HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-19-24 Ad Hoc Truth & Reconciliation CommissionAd Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Regular Meeting
7 PM — Emma Harvat Hall, City Hall
410 E. Washington Street
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2. READING OF NATIVE AMERICAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (COMMISSIONERS
SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION WITH THE PUBLIC CONCERNING
SAID ITEMS.) 5 MINUTE MAXIMUM FOR EACH SPEAKER.
Onlyin-person comments will be allowed for Public Comment. Public comment
for specific agenda items, which must be directly related to that agenda item,
maybe madein-person or remotely.
4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 5, 2024.
5. PRESENTATION BY RESILIENT SUSTAINABLE FUTURE IOWA CITY.
6. UPCOMING ACTIONS FOR PHASES THREE AND FOUR
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
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9. ADJOURNMENT
In order to encourage input from the public, the Commission intends to offer the opportunity
to participate in the meeting remotely. However, this meetingis in -person, and those
wishing to ensure their ability to participate should attend the meeting in -person. If you
instead wish to participate remotely, youmay attempt to do so by joining the below link.
First Thursday Meetings
I D: 867 2424 8095
Third Thursday Meetings
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If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you can
call in by phone by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the meeting ID when prompted.
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 inorder to participate in these events,
please contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-5022 or humanriahtsaiowa-citv.ora.
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.
September 5, 2024
Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes
Emma Harvat Hall
Commissioners present: Amos Kiche, Cliff Johnson, Chastity Dillard.
Commissioners on Zoom: Lauren Merritt, Wangui Gathua, Lubna Mohamed.
Commissioners not present: Chad Simmons, Kayla Rossi, Louis Tassinary.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendation to City Council: No.
Meeting called to order: Approximately: 7:07 PM.
Reading of Land Acknowledgement: Dillard read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public Comment of items not on the Agenda: No.
Approval of the Minutes from August 15, 2024: Dillard moved, and Merritt seconded. Motion
passed 5-0. (Gathua not present for vote)
Next Steps for Phases Three and Four including Upcoming Events and Engagement:
Johnson apologized for his absence at the Latino Festival due to a personal emergency. Kiche
updated the comnssion on the success of tabling during a Willow Creek event. Kiche reported
himself and commissioner Tassinary were able to attend from arotmd 12:00 pm — 5:00 pm and
engage with the community. During the event community members signed up to volunteer with the
commission. Kiche also attended the Latino Festival in representation of the commission and was
able to talk to commtmity members interested in volunteering and had a total of 26 people willing
to be contacted to learn more about the commission.
Dillard suggested creating a poll asking when people who signed up would be available to attend a
meet and greet event. The meet and greets would be an opportunity for an open dialogue where
community members can learn more about the TRC and how to get involved. It was suggested the
meet and greet run for 45 minutes to an hour and be split into two groups of the commission in
order to avoid meeting in quorum. Dillard also mentioned the possibility of inviting people to
attend the commission's next meeting. Commissioner Lubna suggested a Sunday at 4:00pm
option, Dillard suggested a Saturday (11 am/12pm) option, and Johnson suggested a Friday evening
(4/5pm) option. Merritt is available between 6-8pm on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.
Kiche reported on a community meeting he and Mohamed hosted at the Java House (Mormon
Trek) on August 20t'. There were 6 community members in attendance. Many attendees wanted to
focus on workplace discrimination.
The first two people who spoke about their experiences reportedly work for Oral B and experience
verbal mistreatment and inconsistent hours/pay. They believe these experiences may be due to the
fact they speak Arabic and are Muslim. They reported there appears to be a corrupt hierarchy
within the facility including a group manager and the supervisor.
A third person spoke to the commission about their experience working at Walmart and alleged
mistreatment from a new supervisor. This person reported issues of getting unwarranted warnings
regarding her work performance that has led to being suspended from work.
The fourth person who shared with the Kiche and Mohamed spoke on being bullied in the
workplace and denied additional hours.
The last person reported being laid off for 3 months due to poor communication with the
supervisors and false accusations made by coworkers.
Kiche summarized that the workers performance and possible reasons for the mistreatment they
reported to him, and Mohamed share a common conclusion that the mistreatment is unjustified and
unfair. Kiche shared on behalf of Mohamed that 17 other people have sent complaints to Mohamed
alleging similar forms of mistreatment within the same workplace. Mohamed spoke about
additional employees complaining regarding the same company, but they are afraid to come
forward to the commission due to possible retaliation from their supervisors. Staff asked Mohamed
to provide her with the contact information after the meeting so that the office can reach out to
them. Johnson and Gathua thanked the commissioners for their work. Gathua asked if any of the
people have gone to the Center for Worker Justice to report their claims. Mohamed mentioned the
Center for Worker Justice does not deal with discrimination just wage theft for workers.
Dillard shared thoughts on the matter mentioning the importance of helping these people access
resources to fight against discrimination as well as the commission keeping an eye out for similar
reports and patterns to bring light to the issue. Mohamed spoke of the language barrier for Arabic -
speaking employees and the lack of access to an interpreter or effort to obtain an interpreter for
languages beyond Spanish or French. Kiche supported this thought and spoke on the importance
of employing an interpreter to allow employees clear conmlunication. Project 2030 was another
resource mentioned as a possible bridge between these workers, their employers, and the city.
Kiche mentioned it is in the company's best interest to work with their employees. Gathua
mentioned that Linn County has programs that assist employers in understanding how to best
accommodate immigrant employees in the workplace.
Gathua offered her workplace for smaller group gatherings as a free option as well as organizations
that will help fund community -focused gatherings. Gathua also mentioned attending a housing
presentation by Iowa City Catholic Workers House and the possibility of them presenting to the
commission. She also talked about the non-profit Resilient Sustainable Future for Iowa City and
the possibility of them helping fond community gatherings.
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Kiche spoke about his talk with individuals who have experienced the homeless shelter in Iowa
City and their willingness to speak with the commission. A date of early October was suggested for
a time to meet with these people to hear what they have to say on issue of housing, including
choice and affordability. Kiche also brought up that the city recently received a grant and are
taking suggestions on where the funds should go noting the number of persons struggling with
housing in the community.
Mohamed updated the commission on her discussion with a lawyer from Iowa Legal Aid and their
discussion on the issue with section-8 housing. The lawyer shared that each family would have to
report their issues to Iowa Legal Aid so they can communicate with these families and evaluate
their applications. Mohamed will follow up with staff regarding this issue and future solutions.
Dillard mentioned that this meeting has brought up topics for future areas of focus or future truth
telling events. Dillard also mentioned the possibility of the commission tabling at the upcoming
African Festival. Kiche said he would be there to represent the commission. Gathua will also be in
attendance. Gathua thinks that the commission should also attend the Welcoming Immigrants to
Our Community event to meet with the community as well as connecting with the Refugee
Alliance of Johnson County.
The commission agreed they would like to get onto the agenda for the Refugee Alliance to present
to them. If they are not able to present this month, it was suggested a few commissioners attend a
meeting and introduce themselves and the commission briefly.
Kiche suggested providing beverages at future events. Dillard provided that beverages and other
necessities the commission may need was approved in their budget and that Kiche just needs to let
staff know what he wishes to supply at events.
Dillard asked about the progress on the TRC documentary. Gathua mentioned the possibility of the
commission presenting to the NISAA community over a Zoom. Staff confirmed that Resilient
Sustainable Future for Iowa City is on the agenda for the next scheduled meeting.
Annie Tucker thanked the commission for its work.
Announcements of Commissioners: Dillard invited others to attend the opening of a new
building of the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County. It will be held on September 21 from 2-
5 PM at 1041 Arthur Street.
Announcements of Staff: Staff will follow up with the City Attorney on the feasibility of a Meet
and Greet as part of the commission's next meeting date.
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.
The full meeting video can be viewed at this link.
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2024
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
3/7
3/14
3/18
3/20
3/21
4/4
5/2
5/16
6/20
7/18
8/1
8/15
9/5
Dillard
12/31/24
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
A
P
Gathua
12/31/24
A
P
P
P
P
P
A
A
Z
Z
Z
A
Z
Kiehe
12J31/24
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Johnson
12/31/24
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Merritt
12/31/24
Z
P
P
P
P
P
P
A
P
P
P
P
Z
Mohamed
12/31/24
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Simmons
12/31/24
P
P
P
A
P
Z
P
P
A
P
A
A
A
Tassinary
12/31/24
P
P
P
P
P
A
P
P
P
A
P
P
A
Rossi
12/31/24
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A
Z
A
A
A
P =
Present in person
A
= Absent
Z
= Zoom