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:
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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
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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).
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*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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.