HomeMy WebLinkAboutTRC Agenda 8 17 23
Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Thursday, August 17, 2023
Regular Meeting
7 PM - Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E. Washington Street
AGENDA:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. READING OF NATIVE AMERICAN LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES: JULY 20, 2023, AUGUST 1, 2023, AUGUST
2, 2023, AND AUGUST 3, 2023.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
COMMISSIONERS SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN DISCUSSION WITH THE PUBLIC
CONCERNING SAID ITEMS.
5. INTRODUCTIONS
6. STRATEGIC DOING WORKSHOPS
7. TRAINING CONTINUATION FROM AUGUST 1-3
8. FACILITATOR WORK PLAN FOR PHASE ONE
9. COMMISSION BYLAWS
10. BUDGET FOR PHASE ONE
11. CORRESPONDENCE
12. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
THIS ITEM INCLUDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BRIEF UPDATES FROM
STAFF AND COMMISSIONERS. COMMISSIONERS SHALL NOT ENGAGE IN
DISCUSSION ON UPDATES.
13. ADJOURNMENT
To encourage input from the public, the Commission intends to offer the opportunity to
participate in the meeting remotely. However, this meeting is in-person, and those wishing to
ensure their ability to participate should attend the meeting in person. If you instead wish to
participate remotely, you may attempt to do so by joining the below link. Please note that the
meeting link and ID for the first Thursday of each month is different than the link and ID for the
third Thursday of each month.
First Thursday Meetings https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cMIaaV6cTxGwOlWu2-
hFHg
ID: 867 2424 8095
Third Thursday Meetings https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lcIl8llPSRq1u0xPlL-
1Ew
ID: 895 3695 0485
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 in order to
participate in these events, please contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights at 319-356-
5022 or humanrights@iowa-city.org.
Native American Land Acknowledgement
Prepared for the City of Iowa City's Ad Hoc Tr uth 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.
Agenda Item #2
1
July 20, 2023
Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes
Emma J. Harvat Hall, City Hall
Commissioners present: Chastity Dillard, Wangui Gathua, Marie Krebs, Lauren Merritt, Clif
Johnson, Sikowis Nobis.
Commissioners not present: Eric Harris.
Staff present: Stefanie Bowers, Redmond Jones.
Meeting called to order: 7:06 pm.
Reading of Native American Land Acknowledgement: Merritt read the Land Acknowledgement.
Approval of Minutes from June 15, 2023: Merritt moved, and Gathua seconded.
Motion passed 6-0.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: Mica Sue Doolan spoke on the handling of a
proclamation at a Board of Supervisors meeting for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
and Girls (MMIW). David Sterling spoke on the same topic and asked for the TRC to address the
issue in the future. Terry Medina also spoke on the handling of the proclamation and views it as a
teachable moment.
Facilitator Education Workshops: Jena Kitchen of Think Peace and Larry Schooler of Kearns and
West will hold workshops for the TRC from August 1 – August 3. Part of the workshops will
include an overview of strategic doing. Dillard is working on an invitation that can be sent out to
the community. City staff will work with members of the facilitation team to locate a space that is
available to hold the workshops. Facilitator LaMere suggested that a questionnaire be prepared
for the community to fill out that asks what they want from the TRC. This will be created.
At the workshops, community members will be able to make comments at the beginning and end
of each session.
Marketing and Promotion for the TRC: Johnson presented three different options of images as
possible logos for the TRC. Johnson will have the colors in the images redesigned and present
them to the TRC at a future meeting.
A Talk by the Native Partners: LaMere spoke on wanting to provide solutions that could include
creating a pamphlet about different media, or a list of resources that highlight Indigenous
authors, films, books, etc. This could also be a project the city initiates on its own. LaMere would
also like to see a centralized multicultural space here in Iowa City that would provide a safe space
for healing.
Agenda Item #3
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Medina discussed talking circles and the need for critical listening skills as a part of the circles.
Wanatee supports what the TRC does and the need in this community for such a commission. It
will not be easy work and the truth and healing will be difficult.
Racism on Parade Stunt at the Muscatine Fourth of July Event: Johnson County has issued a
statement condemning the incident and the TRC would like to either see themselves make a
similar statement or for the City Council to make one. Great Plains Action Society issued a
statement that included suggestions to make changes so that a similar incident does not occur in
the future.
Correspondence: None.
Follow up on Communications with the ICCSD: The district has stated that they have or will be
making the book “Teaching Columbus” available at some school libraries. Krebs will follow up.
Commission Announcements: Gathua thanked the facilitators. Dillard encouraged submissions
for the two vacancies on the TRC that are due by this Tuesday. Dillard also mentioned National
Night Out being held on August 1 and a back-to-school drive that will be held on August 12.
Johnson invited everyone to attend a South District boxing showcase on July 22. Nobiss
commented on the second annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Pow Wow held in
Sioux City. Krebs spoke on the racist incident at the Muscatine July Fourth Parade. Krebs ended
her remarks by highlighting why MMIW is different than all lives matter and why there is a
difference and why Indigenous women literally have no protections of any laws.
Adjourned: 9:13 PM.
City Board and Commission meetings are recorded and can be viewed in their entirety by
visiting this link.
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2023
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/5 1/19 2/2 3/2 4/6 5/4 6/1 6/15 7/20
Dillard 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P
Gathua 12/31/24 A P P P P P P P P
Harris 12/31/24 P P P P A P A A A
Johnson 12/31/24 P A P A P P P P P
Krebs 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P
Merritt 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P
Nobiss 12/31/24 P A P P A P A P P
Vacant 12/31/24 - - - - - - - - -
Vacant 12/31/24 - - - - - _ - - -
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
1
August 1, 2023
Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes
Assembly Room, Iowa City Senior Center
Commissioners present: Chastity Dillard, Clif Johnson, Sikowis (Christine Nobiss), Marie Krebs,
Lauren Merritt, Wangui Gathua.
Commissioners not present: Eric Harris.
Staff present: Redmond Jones, Stefanie Bowers.
Meeting called to order: 5:38.
Reading of Land Acknowledgement: Merritt read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: No.
Introductions: The facilitators began by introducing themselves individually, providing a brief
overview of their identities and professional backgrounds. Following the introductions, Dr.
Spalding asked all members to engage in a reflective activity. The purpose of this activity was to
encourage participants to pause and find a sense of inner calm or focus before actively engaging
in the session's activities or discussions.
Truth Commissions and Political Content: The group began to examine the resolution that
established the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The resolution shows the three
main objectives of the commission and how they are supposed to achieve those objectives. The
resolution also explains the relationship between the commissioners, facilitators, and the public.
The resolution states that the objective of the commission is confronting and reckoning with the
past.
Iowa City’s Truth Commission and Common Language: The retreat facilitators compiled a list of
words and phrases with respect to Truth and Reconciliation that were defined for ease and
learning purposes. The commission members further added words and phrases that they felt
should be listed on the glossary document.
Closing Reflections: The commissioners and facilitators shared their thoughts about the day’s
session and reflected on the stories and ideas shared by all. Furthermore, the commissioners
shared what the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation commission means to them and how they feel it
has been successful so far.
Public Comment on Items #4 Only: David Sterling commented on how this session reminds him
of an example of dialectic behavior therapy. Amos Kiche on behalf of the Johnson County African
Association spoke on how the session humbles him, how things are very complex, and thanked
the TRC members for their work.
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Adjourned: 9:01.
This meeting can be viewed in its entirety at this link.
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2023
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/5 1/19 2/2 3/2 4/6 5/4 6/1 6/15 7/20 8/1 8/2 8/3
Dillard 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P
Gathua 12/31/24 A P P P P P P P P P
Harris 12/31/24 P P P P A P A A A A
Johnson 12/31/24 P A P A P P P P P P
Krebs 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P
Merritt 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P
Nobiss 12/31/24 P A P P A P A P P P
Simmons 12/31/24 - - - - - - - - - A
Tassinary 12/31/24 - - - - - _ - - - A
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
1
August 2, 2023
Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes
Assembly Room, Iowa City Senior Center
Commissioners present: Chastity Dillard, Clif Johnson, Sikowis (Christine Nobiss), Marie Krebs,
Lauren Merritt, Wangui Gathua.
Commissioners not present: Eric Harris, Louis Tassinary, Chad Simmons.
Staff present: Redmond Jones, Stefanie Bowers.
Meeting called to order: 5:32.
Reading of Land Acknowledgement: Dillard read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: No.
Strategic Tools needed by the TRC: The facilitators opened the conversation by asking the TRC
about their motivation and personal journeys that led them to undertake this important work.
The commissioners took this opportunity to reflect upon and share their individual reasons for
committing themselves to truth telling and reparation work for the Iowa City community.
Elaborating on their reasons, the commissioners discussed various factors that influenced their
decision. For example, they shared personal stories of witnessing or experiencing injustice,
discrimination, or historical trauma within the community.
Public Engagement, facilitations, and participating in a consensus process: After reflecting on
their personal motivations, the TRC commissioners engaged in an interactive presentation that
centered around four different TRC commissions from different parts of the world. These
commissions included the TRC in South Africa, Canada, North Carolina, and Peru.
Comparative examples and definition of public hearings and public activities: The facilitators
discussed different forms and ways in which a platform for truth telling can be established.
Including, brainstorming potential approaches that would allow community members to share
their stories, experiences, and perspectives.
Closing Reflections: The commissioners shared their final thoughts on ideas they would like to
implement to create a platform for truth telling.
Public Comment on Items #4 Only: Hiram Webber acknowledged the importance of having so
many people of color in one space at one time. Amos Kiche suggested for the members of the
TRC to document their struggles and frustrations as a part of the process that they endured.
Adjourned: 9:06
This meeting can be viewed in its entirety at this link.
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2023
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/5 1/19 2/2 3/2 4/6 5/4 6/1 6/15 7/20 8/1 8/2 8/3
Dillard 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P P
Gathua 12/31/24 A P P P P P P P P P P
Harris 12/31/24 P P P P A P A A A A A
Johnson 12/31/24 P A P A P P P P P P P
Krebs 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P P
Merritt 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P P
Nobiss 12/31/24 P A P P A P A P P P P
Simmons 12/31/24 - - - - - - - - - A A
Tassinary 12/31/24 - - - - - _ - - - A A
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
1
August 3, 2023
Draft Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Minutes
Assembly Room, Iowa City Senior Center
Commissioners present: Chastity Dillard, Clif Johnson, Sikowis (Christine Nobiss), Marie Krebs,
Lauren Merritt, Wangui Gathua, Louis Tassinary.
Commissioners not present: Eric Harris, Chad Simmons.
Staff present: Redmond Jones, Stefanie Bowers.
Meeting called to order: 5:30.
Reading of Land Acknowledgement: Merritt read the Land Acknowledgement.
Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda: Charlie Eastham, as an individual, asked if the TRC
would consider including the issues ICCSD students have expressed at School Board meetings as a
part of its truth and reconciliation process. Laura Bergus thanked the TRC for its work, patience,
and everything they have put into this work.
Organization of hearings: Selection or invitation of statement-givers, preparation, and
procedure: The facilitators recognize the importance of building a strong connection and
fostering a sense of trust and understanding among all participants in the TRC discussion. During
this phase, the facilitators and commissioners emphasized the significance of acknowledging
personal biases, privileges, and societal structures such as white supremacy that impact truth and
reconciliation efforts.
Organization of hearings: Envisioning how this would look in Iowa City: The commission listened
to a presentation on fact finding and how to implement the TRC in the Iowa City community. The
group discussed how data can be beneficial, but also detrimental to the fact-finding process. The
facilitators shared their understanding of facilitation and how group facilitation can be helpful in
the seeking of truth.
Strategic Doing Primer: The facilitators went over strategic doing. Strategic doing provides a new
discipline for developing and implementing strategy within the loose networks that characterize
communities and regions.
Closing Reflections: The facilitators and commissioners shared their final thoughts and ideas for
moving forward. The idea of a questionnaire for the community to share their thoughts on a truth
telling process was seen as beneficial.
Public Comment on Items #4 Only: David Sterling is stoked to see the TRC empowered. Sterling
acknowledged the robbing of their time by City actions and thanked them for their perseverance.
Adjourned: 9:14
2
This meeting can be viewed in its entirety at this link.
AD HOC TRUTH & RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2023
(Meeting Date)
NAME
TERM
EXP.
1/5 1/19 2/2 3/2 4/6 5/4 6/1 6/15 7/20 8/2 8/3 8/4
Dillard 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P P p
Gathua 12/31/24 A P P P P P P P P P P P
Harris 12/31/24 P P P P A P A A A A A A
Johnson 12/31/24 P A P A P P P P P P P P
Krebs 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P P P
Merritt 12/31/24 P P P P P P P P P P P P
Nobiss 12/31/24 P A P P A P A P P P P P
Simmons 12/31/24 - - - - - - - - - A A A
Tassinary 12/31/24 - - - - - _ - - - A A P
KEY: P = Present
A = Absent
1
BY-LAWS OF THE AD HOC TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
ARTICLE 1 THE COMMISSION
Section A. The name of this organization is the Ad Hoc Truth and Reconciliation Commission (“TRC”
or “Commission”), referred to in these By-Laws as the Commission. The Commission is authorized by the
City Council Resolution Number 20-228, effective date September 15, 2020.
ARTICLE 2 PURPOSE
Section A. As stated in Resolution No. 20-228.
Section B. The purpose of the Commission is to bear witness to the truth of racial injustice in Iowa City
and to carry out restorative justice, through the collection of testimony and public hearings, with such work
to include a recommendation to the Council of a plan for deciding and/or renaming public spaces and/or
rights of way in honor of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
ARTICLE 3 CHARGES
Section A. Charges of the Commission shall include: 1) fact-finding – the TRC shall collect evidence of
discrimination and racial injustice in multiple settings and compile a complete record of racial injustices that
will inform and support the fundamental institutional and policy reforms necessary to address systemic
racism; 2) truth-telling – the TRC shall provide multiple for a and creative opportunities for persons impacted
and traumatized by racial injustice to share their stories of racial injustice and experience to be heard by the
community including but not limited to city government; 3) Reconciliation – the TRC shall provide opportunity
for and facilitate direct conversation among and between community members of color, white community
members and representatives of various sectors in which people of color experience discrimination and
injustice.
ARTICLE 4 MEMBERSHIP
Section A. The Commission shall consist of nine (9) members, appointed by vote of the City Council
who are representative of the City’s BIPOC communities and organizations, including those who have
direct lived experience with systemic racism, as well as experts who support those communities. Iowa City
residency is preferred but not required if an applicant offers expertise or representation not available from
applicants who reside in Iowa City. Members of other City boards and commissions are eligible to serve on
the TRC.
Section B. Members shall serve through December 31, 2024.
Section C. Orientation for members, including functions, duties, and responsibilities, shall be
conducted by the staff assigned to the Commission.
Section D. Commissioners are expected to attend all regularly scheduled meetings. The
Chairperson or staff shall be notified of an absence prior to any meeting.
Section E. Three (3) consecutive, unexplained absences of a member from regular meetings can
result in a recommendation to the City Council from the Commission to discharge said member and
appoint a new member.
Agenda Item #9
2
ARTICLE 5 OFFICERS
Section A. The Commission shall have two (2) officers: Chairperson and Vice Chairperson.
Section B. Officers shall perform the duties set forth in these by-laws.
Section C. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be elected from the Commission's
membership.
Section F. Chairperson. The Chairperson, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the
Commission, appoint committees, and in general, perform all duties incident to the office of the
Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by the members from time to time.
Section G. Vice-Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson or shall perform the duties of the
Chairperson and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon
the Chairperson.
ARTICLE 6 MEETINGS
Section A. At least one (1) regular meeting shall be held each month.
Section B. The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, or any three (3) Commissioners may call a special
meeting.
Section C. Meetings shall be held in an accessible, public meeting place. Notices of meetings (agenda) for
all regular and special meetings shall be posted and distributed to members and the media at least 24 hours
before any meeting is held. All provisions of the State Open Meeting Law shall be followed. The
Chairperson or a designated representative, shall prepare an agenda for all meetings, provided
Commissioner suggestions are considered.
Section D. A quorum shall consist of five (5) Commissioners. A majority of present and
voting members shall be necessary to pass a motion. The Chairperson shall vote as a
member.
Section E. No formal action shall be taken on items not on the agenda.
Section F. The rules in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern
the Commission in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent
with these bylaws and any special rules or order the Commission may adopt.
Section G. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for public comment on 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.
Section H. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for Commissioner reports
of items not on the agenda. Commissioners shall not engage in discussion with one another
concerning said reports.
Section I. The Commission's designee shall record all activities and statements made at
Commission meetings, hereafter known as minutes of the meeting. All Commission records shall
3
be public except those excluded pursuant to Iowa Code, Chapter 22.
ARTICLE 7 SUBCOMMITTEES
Section A. Formation of subcommittees shall be by majority vote of the Commission in whatever
subject area, or whatever number of committees, is deemed necessary. The committee(s) shall
consist of no more than four members.
ARTICLE 8 AMENDMENTS
Section A. The By-Laws can be amended at any regular Commission meeting by a majority vote,
provided that the amendment has been submitted in writing to the Commission three (3) days prior to the
meeting at which it is to be acted upon and such amendment is not in conflict with the Resolution No. 20-
228.
City of Iowa City
Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Budget Estimate (expenditures not included in consultant contracts)
*** categories and numbers below provided by City staff are for illustration only and not suggestions or
reflective of anticipated needs ***
Category Amount Description
Special Meeting
Accommodations (outside
of typical TRC business
meetings)
$5,000 Estimated 10 special meetings with $500 per meeting
expenditure to include food, participation supplies
(paper, pens, flip charts, etc.), rental fees, any other
expenses to encourage participation and efficient
proceedings)
Community Marketing $5,000 Social media, radio and other marketing outlets to
promote TRC mission and encourage participation from
a broad representation of the public
Special Event Promotion $3,000 Identifiable clothing for TRC Commissioners (e.g. tshirts,
sweatshirts) for representation at community events.
Table runners, banners and small promotional items to
promote TRC mission and particpation
Miscellaneous Pilot
Programs
$4,000 Allows TRC to create and test efforts to help the
community move towards reconciliation prior to final
recommendations being made. Examples may include
book purchases for a small group healing session,
contracting with a subject matter expert for a
community lecture / community event, etc.
Contingency $1,700 10% of all above lines for unanticipated needs that arise
through the process that are directly related to the TRC
mission
Total $18,700
Agenda Item #10