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Residents spar over Mukilteo land‑acknowledgement at council meeting
Summary
Public commenters at Mukilteo’s Jan. 9 council meeting clashed over the regular reading of a land acknowledgement: some called it divisive and risky, citing Canadian cases; others and the DEI Commission defended it as education and recognition of local tribal history.
A brief but pointed exchange during public comment at Mukilteo’s Jan. 9 City Council meeting highlighted division in the community over the council’s practice of reading a land acknowledgement.
Sharon Danoff told the council the reading is “a divisive political statement” and warned of unintended consequences, citing court decisions in Canada that, she said, resulted in land claims and transfers. “We ought to stop reading it and instead read a proclamation once a year,” she said, arguing the repeated statement is not proper city business.
Several speakers pushed back. Anne Windsor, a Mukilteo resident, thanked the council for the acknowledgement and said it helps educate citizens and include marginalized voices. Ilona Van Duzer, chair of Mukilteo’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission, described upcoming community events — including a Lunar New Year celebration — and urged continued engagement with diverse communities.
Elaine Knapp raised a related cultural‑heritage concern about the condition of a carved totem in Totem Park and asked the council to consult Tulalip tribal representatives and master carvers before deciding on restoration or relocation.
Council did not take immediate action on the land‑acknowledgement practice. The meeting proceeded to other agenda items, including ceremonial proclamations and routine business.
