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Attachment 6 SUMMARY OF CONVERSATION WITH JERRY DEARLY Thursday, August 19 6:30pm Notes by Matthew Johnson, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Jerry is a Dakota elder. p Former teacher in St. Paul Public School p Wrote a book about the Dakota Language p Regional Pow Wow Announcer On the Current Name Jerry feels that changing the name would be really good. Said that Pocahontas is almost a comic book representation of Native Americans and doesnt reflect actual Native American culture. Likens the name to a name like Indians which may not be offensive in isolation, but leads to stereotyping and overgeneralization in practice. Jerry is appreciative of the Commission for reviewing this item and said that it is indicative of a culture that has grown more aware of unintended consequences. On a Possible New Name if Pocahontas is Changed That should be up to community and commission. He said that if he would like him/others to weigh in on some possible options, he would be happy to do so/facilitate but didnt feel it was appropriate for him to pull a name out of thin air. Said that there are many names in Minnesota already derived from Dakota and/or Native American language including Minnesota itself. However, he didnt have a strong opinion on whether a Dakota word or recognition would be appropriate. Jerry said if schedules can be worked out, he may be willing to attend a meeting or speak with members of the commission He also mentioned that there is a gathering in St. Paul on Indigenous People day, and that might be a good opportunity for Commissioners to connect with some indigenous people.