The City of Duluth American Indian Commission will host a “Feast and Public Forum” on Thursday, Aug. 23. The event will be held in the auditorium at the Washington Center, 310 North First Ave. W.
The free feast will begin at 5:00 p.m. Following the feast, the commission will host an open and informal public forum, where the commission will listen to all those who wish to share their thoughts, opinions and advice regarding issues and concerns in Duluth’s American Indian community.
In announcing the “Feast and Public Forum” commission co-chairs Joycelyn Dorscher and Michele Gordon, said “The commission wants to hear directly from Duluth’s American Indian residents about what they see as the real issues that are most challenging to their community.”
Commission secretary Donna Ennis echoed the Co-chairs and said the Duluth American Indian Commission values all thoughts and comments relating to or affecting the services, facilities, policies and issues that are of concern to the American Indian Community and hopes that many people from the community come out and let their voices be heard.
This evening is part of the Duluth American Indian Commission’s ongoing efforts to reach out to the community. Part of the commission’s mission is to develop recommendations to the City Council and City Administration to ensure that the American Indian community’s concerns are considered in the City’s decision and policy making process.
Mayor Bergson emphasized the City’s continuing support for the commission’s mission “This is a very important initiative. We are very supportive of this event and all that it means. When you think of all the infrastructure improvements that have taken place over the past 20 years because of our partnership with our Indian friends, you realize how important it is to build relationships and remember to say thank you.”
The Duluth American Indian Commission was established by the City of Duluth by an ordinance passed in 2003. The 11 commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and include cultural and spiritual leaders, activists and other American Indian community advocates.
