FLAGSTAFF — On Monday, November 14, 2016 at 9:00 a.m., Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff and City of Flagstaff held a press conference at City Hall to announce the commencement of a months-long process to address important issues impacting Indigenous People in Flagstaff.
“The idea here is to create a series of events for the City of Flagstaff to learn about the experiences, the ideas, the su
ggestions, the difficulties that indigenous peoples face here in Flagstaff.” stated Chris Jocks, a volunteer with Indigenous Circle of Flagstaff (ICF) and educator at Northern Arizona University (NAU), “It’s a unique chance for collaboration between various members of indigenous communities here in town and the City of Flagstaff to work together.”
Daisy Purdy, volunteer with ICF and NAU educator stated that the process intends to address “the invisibility of Indigenous Peoples within our curriculums and within our institutions that weren’t necessarily set up to support them and celebrating the small advances that have been made in terms of addressing Indigenous youth within our school systems allowing them the space that exists to explore their identities, to be proud of their cultures, and be who they are without having to adopt the assimilative forms that was created within our educational institutions initially.” stated Purdy.
“Looking at how can we move forward, looking at social justice overall and really moving forward to a place where we can declare Indigenous Peoples’ Day in a way that were being mindful of it not being an empty declaration, of it not being a rebranding of Columbus Day, but being a true celebration of what we’re accomplishing, what needs to be accomplished and creating those safe spaces for Indigenous Peoples here in our town.” stated Purdy.
“On behalf of City Council of Flagstaff we are honored and pleased to have this opportunity to partner with ICF to help facilitate these Indigenous Peoples’ community forums.” stated Josh Copley, City Manager for the City of Flagstaff, “We are also looking forward to the opportunity to engage in respectful and meaningful dialogue but primarily we are here to learn, we are here to seek understanding from the perspectives of others. This is an exciting time for Flagstaff.” Copley extended his gratitude for councilmember Eva Putzova for her role in the process.
We’re more than excited to host the Indigenous forum that will be held at the high school,” stated Robin Pete, Assistant Principal at Flag High School, “our indigenous population is about 1/4 of our total population of about 1,600 students; we know that’s a huge influence that can be celebrated in our school.” Pete stated that, “everyone needs to be respected and be able to bring who they are to the table in order to help all of us learn and become a better community.”
“Four years ago, we went to our sacred mountain Dokoosliid to say our prayers. Two vehicles pulled up, people got out and said ‘get out of here you f***ing natives.’” stated Catherine Esquivel, Flagstaff parent, “We were told to leave though were up there to practice our religious right. This is being done to us and our children are there witnessing this. I want my children to feel pride in their community. You look at the streets and maybe all the buildings in this town there was a Native American hand contributing to that structure being built. Yet you do not see a Yazzie Blvd. you don’t see a Honani Ave., there’s nothing, it’s like were just brushed aside.” stated Esquivel.
“That were non-existent except when the statics arise. If it’s alcoholism, homelessness, poverty, were at the top and were on the front page of the newspaper, but if it’s the contributions—the great things that natives have done—were not even recognized. As a parent I would like the City of Flagstaff to start not only remembering but recognizing the contributions that Native People have made, that way my children can be proud of their ancestors contributions, they can be proud of their language, they can be proud of their heritage.” stated Esquivel.
Background: The Indigenous Community Forum process was established to have a meaningful, positive impact in the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Flagstaff through dialog, collaboration, action, and policy for the benefit of all. In August 2016, the Flagstaff City Council directed City staff to work with the community to convene a series of forums focused on learning more about the many issues facing Indigenous People in our community. Based on the input from the process, Flagstaff City Council will convene a work session to develop an action plan that is responsive to the feedback received at the Indigenous Community Forums. Based on further consultation with the community and upon conclusion of the forums, the Council will convene to discuss adoption of lasting actions that support Indigenous Peoples in Flagstaff and ultimately leading to a discussion about declaring Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2017.
Upcoming Forums: The Flagstaff community is invited to participate in the upcoming Indigenous Community Forums. Additional forums will be scheduled for early 2017. NAIPTA will offer free bus rides after 4pm if riders tell the bus driver they are going to the Indigenous Community Forum.
– Wednesday, November 30th, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Indigenous Community Forum: Homelessness at Flagstaff High School 400 W. Elm Avenue
For more information: www.indigenouscircle.org