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34 Utilized the Racial Equity Tool Kit to develop an Engagement andAnalysis plan; <br />35 Engaged with Native America individuals and groups who have expertiseon issues related to <br />36 Native American names; <br />37 Consulted a variety of academic sources related to issues of Native American naming <br />38 including the Reclaiming Native Truths documents,discussions hosted by Dr. Kate Bean of <br />39 the MN Historical Society and others; <br />40 Mailed to residents in the area around Pocahontas Park (more than 500 letters) to inform <br />41 them about the process and solicit feedback (fall 2021); <br />42 Had countless conversations at 15 Discover Your Parks events, the Wild Rice Festival and <br />43 other Parks and Recreation events; <br />44 Posted signage soliciting feedback in Pocahontas Park throughout the summer and fall of <br />45 2022. <br />46 <br />47 Ultimately, the process yielded more than 70suggested names from a variety of sources (Attachment <br />48 C). Once the names were collected, staff continued to engage with Native American individuals and <br />49 leaders for their feedback. Ultimately, the Commission recommended the name Keya (pronounced <br />50 Kay – Ah) which is the Dakota word for “turtle.” <br />51 <br />52 This suggestion was submitted by a neighbor of the park as an acknowledgement of the Dakota <br />53 history of the land upon whichthe park resides, and because of the turtlesthatfind their way into the <br />54 park from the marsh below. <br />55 <br />56 When the list of names were being considered, staff continued to engage with Native American <br />57 individuals who participated in earlier parts of the process. One specific contact, Maggie Lorenz, has <br />58 personal expertise on the subject and connected with others in the Dakota community to solicit their <br />59 feedback. Keya was one of two final suggestions that Maggie recommended. <br />60 <br />61 Ultimately, the name Keya was supported by the Commission for several reasons: <br />62 It reflects the Dakota history of the land in a respectful way; <br />63 It complies with Parks and Recreation Policy #40: Assigning Names to City Facilities <br />64 (Attachment B). Specifically, the name isbased upon an animal. <br />65 It is in keeping with the playful spirit of a park; <br />66 There is the possibility ofutilizinga Keya (turtle) theme in the design process for the <br />67 replacement playground, which is planned for installation in fall 2023; <br />68 The name is supported by the Native American individuals who participated in the process. <br />69 <br />70 In addition to recommending the name Keya Park, the Commission also recommended the <br />71 developmentof a land acknowledgement and consideration of additional signage or other <br />72 educational opportunities within the park. <br />73 <br />74 P OLICY O BJECTIVE <br />75 Advisory Commissions are established to provide a method for citizen input and are advisory to the <br />76 City Council. Joint meetings are a useful tool for the Commission to provide input to the Council <br />77 and receive Council feedback. <br />78 <br />79 The Parks and Recreation Commission’s work regarding the name of Pocahontas Park is consistent <br />80 with the city’s community aspirations of being welcoming, inclusive and respectful and the city’s <br />81 Racial Equity Narrative. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br /> <br />