2022-11-1_PR_Comm_Min - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Baggenstoss reiterated the importance of vetting the name translation. He also relayed that he liked the names: Tiwahe (family), Wastemna (Bergamot), and Dakota Mokoce Park (Dakota Land) as they all seem to mean something special based on the comments submitted by the community. Commissioner Brown shared that he like Koda Park (friendship), Keya (turtle) or woda¶ota (peace). Staff noted that a Dakota speaker shared with him that Koda Park (friendship) has a masculine connotation. Commissioner Brown added that he liked woda¶ota (peace), Tiwahe (family), or potentially the Dakota word for aspen. Commissioner Matts-Benson relayed that she liked Tiwahe (family). The Commission discussed using a name that incorporates “hill” or potentially suggesting a name using a “theme” for the park and working to get a true translation from the Dakota language. They also discussed how much information to provide on why a name or “theme” was chosen to help with translating. Commissioner Lenhart shared that she also liked Wastemna (Bergamot) as it is a native plant. However, she cautioned that the plant may not be there in the future. She added that “hill” or “turtle” may be better name options as they will be there for some time. Commissioner Matt-Benson referred back to the RacialEquity Statement and encouraged the Commission to lean into the values of the Community when naming the park. Chair Dahlstrom reviewed the list of names that had been discussed by the Commission: Tiwahe (family), Keya (turtle), woda¶ota (peace), Koda (Friendship and/or soulmates), Wastemna (Bergamot), and Skatapi (They Play). The Commission discussed if the list above should be reduced to “value” based names. Commissioner Brown motioned to recommend considering Tiwahe (family), Keya (turtle), woda¶ota (peace), Koda (Friendship and/or soulmates), Wastemna (Bergamot), Skatapi (They Play) as potential names for the renaming of Pocahontas Parkwith the understanding that all names will be vetted for correct translation. Commissioner Matts- Benson seconded. 4