Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acknowledgment Dei topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs DEI task force to draft Indigenous land acknowledgment amid public debate
Summary
The Pacific Grove City Council voted unanimously to direct its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) task force to draft proposed language acknowledging Indigenous lands and ancestral peoples; the item prompted extended public comment both supporting and opposing a formal acknowledgment.
The Pacific Grove City Council voted 7‑0 on July 16 to direct the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) task force to develop language for a land and ancestral peoples acknowledgment and return that language to the council for consideration.
Councilmember Peduri, who introduced the agenda item, described the action as a request for the DEI task force “to develop language for land and ancestral people's acknowledgement and to bring that work back to the council, for formal consideration and adoption.” Peduri said the acknowledgment would be a “statement of truth” and an opportunity to recognize Indigenous peoples who occupied the area prior to European settlement.
The item drew more than a dozen public commenters both in favor and opposed. Proponents said a land acknowledgment expresses respect and can help heal historical harms. One commenter told the council the DEI members are “amazing” and urged the city to move forward, adding that archaeological evidence demonstrates long Indigenous presence in the area.
Opponents raised concerns about tone and practice. Carol Marquardt, a resident who said she had attended DEI meetings in the past, asked for broader public input and said she did not want a repeated statement at every city meeting. Another speaker said such acknowledgments risk “prayer‑like” statements or assigning collective blame.
Council members stressed the procedural limits of the action: the DEI task force will prepare draft language and undertake outreach; the council will receive and consider the proposed wording before any formal adoption or change to city policy. Councilmember Garfield asked the task force to do “robust outreach” and to present educational material and multiple viewpoints along with proposed language.
Mayor Smith said sending the matter to the DEI task force is an appropriate use of council authority to direct subordinate boards and commissions; the council explicitly decided not to adopt language at the meeting but to seek the draft back from DEI for future deliberation.
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Council members and several commenters emphasized that any final wording will return to the full council for final approval.
