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Home My WebLink About03-21-24 Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation Commission - Special meetingAd Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Special Meeting Thursday, March 21, 2024 5:30pm The James Theater 213 N. Gilbert Street AGENDA: 1. CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME 2. READING OF NATIVE AMERICAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 3. TRUTH TELLING: DURING THIS EVENT, COMMUNITY MEMBERS WILL TELL THEIR TRUTHS: THEY WILL SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE OF HARM RELATED TO PUBLIC SAFETY AND COMMUNITY JUSTICE IN IOWA CITY. DAVE RAGLAND AND MELINDA SALAZAR OF THINKPEACE WILL FACILITATE THIS SESSION. 4. ADJOURN INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND ALL CITY OF IOWA CITY -SPONSORED EVENTS. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO REQUIRES A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE OF EQUITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS AT 319-356-5022 OR HUNIANRIGHTSGJIOWA- CITY.ORG. Native American land Acknowledgement Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Human Rights Commission PURPOSE Iowa City owes its existence to the many Indigenous Peoples who were the original stewards of this land and who were subjected to manipulation and violence by non-native settlers, invaders, and governments in order to make this moment possible. Acknowledgement of this truth is central to our work toward reconciliation across all barriers of difference and injustice. Starting with a Native American Land Acknowledgement, this Commission will bear witness to the legacies of violent displacement, migration, and settlement that have marginalized those who were the first inhabitants of this land. We must also address the mistreatment and exclusion that Native Americans continue to face today. The Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Human Rights Commission encourage the community and City of Iowa City to join us in these efforts through the use of a Native American Land Acknowledgement. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT To be read at all public meetings and events: "We meet today in the community of Iowa City, which now occupies the homelands of Native American Nations to whom we owe our commitment and dedication. The area of Iowa City was within the homelands of the Iowa, Meskwaki, and Sauk, and because history is complex and time goes far back beyond memory, we also acknowledge the ancient connections of many other Indigenous Peoples here. The history of broken treaties and forced removal that dispossessed Indigenous Peoples of their homelands was and is an act of colonization and genocide that we can not erase. We implore the Iowa City community to commit to understanding and addressing these injustices as we work toward equity, restoration, and reparations." LEARN MORE Native Governance Center Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgement US Department of Arts and Culture: Honor Native Land Virtual Resources and Guide Meskwaki Nation - History Special thanks to the University of Iowa Native American Council for their work and guidance, as well as members of the public, for their input. JV�j Think Peace I Q/ " LEARNING AND SUPPORT HUB THE . I EiNG PROJECT Iowa City Truth and Reconciliation Commission Community Encounter: Truth Telling and Healing Circles Wednesday, March 20 & Thursday, March 21, 2024 Welcome! "To heal, we must first acknowledge the truth of our collective trauma. " "Racism is not just a matter of individual prejudice; it is a systemic issue that affects us all. To heal, we must first acknowledge the truth of our collective trauma. " -Kesmaa Afenakem The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Iowa City was created, in the wake of the George Floyd protests, to facilitate difficult and sometimes painful conversations on racial injustice in our midst. The Commission's mandate (Resolution No. 20-228) consists of researching the facts, listening to the diverse voices of our community, and offering healing opportunities that lead to reconciliation. We offer these guidelines to co -create an environment that supports racial justice and healing and offers respect for the dignity and humanity of Truth Tellers and Witnesses. Facilitators: Dr. Dave Ragland and Dr. Melinda Salazar from The Truth Telling Project and Think Peace Learning and Support Hub partners. Agreements: I. Listen fully, from the heart, with respect, and allow space for silence. Bear witness, and do not provide advice or argue with others. 2. Allow what others say to move you. Reflect upon, consider, and honor the meaning of what others say so you can hear their truth. 3. Speak for yourself from the "I" perspective, from your own experiences and perspectives. Avoid generalizing for others in the room like using "people think...." 4. Be courageous, honest, and open with your own stories. Speak your truth from your heart and acknowledge your emotions. 5. Observe what comes up for you, be aware of possible triggers from past trauma. 6. Exercise self -care, and seek support from the care element the Commissioners establish. Community Encounter: Truth Telling & Healing Circles, Day I Wednesday, OR Boxing Time Led By Topics/Details/Activity 5:30 pm All, TRC Chair Welcome & Dinner (6o minutes) Dillard, Native Partners, Think • (Chair Dillard) Formal opening, Native American Peace land acknowledgment, Welcome • (Minister/Imam from Black Community) • (Native Partners) Opening ceremony • (David Ragland & Melinda Salazar) Community agreements 6:30 pm - Think Peace, TRC Testimony & dialogue 8:10 pm Commissioners (too minutes) • (Dr. Melinda Salazar, Dr. David Ragland, TRC Commissioners) Truth tellers share their experience — 65 minutes • (Dr. David Ragland & Dr. Melinda Salazar) Dialogue — 35 minutes 8:10 pm - TRC Chair Dillard Formal Public Meeting Closing 8:15 pm (5 minutes) 8:15 pm- Native Partners Healing Circles - not open for the public 9:3o pm (75 minutes) • (Manape LaMere, Donnielle Wanatee, Terry Medina) Healing Circles, by invitation only — 75 minutes 9:30 pm All Departure Community Encounter: Truth Telling & Healing Circles, Day 2 Thursday, March 21, 2024 Location: The James Theater (213 N. Gilbert St.) Led By DetailsA ' 5:30 pm All, TRC Chair Welcome & Dinner (6o minutes) Dillard, Native Partners, Think • (Chair Dillard) Formal opening, Native American Peace land acknowledgment, Welcome • (Minister/Imam from Black Community) • (Native Partners) Opening ceremony • (Dr.David Ragland & Dr.Melinda Salazar) Community agreements 6:30 pm - Think Peace, TRC Testimony & dialogue 8:10 pm Commissioners (too minutes) • (Dr.Melinda Salazar, Dr.David Ragland, TRC Commissioners) Truth tellers share their experience — 65 minutes • (Dr.David Ragland & Dr.Melinda Salazar) Dialogue — 35 minutes 8:10 pm - TRC Chair Dillard Formal Public Meeting Closing 8:15 pm (5 minutes) 8:15 pm- Native Partners Healing Circles - not open for the public 9:30 pm (75 minutes) • (Manape LaMere, Donnielle Wanatee, Terry Medina) Healing Circles, by invitation only — 75 minutes 9:30 pm All Departure