The Flagstaff City Indigenous Commission elected Commissioner Zavala as lead co-chair and Commissioner Moana as second co-chair during its Jan. 8, 2026, meeting, a move approved unanimously by the commissioners present.

The commission’s staff liaison had opened the items by explaining the commission’s annual co-chair format and noting a recent resignation left one seat vacant. Commissioners discussed how the co-chair roles work in practice — a lead co-chair holds primary duties while the second co-chair serves in a training capacity and steps into the lead role in the following year if they are available.

Commissioner Marks moved “that Commissioner Zavala step into the chair role and that we accept the nomination and vote to approve Commissioner Moana as the co chair.” The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. “The motion carries,” the chair declared after commissioners answered “aye.”

Discussion before the vote touched on cultural traditions and representation. Several commissioners referenced matrilineal leadership norms in nearby indigenous nations and debated whether the commission should prioritize gender balance when selecting leaders. Commissioner Marks said he would step back to allow those who wished to lead to do so, and Commissioner Moana expressed willingness to accept the training-role co-chair position.

No formal authority or ordinance was cited as requiring a gender balance in co-chair selection; commissioners described the arrangement as an internal custom. Staff confirmed commissioners select co-chairs annually and that anyone willing to accept a nomination may serve.

The commission moved on to event planning and other business after confirming the co-chairs. The commission adjourned at 12:41 p.m.