Board discusses adding rotating action item to land acknowledgement, seeks Indigenous input

At the July 13 Parkrose Board meeting, board member Adolfo proposed augmenting the district’s written land acknowledgement with an actionable, rotating item that would bring attention to community events, Indigenous organizations and volunteer opportunities.

Adolfo presented two example approaches and said the idea was intended to move beyond a performative reading and toward actions the community could take. Board members asked how the district would vet organizations or events and whether the board could commit district funds to specific community groups; Adolfo clarified the proposal focused on announcing or elevating community events and opportunities rather than on board-funded donations.

Board members expressed support for the intention but cautioned about optics and fairness: the presiding officer noted public perception risks if the board appears to favor one community over others, and suggested careful, inclusive language. Multiple members suggested inviting Indigenous community representatives to the August 13 board retreat to help refine wording and identify appropriate community partners.

The group discussed logistics — who would compile and vet potential action items, whether staff workload would be impacted, and how to rotate or alternate the focus to avoid appearing to single out one group. Adolfo proposed a process in which board members, staff or community contacts could submit items and the board would confirm legitimacy before posting or announcing them.

Board members asked staff to try to secure contact information for Indigenous organizations to attend the retreat; the board agreed to consider the refined proposal after community input. The matter remains at the discussion and planning stage; no formal policy vote was taken at the July 13 meeting.