2021-10-5_PR_Comm Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Objective o To engage the impacted communities to assess the impact of the name on their feeling of being “welcomed, included and respected” in Roseville, including the: Native American people who live in Roseville Indigenous populations of Minnesota who have expertise Neighbors of Pocahontas Park Entire Roseville community Staff also provided a list of individuals with similar expertise that provided formal feedback to the Commission: Shannon Geshick (Minnesota Indian Affairs Council/Roseville Resident) Wayne Ducheneaux (Native Governance Center) John Bobolink (St. Paul Public Schools Indian Education Program) Roseville Area Schools American Indian Parent Advisory Committee Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors Group Jerry Dearly (Lakota Elder, Teacher and Language Expert) Common themes that were shared by the individuals with expertise included: Varying opinions about whether the name is “offensive” Concerns about the lack of Pocahontas ties to MN Concerns about generalization/stereotyping of Native Americans based on past imagery Concerns about distortion of Pocahontas’ image/story General feeling that the name should be changed Many felt that a new name with reference to Dakota or Native American people would be appropriate, but were hesitant to offer a suggestion The Commission reviewed the additional resources that were shared, the one page informational flyer, articles from external media, and community engagement events that the Commission participated in. Finally, feedback that was received from the community was summarized: Many informal conversations over the summer 44 written comments received 26 residents submitted written feedback 6 residents identified as Native American Several attended meetings to provide feedback 2