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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-15 KCPRC Regular Meeting OFFICIAL •• 1934 • .j',k'ME10 MINUTES Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee Meeting Hybrid Meeting Town Council Chambers - 120 Civic Plaza Drive Tuesday, April 15, 2025 1:00 p.m. 1. Opening Items A. Call to Order The Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee Meeting was called to order by the Committee Chair Genevieve Oswald at 1:07 p.m. B. Roll Call Town Clerk Denise Martinez called roll and a quorum was present. Those present were: Committee Chair Genevieve Oswald Committee Member George "Fritz" Hahn Committee Member Peggy Nelson Committee Member Sylvia Rodriguez Committee Member Horacio Trujillo Committee Member Jesse Winters - Attended virtually C. Pledge of Allegiance Committee Member Nelson led the Pledge of Allegiance. D. Approval of Agenda Committee Member Trujillo motioned to approve the agenda. Committee Member Nelson seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Committee Members voted as follows: Ayes: Trujillo, Nelson, Rodriguez, Hahn, and Winters. 2. Citizens Forum Francisco Guevarra • Mr. Guevarra expressed concerns about the renaming of Kit Carson Park, highlighting the complexity and emotional difficulty of the decision. • He shared pride in his Indo-Hispanic, mestizo heritage while also acknowledging the painful history of violence against Native peoples, both historically and in the present. . Mr. Guevarra described his positive personal connection to the Kit Carson Boy Scout Council, crediting it with teaching him valuable life skills, and voiced distress over losing that historical association. . He raised concerns about historical inaccuracies in a video shared at the previous meeting, particularly claims about Native American displacement and a controversial comparison to Hitler, with a plea for the committee to approach the decision with compassion rather than hate. 3. Consent Agenda -The items in the Consent Agenda have been reviewed by the Committee Chair, and the Chair has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Committee's consideration and approval. A. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of March 18, 2025, Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee Meeting Minutes. (Town Clerk Denise Martinez) Committee Member Hahn motioned to approve the consent agenda. Committee Member Nelson seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Committee Members voted as follows: Ayes: Hahn, Nelson, Trujillo, Rodriguez, and Winters. 4. Presentations A. Kit Carson: A Historical Parable - David Fernandez . Mr. Fernandez reflected on personal involvement in the 1970s movement to rename Kit Carson Memorial State Park, highlighting community debates, legislative efforts, and public events such as rallies and parades. . He shared historical context through original Taos News editions from the 1970s and emphasized connections between figures like Padre Martinez and Kit Carson, as well as the broader historical cycles shaping Taos. . Mr. Fernandez described philosophical views on history as a continuous, cyclical process and expressed cautious support for reconsidering the park's name, stressing the symbolic potential of naming it after someone like Santiago Lujan as a gesture of community unity. . He recalled national attention the renaming issue once received, including interviews and debates, and expressed gratitude for his lifelong involvement in Taos civic life and local journalism, while reaffirming a desire to stay engaged in current discussions. B. Ethical Space - E. James Rattling-Leaf James Rattlingleaf, introduced himself in his Indigenous language and shared that he was a member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate, also known as the Rosebud Sioux people from South Dakota. Speaking from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he was spending time with his grandchildren, he expressed appreciation for the opportunity to speak, particularly on the topic of "ethical space." He explained that "ethical space" was a conceptual and relational framework that allowed Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to engage with mutual respect, recognizing different worldviews, legal systems, and knowledge traditions. This concept emerged from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process and aimed to facilitate shared understanding and decision-making without the dominance of Western perspectives. Over the past 25 years, Rattlingleaf led a consultancy called Woollakota Lab, which guided organizations in working more effectively with Indigenous communities. He emphasized that ethical space did not seek to assimilate or merge knowledge systems but to acknowledge their equal validity. It provided a platform for authentic dialogue and collaboration rooted in cultural safety and respect. Rattlingleaf highlighted various projects applying the ethical space framework: . Bring Back Buffalo to Boulder (BBB2B): A project to reintroduce buffalo to Boulder, Colorado, involving collaboration with 28 tribes. • Voyageurs National Park: A cross-border initiative to develop a co-stewardship agreement with tribes and conservation partners. • Wind Cave National Park: A sacred Lakota site where a new consultation model was developed to inform signage, education, and preservation. • Yosemite Archaeological Planning Project: Focused on rebuilding trust between tribes and the park regarding ancestral remains and artifacts. • Indigenous Engagement Institute: Developed educational curricula for organizations seeking meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. • The Nature Conservancy: Partnered to implement ethical space frameworks in conservation work. • U.S. Department of the Interior: Contributed to a federal handbook on elevating traditional knowledge in decision-making, referencing the restoration of Blue Lake to Taos Pueblo as a guiding example. In conclusion, Rattlingleaf emphasized that ethical space was essential for respecting distinct woridviews, addressing power imbalances, building trust, co-creating knowledge, and advancing reconciliation. He reminded the audience that ethical space was not a checklist but a mindset—a commitment to walk together in a good way. He closed with gratitude for the opportunity to speak and acknowledged connections made at prior climate meetings. C. Acequias and the Cultural Geography of the Park - Committee Member Dr. Sylvia Rodriguez Dr. Rodriguez focused her presentation on the themes of location, space, and place, emphasizing the cultural geography of Taos, New Mexico. She explored how the park was situated within a broader historical and hydrological context. Her analysis was rooted in the idea that the significance of any location is defined by its relationship to surrounding elements. • Geographic and Cultural Context: Dr. Rodriguez focused on the cultural geography of Taos, emphasizing how the park's significance is rooted in its spatial relationships to rivers, acequias, pueblo lands, and colonial-era land grants. The concept of Taos as a "contact zone" where diverse cultural, geographic, and historical elements converge was central. • Historical Irrigation Infrastructure: The presentation detailed the historic acequia system —particularly the Acequia Madre del Rio Pueblo—which shaped Taos' development. Dr. Rodriguez described how these irrigation systems supported early settlements and sacred Catholic sites, but gradually deteriorated as urbanization replaced agricultural land. . Decline and Modern Impacts: By the mid-20th century, many acequias had been buried or fallen into disuse due to urban development and modernization. The Rio Pueblo system became a fragmented remnant, with only a small number of parciantes (water rights holders) still maintaining the tradition. . Restoration Efforts and Cultural Memory: Dr. Rodriguez highlighted recent efforts—led in part by individuals like Committee Member Fritz Hahn—to restore the acequia through Kit Carson Park. These efforts seek not only to revive hydraulic function but also preserve the area's layered cultural memory, including Indigenous, colonial, and artistic legacies. D. Framing History (The Carson House and Museum Board President Martin Jagers) • Historical Accuracy and Organizational Transition: Mr. Jagers offered the Carson House as a historical resource when the park renaming discussion began. He acknowledged misinformation surrounding Kit Carson's legacy and explained how the nonprofit—Kit Carson House, Inc.—had recently taken ownership of the property after over 100 years of Masonic ownership. • Restoration and Interpretation Efforts: The organization conducted a formal assessment of the deteriorating property and initiated a restoration plan. He emphasized the need not only to preserve the buildings, including the neglected Romero House, but also to expand interpretive exhibits to better tell the region's complex history. . Inclusive and Critical Historical Framing: Mr. Jagers advocated for a more nuanced interpretation of history that included multiple perspectives, especially around U.S. westward expansion, Indigenous experiences, and military conflicts such as the Mexican- American War, Civil War, and Indian wars. He stressed the importance of critically evaluating historical contradictions rather than simplifying them. . Military Perspective and Public Engagement: Mr. Jagers highlighted the importance of understanding military culture, including the concept of mission versus mere obedience to orders. He shared plans for public exhibits and archaeological work, aiming to build community trust through transparency and education around shared, concrete heritage like adobe architecture. E. Dr. Lyla June Johnston - Dine (Navajo) Anthropologist - did not present 5. Matters from the Committee A. Review and discussion of the Land Acknowledgment. The committee moved on to the review and discussion of the land acknowledgement. Committee Chair Oswald began by stating she had printed several materials for the committee but had not printed two other circulating documents. Instead, she opted to turn the conversation over to committee members to discuss the process and progress on the land acknowledgement. Committee Member Trujillo admitted to initially being responsible for revising the land acknowledgement but only addressed it over the weekend. He then passed the draft to Committee Member Rodriguez, who did substantial work on a revised version. Trujillo explained they had trimmed down the original statement, removing language they found too flowery or judgmental, and focused on crafting a more concise and direct acknowledgement. They included four main paragraphs and contextualized them with a "call to action" inspired by critiques and guidance from the Native Governance Center, which encouraged moving beyond performative acknowledgements toward meaningful action. Committee Member Rodriguez then presented her reworked version of the land acknowledgement. Drawing from previous examples, Committee Member Trujillo's presentation, and Taos history, she created a longer, more comprehensive statement. She emphasized acknowledging history as a foundation before moving toward a call to action. Her version aimed to serve as a working draft for continued refinement. The committee discussed the value of reading the statement into the record for transparency and reflection. Committee Members Trujillo and Rodriguez both read their respective sections aloud, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging historical trauma and inspiring real community engagement and repair. Committee Members agreed that the document should evolve alongside their work and that the process of developing the land acknowledgement itself was valuable. They appreciated the inclusion of the Native Governance Center's perspective and considered adopting more than just a land acknowledgement—potentially including a formal action plan or ongoing community reconciliation efforts. The discussion concluded with appreciation for the research and collaboration already undertaken, and an understanding that the statement would continue to be a living document, reflecting deeper commitments beyond symbolic gestures. B. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of change of day and time of regular meeting. Possibly to fourth Thursday of the month. Time TBD (Committee Chair Genevieve Oswald) Committee Member Trujillo motioned to approve the change of day and time of the regular meeting. Committee Member Rodriguez seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Committee Members voted as follows: Ayes: Trujillo, Rodriguez, Nelson, Winters, and Hahn. The committee discussed and considered changing the regular meeting schedule to the fourth Thursday of each month. Committee Chair Oswald explained that she had informally consulted all committee members about the potential change, with the goal of having more control over their public narrative, especially before coverage from the Taos News. Concerns were raised about scheduling conflicts with holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as individual availability in specific months such as May and July. Various time preferences were expressed, but a general agreement emerged around holding the meetings at 3:30 P.M. on the fourth Thursday. In May, Committee Chair Oswald noted she would be unavailable due to personal travel, and Committee Member Nelson volunteered to chair that meeting. Committee Chair Oswald confirmed the agenda would be prepared in advance, and she would participate remotely. Committee Members acknowledged that the November meeting would conflict with Thanksgiving and agreed to revisit scheduling for that month in October. C. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of the framework presented in a previous meeting as a model to work with going forward. The committee discussed and considered the approval of a proposed framework titled "A Guide for Community Engagement on the Future of Kit Carson Park" by Committee Member Trujillo. Committee Chair Oswald presented the document, explaining it was intended to support inclusive, informed dialogue around the renaming of the park. The framework emphasized reframing renaming as a civic process and a chance to foster healing, truth-telling, and aspirational naming that reflects the values and diversity of the Taos community. Key components included: . Recognizing naming as a political and cultural act. . Encouraging multiple narratives and historical context. . Engaging the public through tools like listening sessions, storytelling, and a "values wall." . Reframing common concerns (e.g., erasure, politicization) with thoughtful counterpoints. Several members expressed support for the framework, describing it as a solid summary of previous discussions and consistent with the committee's goals. Committee Member Nelson suggested designating it as a working framework to allow for future revisions and emphasized the importance of making the material publicly accessible, particularly via the committee's website. The group agreed on the need to begin public engagement and to have reference materials available online. Committee Member Nelson motioned to approve the "working" framework presented in a previous meeting as a model to work with going forward. Committee Member Hahn seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Committee Members voted as follows: Ayes: Nelson, Hahn, Trujillo, Rodriguez, and Winters. D. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of community panels in meetings for engagement. The committee discussed, considered, and ultimately approved a proposal to incorporate community reflection panels into future meetings as a method of public engagement related to the Kit Carson Park renaming process. Committee Chair Oswald presented the idea, originally suggested by Committee Members Trujillo and Hahn, proposing panels titled "Reflections on Kit Carson Park: Past, Present, Future."These panels would consist of 3-4 community members per session, selected to reflect the cultural and generational diversity of Taos, with discussions focused on participants' personal and cultural connections to the park, current uses, and hopes for its future. The committee agreed that these panels would help humanize the renaming process, center underrepresented voices, and provide valuable qualitative input for decision- making and the final report. Committee Member Nelson supported the idea and emphasized that the panels should take the place of most future presentations, except for a few key experts such as Dr. Lyla June Johnston and others previously identified. Committee Chair Oswald clarified that five remaining presentations were already planned, after which the panel format would take over starting in June. The panelists would be selected through committee input and volunteer interest, with Committee Chair Oswald coordinating the logistics. Committee Member Nelson motioned to approve the community panels in meetings for engagement. Committee Member Trujillo seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Committee Members voted as follows: Ayes: Nelson, Trujillo, Rodriguez, Winters, and Hahn. E. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of defining naming criteria. . The committee approved a set of naming criteria for public spaces, emphasizing inclusivity, cultural relevance, historical context, and community engagement. . The criteria were framed as a civic storytelling tool to reflect shared values, promote healing, and guide future naming decisions transparently and responsibly. . A draft rubric was presented as a working document for future use, but the committee chose not to adopt it yet, opting for further review and refinement. . An amendment was made to remove the "easy to pronounce" guideline from the criteria, acknowledging concerns about cultural insensitivity. Committee Member Nelson motioned to approve of defining a naming criteria. Committee Member Trujillo seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Committee Members voted as follows: Ayes: Nelson, Trujillo, Rodriguez, Winters, and Hahn. F. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of three questions for data gathering: How have you used the park historically? How do you use the park today? How would you like to use the park going forward? . The committee discussed and considered a set of three basic questions for public input on park use—past, present, and future—but acknowledged the need for more depth and refinement. • Committee Member Trujillo proposed alternative, more reflective questions used with students, focused on personal memories, desired experiences, and inclusivity at the park. . The committee agreed the new questions were thoughtful but too lengthy, and decided they should be revised for clarity and brevity. • A motion passed allowing Committee Member Trujillo and Committee Chair Oswald to refine the questions and work with the town's IT team to implement them as rotating prompts on the website, with a database to store responses. Committee Member Nelson motioned to approve the three questions for data gathering with permission to make the questions concise. Committee Member Hahn seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Committee Members voted as follows: Ayes: Nelson, Hahn, Trujillo, Rodriguez, and Winters. G. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of confirmed essential features for the committee's dedicated web portal, including online survey questions, data collection. • The committee reviewed and approved the essential features for the dedicated web portal, including the newly agreed-upon survey questions, committee bios, contact information, and access to foundational documents. • Committee Chair Oswald confirmed that most committee bios were uploaded, with a reminder to one member to submit theirs, and emphasized the need for a user- friendly portal to collect public input and share key resources. . The committee agreed to include links for community engagement, such as story or name suggestions, event ideas, or recommendations for speakers and volunteers. • A motion to approve the proposed portal content and features was made and passed unanimously, with the understanding that foundational documents would be added as they were approved. Committee Member Trujillo motioned to approve the of confirmed essential features for the committee's dedicated web portal, including online survey questions, data collection. Committee Member Nelson seconded the motion. The motion passed. The Committee Members voted as follows: Ayes: Trujillo, Nelson, Rodriguez, Winters, and Hahn. 6. Adjourn Committee Member Hahn motioned to adjourn the meeting, which Committee Member Nelson seconded. The motion was carried unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m. APPR ED: Genevieve Oswald, Committee Chair ATTEST: • 40 . - artinez, To lerk ♦ d • • A • 1 • • >,. , ATTENDANCE SIGN-IN SHEET ri__--=.1 =• Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee ' •,1 ; Meeting - Town Council Chambers Tuesday, April 15, 2025 1:00 p.m. PRINT Name Clearly Residence (Not Mailing Address) i000 (Y10.h v rM ` ii Lie ' - g-- €R Grv_:0 C- uA(-4 3a3 P,45 ft. 1 Sok o C J c . to k ZU 33 E whts cet 1k, sf, s ut CITIZENS FORUM SIGN-IN SHEET (5 MINUTE TIME LIMIT) * Ertli t Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee Meeting Iv �NCI: Town Council Chambers Tuesday, April 15, 2025 1:00 p.m. PRINT Name Clearly Residence (NOT mailing address) TOPIC �i3 GAS<O ec l(P4rzP ��OS KAT C-4AFPSOtJ CITIZENS FORUM SIGN-IN SHEET (5 MINUTE TIME LIMIT) KCPRC Meeting Town Council Chambers Name Residence TOPIC of it i•• 1934 ••�• 4.• • • • `L M EN Tuesday, April 15, 2025 Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee Meeting The meeting will be held at the Town Council Chambers at 120 Civic Plaza Drive, Taos, NM 1 p.m. 1. Opening Items A. Roll Call B. Pledge of Allegiance C. Approval of Agenda D. Introduction of Items for the Committee 2. Citizens Forum A. Citizens wishing to speak shall limit their comments to 5 minutes. Citizens may submit comments to Committee Chair Genevieve Oswald at goswald@taosnm.gov. No action may be taken. 3. Consent Agenda - The items in the Consent Agenda have been reviewed by the Committee Chair, and the Chair has placed these items on the Consent Agenda for the purpose of voting on all items with one vote. The items listed are for the Committee's consideration and approval. A. Discussion, consideration, and possible approval of March 18, 2025 Kit Carson Park Renaming Committee Meeting Minutes. (Town Clerk Denise Martinez) 4. Presentations A. Acequias and the Cultural Geography of the Park (Committee Member Sylvia Rodriguez) B. Framing History (The Carson House and Museum Board President Martin Jagers) C. Kit Carson: A Historical Parable - David Fernandez D. Dr. Lyla June Johnston - Dine (Navajo) Anthropologist E. Ethical Space - E. James Rattling-Leaf 5. Matters from the Committee A. Review and discussion of the Land Acknowledgment. B. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of change of day and time of regular meeting. Possibly to the fourth Thursday of the month. Time TBD (Committee Chair Genevieve Oswald) C. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of framework presented in previous meeting as a model to work with going forward. D. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of community panels in meetings for engagement. E. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of defining a naming criteria. F. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of three questions for data gathering: How have you used the park historically? How do you use the park today? How would you like to use the park going forward? G. Discussion, consideration and possible approval of confirmed essential features for the committee's dedicated web portal, including online survey questions, data collection. 6. Adjourn