked for help publicizing the event to the community.

Community concern — Horseman's Lodge/Cameron chapter: Commissioner Francis described a chapter-level discussion in Cameron about the future use of the Horseman's Lodge property and reported uncertainty about whether proceeds from casino or other enterprises flow back to chapters or community improvements. Francis said transparency about allocation of funds is a concern and noted the issue may become relevant to city and county conversations.

Next steps: staff and commissioners agreed to circulate links and calendar invites for trainings, to recruit members for work groups starting in May for Code Talkers Day planning, and to follow up on the RSOQ review calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts with commission meetings.