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<br /> <br />acknowledgement would not erase the history but was an awareness that can help influence where we are <br />today. He indicated this was a start but there was more work to do. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth thanked staff for the presentation and video that was shared. She stated a part that <br />resonated with her was how the Native American woman’s guard came down after hearing the land <br />acknowledgement prior to a meeting commencing. She believed this was a step the Council could take in order <br />to encourage more people to interact with local government. <br /> <br />Mayor Niedfeldt-Thomas reported this video was shared with the Equity Commission and led to a number of <br />great conversations. She commented on how the City was working through its Equity Plan and was now <br />working through the land acknowledgement process. She thanked staff for the time they spent working on this <br />matter. She looked forward to the Council considering a land acknowledgement as this would be another step <br />in engaging community members that the City may have not made feel welcome. <br /> <br />Councilmember Axberg stated she has been a part of boards that use land acknowledgement before meetings. <br />She discussed how Native Americans think differently about the ownership of land and she saw real value in <br />the City adopting a land acknowledgement. She hoped by recognizing the past the City could move forward <br />together with different people with different histories. She discussed how she came from an immigrant <br />community and commented on how this community was changing to be many different cultures. She supported <br />the City honoring this history while recognizing the richness of the cultures and communities in New Brighton. <br /> <br />Schlieu commented further on the land acknowledgement that was drafted and reviewed by staff. She reported <br />the words were very intentional and reflective of the City moving forward. She explained the Equity <br />Commission reviewed this language and recommended the City recognize that this statement will change and <br />evolve over time. The next steps for the land acknowledgement were discussed in further detail and it was <br />noted the Council would be considering the land acknowledgement at their next Council meeting. She <br />explained the Equity Commission suggested signs be posted in the City’s parks that would acknowledge the <br />Dakota history in the community. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth reported the United States has not done a lot of reconciliation with the historic <br />wrongs that have happened. She believed this was a good first step locally. She noted she worked at the <br />University of Minnesota and the university has a land acknowledgement statement that was shared at any <br />public meeting. She was of the opinion this statement made a strong impact. She reviewed the U of M’s <br />statement and encouraged the City to consider using Dakota or native language. Schlieu stated she understood <br />this was important, but noted the statement was viewed as being a first step and would invite people to learn <br />more. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle believed the first draft of the land acknowledgement was very good. He asked if any <br />Native American community members had provided input on this statement. Schlieu stated this had not been <br />done. She commented on how the City was working to commit to the words within the statement and the <br />commitment to the indigenous people would be going forward. <br /> <br />Councilmember Abdulle stated he would like the City to envision what policy improvements could be made, in <br />addition, to the symbolic actions the City was taking like the land acknowledgement. Schlieu thanked <br />Councilmember Abdulle for these statements. She commented on the funding she had moving forward and <br />noted she would be engaging community members in 2024. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dunsworth indicated the piece that may be missing for her was the cultural competency. She <br />questioned if the City used cultural practices that honor the culture that was being acknowledged. She <br />appreciated the fact that this was a living document that could be altered and changed going forward.