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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-08-2021 Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation CommissionAD HOC TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION THURSDAY, July 8, 2021 Electronic Regular Meeting - 7:00 PM ZOOM MEETING PLATFORM Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going to htips://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Z 11KoUxcSB2o-XLnk7tOlA via the internet to visit the Zoom meeting's registration page and submit the required information. Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the ID number found in the email. A meeting password may also be included in the email. Enter the password when prompted. If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you may call in by telephone by dialing (312) 626-6799. When prompted, enter the meeting or webinar ID. The ID number for this meeting is: 923 5355 5433. Once connected, you may dial *9 to "raise your hand," letting the meeting host know you would like to speak. Providing comments in person is not an option. AGENDA: itl<ey9g0&14=111111►Lem t•x@]aC4z79►1all Zia] 14t61_1141 2. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM MARCH 4, 2021, JUNE 10, 2021, AND JUNE 24,2021. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA (Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items). 4. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS UPDATE. *5 MINUTES 5. UPDATES ON THE LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT *10-15 MINUTES 6. NATIONAL NIGHT OUT/DISCUSSION ON TRUTH TELLING. `30-40 MINUTES W =19 Bic] Nk 9&19 *de] kvi hvi I k ad =I 49 :1 17il 9 *39 :1 17il mlyNP/ =I :191 AT LYNK►3I►1 i 71 IM111 *9 A. DISCUSSION ON BUDGET LINE ITEMS — COMMISSIONER STIPEND & SUBCOMMITTEE NEEDS 8. JULY 22, 2021 MEETING DATE DISCUSSION ON WHETHER ON ZOOM OR IN -PERSON MINUTES* 9. COMMUNITY TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION: A. THE BANS ON CRITICAL RACE THEORY B. REMOVING MONUMENTS TO WHITE SUPREMACY C. SOUTH DISTRICT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION 10. COMMISSION ANNOUCEMENTS (Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another concerning said announcements). fifi��lilyyil►1►N19►[�l���il�►��� 1 `#i11PL6111:L I kvi I =I ► II I *The times listed in the agenda are the anticipated duration of that particular agenda item. The actual discussion may take more or less time than anticipated. If you will need a disability -related accommodation to participate in this meeting please contact the Equity Director, Stefanie Bowers, at 319-356-5022 or at Stefanie-bowers().iowa-city.ora. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your accessibility needs. Ifyou will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact Stefanie Bowers at 319-356-5022, stefanie-bowers@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. it + ®'� O �SAL,� CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319) 356-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION JULY 8, 2021 MEETING PACKET CONTENTS AGENDA ITEM #2 • DRAFT MINUTES FROM MARCH 4, 2021, JUNE 8, 2021, AND JUNE 24, 2021 P_Cr7:1►1Hi'sIII I:IdiMIR =we1►1I7eCy:/►[6PiVA:1Bic] di1:1►1111 AGENDA ITEM #6 • TRUTH TELLING HANDOUT CORRESPONDENCE • LETTER FROM THE ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER ON THE AMERICAN RESCUE ACT PLAN June 8, 2021 Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Minutes (Electronic) Zoom Platform Regular Meeting Commissioners present: Amel Ali, Daphney Daniel, Wangui Gathua, Eric Harris, Clifton Johnson, Kevin Rivera, Sikowiss, Mohamed Traore. Commissioners not present: Chastity Dillard. Staff present: Stefanie Bowers. (Electronic Meeting Pursuantto Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff, and the public presented by COVID-19. Meeting called to order: 7:07 Approval of the May 27, 2021 Meeting Minutes: Motion by Ali, seconded by Rivera. Approved 7-0 Gathua not present for vote. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: None Review of (Draft) RFP for Facilitator: Rivera requested for the RFP to be updated to reflect Latinx/Hispanic and not white/Hispanic. Commissioners requested that if the contract runs less than the anticipated length that the RFP allow for the consideration of severance pay. Currently, the RFP allows for the contract to terminate at any time if 2/3 of the Commission vote that their services are no longer needed. Staff will work with the Purchasing Department to update the RFP. Motion by Rivera to move forward with the RFP with the edit of severance pay consideration, Daniel seconded. Motion passed 8-0. Updates from Commissioner Traore on correspondence with City governments on the Excluded Workers Fund: The survey released by the City is not conducive to seeking input from all community members. Further there is not a lot of collaboration between governments within Johnson County. The Catholic Worker House has on their website tips on how to best fill out/respond to the survey. The Catholic Worker House has inquired if the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) would like to be added to their supporters for the Excluded Workers Fund. Motion by Gathua, seconded by Johnson. Motion passed 7-1. Daniel in the negative. Budget Subcommittee updates — overview: As the Commission looks into more line items, they asked staff whether the end of the current fiscal year will influence their budget. Staff replied no. The discussion then switched to Commissioners receiving a stipend for their services. The consensus was that this work should not be done for free. If individual commissioners have any concerns with receiving a stipend, they could opt to donate their stipend to an organization. A news release will be done at the same time the budget proposal is released. The purpose of the news release is to explain why Commissioners should be compensated for their services. Community comment: Joe Coulter, as former Ad Hoc Diversity Committee member and based on his years on the Human Rights Commission, Coulter has never been paid a stipend. Coulter has been reimbursed for travel and any expenditures associated with his service. Coulter reminded the TRC to be mindful of police qualified immunity, the ramifications of the loss of protection for Housing Choice Vouchers here in Iowa City, the public report on the use of force (tear gas) here in Iowa City, the reportto preliminary accelerate community policing, and the reports to Council forthe changes to the Community Police Review Board. TRC Subcommittees: Healthcare: Ali, Rivera, Gathua, and Johnson. Rivera will serve as lead. Policing: Harris, and Ali. Daniel will not serve on this committee. Johnson, and Gathua will serve on this committee as time allows. Sustainability: Ali, Sikowis, and Traore. Traore will led this subcommittee. Education: Gathua, Johnson, and Dillard. Gathua will led this subcommittee. Housing: Gathua, Ali, Mohamed, and Daniel. Daniel will be lead for this subcommittee. Timeline for future meetings (meeting frequency) & returning to meetings in person: Commissioners decided to continue to meet bimonthly until the budget is completed and approved. Afterthis is completed, they will further discuss switching to an alternative meeting schedule. Announcements of Commissioners: Harris, spoke on the recent Police raid in the South District and noted that he did not want to see any bad encounters and that the MRAP is used as a tool of intimidation. Ali wants a way to amplify the voices of folks who are affected by these practices. Traore, will send the contact information for the Johnson County Board of Supervisors as it relates to the MRAP. He also will send out information on the Diversity Market being sponsored by the South District. Gathua, noted the African community has volunteered to collect their truths. Rivera wished everyone a Happy Pride Month. Daniels wished everyone a Happy Juneteenth, and also noted African American Music Appreciation Month is recognized in June. Sikowis, mentioned the 215 children murdered and buried in unmarked mass graves at Turtle Island. Announcements of Staff: Staff mentioned upcoming Juneteenth events Adjourn: 10:01 PM A n 0 0 M b ti N ti Vi N N r r N b N i i i i ie ie ie ie is M M M w x June 24, 2021 Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission Minutes (Electronic) Zoom Platform Regular Meeting Commissioners present: Amel Ali, Daphney Daniel, Chastity Dillard, Wangui Gathua, Eric Harris, Clifton Johnson, Kevin Rivera, Sikowiss, Mohamed Traore. Staff present: Stefanie Bowers (Electronic Meeting Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of commission members, staff, and the public presented by COVID-19. Meeting called to order: 7:11 Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: None Timeline for Future Meetings: The Commission decided to continue to meet every other Thursday until a facilitator is hired and settled into the position. Staff gave an update on returning to in -person meetings. The next upcoming meetings are July 8 and July 22. Discussion of Land Acknowledgement: The land acknowledgement has been updated to reflect reparations and also to mention specificallythe original inhabitants of Johnson County. The Commission will hold a vote to adopt the acknowledgment once the Human Rights Commission has had an opportunity to review it. Budget Subcommittee Update: A draft operational budget has been prepared that runs through Labor Day. The Commission wishes to wait until the subcommittees have had time to determine their needs and any subsequent funding needed prior to adding those line items to the budget. Some costs that will be reflected in the budget include the purchasing of a Chrome book for the facilitator to use, printing of flyers, boosting for social media, and the hiring of a videographer and researchers. The Commission also discussed potentially paying participants for their testimonies. These payments would not necessarily be in hand funds but could consist of childcare or mileage reimbursements. The Commission also discussed stipends for Commissioners and whether stipends should be paid out quarterly or just one payout. The monthly stipend could be $500 to $1200. A news release will be prepared when the budget is submitted to City Council. Ali moved to include a line item in the budget to pay stipends to Commission members, Gathua seconded. Motion passed 9-0. Community Topics for Discussion: Excluded Workers Fund, Rivera, Harris, and Johnson all attended a discussion at the Catholic Workers House where persons spoke of their struggles prior to COVID-19 and their continual struggles during the last year to present. South District, Ali would like to see the Commission partner with National Night Out. It is scheduled for August 3. It is an event that brings the community together and also creates more connections with first responders. It will be held at Wetherby Park and may serve as a great opportunity to hold a truth telling session. The education subcommittee will further explore this event and possibility of holding a session at it. The Diversity Markets being held in the South District have been very successful both Traore and Harris have attended the Markets. Juneteenth, the Commission would like to seethe City do abetter job in promoting the events forth is now federal holiday. The budget subcommittee will add Juneteenth to its agenda to help plan a better event for next year. Announcements of Commissioners: Daniels reminded Commissioners of the need for self -care and to enjoy the summer. Sikowiss mentioned an event being held on July 4 that is sponsored the Great Plains Action Society on abolishing white supremacist monuments. Gathua attended one of the Diversity Markets and also noted that the education subcommittee met recently. Ali mentioned upcoming court dates for some of the demonstrators from last summer and also her support of a persons right to freedom of speech. Staff Announcements: Staff mentioned that they are available if Commission members have any questions about the budget they are putting together. Adjourn: 10:14 PM A a 0 M N C\n G1 �-I Vi N N r r i i i is is is is is i i i o i is is is is i b N ie ie ie ie ie ie ie ie is M M '� is is is is i'a i'a i'a i'a i'a N M W N W o W x 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 asncient connections of many other Indigenous people 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. Revised 4/15/21 Before initiating an event, it would be good to begin with simple questions to make sure we are aligned as a commission. 1. What do you hope to accomplish through the telling of "truth"? 2. What is the change you are seeking? 3. is it for the individual truth -teller, the community, broader Iowa City, city or commission officials? How we answer these questions will be fundamental, offering an appropriate framework and design per activity. Puruoses/tvoes of truth (these are not dictionary/textbook definitions, used in Transformative justice field) Forensic Truth: used to gather evidence, to establish'what happened', to reveal secrets, create a culture of accountability; often includes gathering information, legal/liability considerations, investigations, oaths, testimony. This type of truth -engagement is especially important when there has been gas -lighting, dis/misinformation, or secrecy. The purpose is to reveal truth, what has been hidden, distorted, and to make it known and public. Often includes investigators, lawyers, law experts; tone is more formal. Narrative Truth: used for sharing personal stories and experiences, of making public what has been a painful or harmful personal experience; "victim -centered" - often the focus is on healing, the public acknowledgement of pain, validation - offering care and compassion. Usually supported by therapists, trauma specialists, public health professionals, faith/traditional leaders. Dialectic or dialogue -truth: used to exchange truths, to share truths, to learn more through stories, filling in gaps, broadening understanding, co -creating a more complex and honest collective narrative; well -facilitated public dialogues and town meetings can serve this purpose. This may be the kind of forum that Mohammed is envisioning. Take-aways could include recommendations for the commission. The point isn't tearing down, proving someone is wrong, or debating; focus is on dynamic shifts taking place between people as they share the truth of their experience, using collective energy to move forward in constructive ways, co -editing the past, and co-authoring the future. Mediators, group facilitators, folks like DCP are perfect for these settings. Restorative truth: here the emphasis is on deep listening, where people come together because they really want to learn, to grow, to heal, and to transform relationships and ways of relating. Tone is very intentional, careful, even gentle. Here, asking for forgiveness, saying I'm sorry, and the initial steps toward reconciliation might take place. Processes are often done in circles and can include rituals (see Indigenous practices). Again, facilitators should include mental/spiritual health experts. Moral truth: used in South Africa; "victims' wanted to know why someone did what they did vs. what they did; they sought explanation (even if there wasn't a good one); giving them a chance to face perpetrators (individuals and the State); outcomes can be powerful, giving individuals/communities a chance to re-claim power and dignity. Tone is pain, indignation, hurt, shock, anger - sometimes release. Must also be supported by specialists, process can be one of churning, so knowing how to manage those dynamics is critical. r � 1 CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (319)356-5000 July 1, 2021 (319) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law. This legislation established the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides significant resources to state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to support urgent COVID-19 response efforts, replace lost public sector revenue and restore service levels, support immediate financial stabilization for households and businesses, and address public health and economic challenges caused by the pandemic and that have disproportionately impacted certain populations. While the funds provide broad flexibility to local governments, the U.S. Treasury has released detailed guidance on how these funds can be used. A summary sheet of eligible uses is attached to this letter. You can also visit www.icgov.org/ARPA to learn more, find a link to full U.S. Treasury Guidance, and view other City resources and outreach materials. The U.S. Treasury has allocated $18.3 million to the City of Iowa City. The City received approximately half of this funding in May 2021 and anticipates receipt of the remaining balance in May 2022. All funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024. The City anticipates ongoing public input opportunities throughout the eligible use period (December 31, 2024) and will collect an initial round of public input through August 15, 2021. We encourage the community to imagine how these funds can be transformative for Iowa City. On behalf of the City of Iowa City, I would like to invite all Iowa City Boards, Commissions, and Committees to share ideas for spending these funds. Thoughts and ideas can be submitted through the following: • Online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ICARPA • E-mail to publicinput(a)iowa-city.orcl Additional virtual and in -person listening sessions are also being scheduled and details on these opportunities will be published online at icgov.org/ARPA and through other City platforms. Thank you for your consideration and all the work you do to make our community better. Sincerely, Rachel Kilburg Assistant City Manager J U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY The American Rescue Plan will deliver $350 billion for state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring back jobs. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provide a substantial infusion of resources to help turn the tide on the pandemic, address its economic fallout, and lay the foundation for a strong and equitable recovery. Funding Objectives Support urgent COVID-19 response efforts to continue to decrease spread of the virus and bring the pandemic under control Replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services and help retain jobs Support immediate economic stabilization for households and businesses Address systemic public health and economic challenges that have contributed to the inequal impact of the pandemic ®Support Public Health Response Fund COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff Replace Public Sector Revenue Loss Use funds to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic Eligible Jurisdictions & Allocations Direct Recipients • States and District of Columbia ($195.3 billion) • Counties ($65.1 billion) • Metropolitan cities ($45.6 billion) • Tribal governments ($20.0 billion) • Territories ($4.5 billion) Indirect Recipients • Non -entitlement units ($19.5 billion) c?V Address Negative Economic Impacts Ion Respond to economic harms to workers, families, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector (1 Premium Pay for Essential Workers f1�1 Offer additional support to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical infrastructure sectors Water and Sewer Infrastructure Broadband Infrastructure Make necessary investments to improve access Make necessary investments to provide unserved to clean drinking water and invest in or underserved locations with new or expanded wastewater and stormwater infrastructure broadband access For More Information: Please visit www.treasury.gov/SLFRP For Media Inquiries: Please contact the U.S. Treasury Press Office at (202) 622-2960 For General Inquiries: Please email SLFRP@treasury.govforadditional information Agisk ARM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Example Uses of Funds ® Support Public Health Response • Services to contain and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including vaccination, medical expenses, testing, contact tracing, quarantine costs, capacity enhancements, and many related activities • Behavioral healthcare services, including mental health or substance misuse treatment, crisis intervention, and related services • Payroll and covered benefits for public health, healthcare, human services, and public safety staff to the extent that they work on the COVID-19 response Ab Replace Public Sector Revenue Loss • Ensure continuity of vital government services by filling budget shortfalls • Revenue loss is calculated relative to the expected trend, beginning with the last full fiscal year pre- pande m is and adjusted annually for growth • Recipients may re -calculate revenue loss at multiple points during the program, supporting those entities that experience revenue loss with a lag Water & Sewer Infrastructure • Includes improvements to infrastructure, such as building or upgrading facilities and transmission, distribution, and storage systems • Eligible uses aligned to Environmental Protection Agency project categories for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund 9 Equity -Focused Services • Additional flexibility for the hardest -hit communities and families to address health disparities, invest in housing, address educaLiunal disparities, and promote healthy childhood environments • Broadly applicable to Qualified Census Tracts, other disproportionately impacted areas, and when provided by Tribal governments I Address Negative Economic Impacts Deliver assistance to workers and families, including support for unemployed workers, aid to households, and survivor's benefits for families of COVID-19 victims • Support small businesses with loans, grants, in -kind assistance, and counseling programs • Speed the recovery of impacted industries, including the tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors • Rebuild public sector capacity by rehiring staff, replenishing state unemployment insurance funds, and implementing economic relief programs A Premium Pay for Essential Workers • Provide premium pay to essential workers, both directly and through grants to third -party employers • Prioritize low -and moderate -income workers, who face the greatest mismatch between employment - related health risks and compensation • Key sectors include healthcare, grocery and food services, education, childcare, sanitation, and transit • Must be fully additive to a worker's wages Broadband Infrastructure • Focus on households and businesses without access to broadband and those with connections that do not provide minimally acceptable speeds • Fund projects that deliver reliable service with minimum 100 Mbps download/ 100 Mbps upload speeds unless impracticable • Complement broadband investments made through the Capital Projects Fund 19 Ineligible Uses • Changes that reduce net tax revenue must not be offset with American Rescue Plan funds • Extraordinary payments into a pension fund are a prohibited use of this funding • Other restrictions apply to eligible uses The examples listed in this document are non -exhaustive, do not describe all terms end conditions associated with the use of this funding, and do not describe all the restrictions on use that may apply. The U.S. Department of the Treasury provides this document, the State and Local contact channels, and other resources for informational purposes. Although efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, the information is subject to change or correction. Any Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds received will be subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement entered into by Treasury and the respective jurisdiction, which shall incorporate the provisions ofthe Interim Final Rule and/or Final Rule that implements this program. The following documents were handed out during the meeting. N O N d O p 0 O O Vl M O O O O O O 00 L yO M r r N N r N O W 0 Ip N � O M N COJ O L N H O O N N N N Oi N N� N � O e9 Vf lA M N eA !A dl M M O O O O p 0 0 O O Z O O N h IIOJ h 0 0 0 O O Ol fD C! Cl � N� f9 f9 f9 Vl N W f9 - f9 f9 f9 f9 IA fA N N fA f9 f9 IA M O 6 W 0 O 0 O 0 O 0 N 0 IA O O 0 0 0 O O f9 f9 � f9 Vi V f9 M M !9 00 O O O O O O � O O O Q O O O p N p pO Ifl O O y � t0 cf ? O N h M O Y9 N N IA too. i u° U u gq Q c LL .0 a o F E r a '�' a X 7 N Q p q y V W "'A T T E a s V r m r m 0® ® G 1 0 �000 0 ❑❑ d m ~ m V Ol m E N V a N 3 The following documents were handed out during the meeting. 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.