Indigenous Commission to join Northland planning for January human-trafficking events focused on missing and murdered Indigenous relatives

The Flagstaff City Indigenous Commission on Nov. 13 agreed to let two commissioners join planning discussions with Northland Family Health Center for January human-trafficking awareness activities that Northland asked be centered on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR).

At the meeting, staff member Rose summarized Northland’s request and cited program data: "approximately 30% of human trafficking disclosures come from clients who identify as Native American," which Rose said is one reason Northland sought collaboration and community-focused events. Commissioners discussed what role the commission should take and whether individuals would be asked to join a planning committee.

The commission discussed capacity constraints during budget season and the holidays. Co-chair Cheryl Lance said she supported the subject but did not have capacity to lead planning, saying she could "provide input" but not commit to heavy planning duties. Commissioner Francis asked for clarification about what Northland wanted from the commission — whether the group would be a formal partner or whether individual commissioners would be asked to serve on a planning committee.

Staff described the normal process for this kind of partnership: the commission typically forms a working group of up to three commissioners to collaborate with partners so the group does not constitute a quorum. The commission understood that, if it chose to participate formally, it would need to vote to nominate representatives to the working group.

Commissioner Francis also recounted an illustrative local case involving Jamie Yowsey’s family from Pinon, describing jurisdictional challenges volunteers faced when searches reached the boundary between Navajo and Hopi lands. "They did find their daughter on Hopi lands, and it was a jurisdiction issue where they couldn't step over it," Francis said, using the example to underline the need for better coordination and awareness.

A member nominated Commissioners Francis and Hoske to participate in discussions with Northland; Co-chair Cheryl Lance seconded the nomination. The commission approved the nomination by voice vote; commissioners recorded audible "ayes" and no opposition was noted.

The commission did not establish a formal subcommittee at the meeting; the motion was narrowly to nominate two commissioners to engage in planning discussions and provide feedback to the full commission. Staff said any working group would coordinate with Northland and other community partners and that additional involvement or formal commitments would be clarified in follow-up communications.

Next steps: staff will follow up with Northland Family Health Center to clarify what the organization expects of commission members and to confirm the scope of the January activities. The two nominated commissioners will represent the commission in those planning discussions and report back to the full commission.