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Mukilteo council faces public split over how often to read land-acknowledgement
Summary
Residents and councilmembers traded sharply different views on whether Mukilteo should read its land-acknowledgement at every meeting, while staff proposed rule changes to limit where and when the statement appears. Supporters said repetition fosters remembrance; opponents called the reading political and urged reduced frequency.
Mayor Joe Marine opened the April 20 meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a land-acknowledgement recognizing the Snohomish people and the Tulalip Tribes. The acknowledgement’s frequency — currently read at regular council meetings — was the central point of public comment and a scheduled first reading of proposed council rule changes.
Supporters of keeping the current practice framed the reading as an educational reminder. Lori Stewart, a Mukilteo resident, said the city ‘‘exists on land that was taken from indigenous peoples not freely given,’’ and argued that repeating the acknowledgement at every meeting helps ensure the community remembers that history. Alex Crocco told the council the statement is ‘‘a moment to pause’’ and to reflect on the city’s past.
Other speakers said the statement can feel performative and politicized. Tony Damoff told the council the wording — specifically phrases about colonization and ‘‘bringing about a future that includes their people, stories, and voices’’ — implies present-day collective guilt and should not be required at each meeting. Sharon Gamow urged the council to revert to an annual proclamation rather than weekly readings.
At a staff presentation on proposed amendments to the council rules of procedure, Steve, a staff member, outlined four draft changes: allow limited public comment at work sessions (confined to agenda items); remove the land-acknowledgement from the standard agenda template so frequency can be adjusted; eliminate the recurring motion to extend meetings at adjournment; and permit a council member, with majority approval at a meeting, to add items to a future agenda.
Council Vice President Emmerich defended the acknowledgement as a civic reminder tied to Mukilteo’s history, noting the city’s place in the Point Elliott Treaty of 1855 and saying the reading is comparable to the Pledge of Allegiance as a regular cue about who the city aspires to be. Council Member Vago described the statement as ‘‘a political statement’’ that is not city business and said he objects to being asked to agree to a political expression at every meeting.
Councilmembers did not take a final vote on the rules that night; staff characterized the presented changes as draft language and the item a first of two formal readings. The council and staff indicated more public outreach and deliberation would follow. Multiple residents urged thoughtful public engagement if the council considers changing the frequency, noting differing interpretations in the community.
Next steps: the rules change requires a second formal reading and adoption of a resolution before taking effect; councilmembers signaled further discussion would occur in subsequent meetings and work sessions.
