10-24-2019 MinutesSCHERTZ HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
MUNICIPAL COMPLEX CONFERENCE ROOM
1400 SCHERTZ PARKWAY, BUILDING #1
Schertz, Texas 78154
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, October 24, 2019, 6:30 p.m.
Call to Order — the meeting was called to order by Chairperson Elizabeth Strong at 6:30.
Members present include: Vice Chair Dean Weirtz, Pete Perez, Daniel "Frenchy"
Bourgeois, Lou Foehrkolb, Lynn Foehrkolb, Paul Ringenbach, Letticia Sever, Rosalyn
Wise, Sabrina Allen and Sue Boissonneault.
Brian James, Assistant City Manager, was in attendance
Catherine A. Baty, Indigenous Librarian
Also in attendance were Marc Thornton, Faculty Sponsor for the Clemens High School
History Club, Symone Schneider, Zachary Scott, Elisa Scott, Arabella Howard, Gabrielle
Risser, Caira Spuratto, Rebecca Cureton and Lew Cureton.
Presentation
Presentation by Catherine A. Baty — "Indigenous Representation: A How to on the
Ethical Inclusion of Natives ". Ms. Baty made a presentation on the representation of
Native Peoples. (Script Attached). Committee Members and guests asked questions at the
end of the presentation. The presentation and Q &A session lasted approximately 50
minutes.
Discussion and /or Action Items
1. Minutes - Consideration and/or action regarding the approval of the minutes
of the regular meeting of July 25, 2019. The motion to accept the Committee
meeting minutes as written was made by Sabrina Allen and seconded by
Rosalyn Wise. The motion passed unanimously. Vice Chair Weirtz noted the
draft minutes were labeled as notes. Brian James indicated he would correct
that.
2. Fund Expenditures — Chairperson Strong noted that an expenditure of
$100.00 for the speaker's travel needed to be approved. Motion was made by
Rosalyn Wise and Seconded by Sabrina Allen. The motion passed
unanimously. It was noted that expenditures up to $250.00 could be made
prior to Committee approval. Vice Chair Weirtz noted the Committee has a
budget of $11,782.00 for this fiscal year, the same as last year and that last
year the Committee spent $2,871.00.
3. Book Sales Report — Vice Chair Weirtz indicated that there were book sales
totaling $36.94 over the last quarter and $812 over the fiscal year in book
sales. Revenues from sales of books since their publication have exceeded the
publishing costs. No vote was needed as this was just an information item.
4. Publication of the Fall 2019 Newsletter and Remembrances Special
Edition Article 2019 -4, 2019 -5, and 2019 -6. Chairperson Strong called for a
motion. A motion was made by Rosalyn Wise and seconded by Vice Chair
Weirtz to approve the publication of both the Fall Newsletter and the
Remembrances Special Edition Article 2019 -4, 2019 -5 and 2019 -6. The
motion passed unanimously.
GVEC Power Up Grant Proposal— Chairperson Strong explained that the
Committee is being asked to sign a letter of support for the Cibolo Valley
Community Museum Association's request for a GVEC PowerUp Grant to
restore the railroad car on FM 78 in front of the County Annex building into a
history museum. Chairperson Strong noted that Vice Chair Weirtz is the Chair
of that organization and she is the Vice Chair. Lou Foehrkolb pointed out that
the letter might benefit from eliminating some duplicative language but given
the need to move quickly it was agreed to not adjust the letter. An explanation
of the GVEC PowerUp grant was provided by Chairperson Strong. Lou
Foehrkolb made a motion and Rosalyn Wise seconded the motion that the
Committee sign the letter. Chairperson Strong and Vice Chair Weirtz
abstained from voting, the motion was passed unanimously by the remaining
members present. A copy of the letter was passed for signatures.
It was discussed if the Committee would be willing to put forth the cost of a
security system for the railroad car, up to a few hundred dollars. Discussion
occurred regarding the security system and the type that might be most
appropriate given the value of items in the museum. Brian James suggested
the approval be worded broadly to allow flexibility for Vice Chair Weirtz to
move forward on this item. Discussion occurred regarding the uses proposed
at the County Annex building in the old Riedel's Department Store building
on FM 78. A motion to authorize funding for up to $1,000 in light of the
public benefits of this project to historic preservation and increasing
awareness and education was made by Lou Foehrkolb and seconded by
Rosalyn Wise. The motion was approved unanimously. Chairperson Strong
and Vice Chair Weirtz abstained from voting
6. Randolph Aviator Print Placement — Chairperson Strong explained the
potential options for the location to hang the prints, Fire Station #3 or the
County Annex building on FM 78. The Sabrina Allen made a motion that was
seconded Sue Boissonneault to place the prints in the County Annex building
on FM 78. The motion was approved unanimously.
7. 2020 Committee Objectives — Chairperson Strong noted the purpose of this
item was to approve the Committee's goals for the coming year. Dean Weirtz
covered past goals and suggested continuing the pattern of prior years —
recognition efforts, publication efforts including oral history, joint outreach to
students, support the City's Main Street effort, and support other historic
groups as the general objectives. No objections were made. It was noted that
additional objectives could be added during the year or at the next meeting in
January. Some discussion occurred over undeveloped sites of historic
significance. A question was asked about SCUCISD's plans for the property
they own at Wiederstein and Schertz Parkway. Brian James explained the City
has discussed with acquiring that property from the school district in exchange
for building permit fee credits.
Schertz Main Street Proposals — Brian James reviewed the result of the
Committee survey on sculptures on Main Street, Schertz Parkway and the Hal
Baldwin Municipal Complex. Feedback was the committee wanted more
traditional sculptures on Main Street with some more modern sculptures
interspersed at the Municipal Complex. Members wanted a mix of themes —
aviation, military, western theme, settlers, animals on Main Street with people
on the Municipal Complex and maybe buffalo on Schertz Parkway. Themes
that came forward were a scene of animals together that integrates water in
Cut -Off Park. Also, static displays of aircraft. The idea is to do about a dozen
sculptures to start, funding through HOT funds. A suggestion was made for
something referencing the WINGS movie on a billboard. Brian James
provided an update of the sidewalk construction project and a few of the
challenges including parking encroachments and the Redevelopment
Authority property disposition. Some discussion occurred regarding the mix
of uses on Main Street. Vice Chair Weirtz expressed frustration at the slow
pace of progress and the need to move the Main Street redevelopment effort
forward quickly. He also indicated that there was a sculpture at the San
Antonio Shoe Company that could be relocated and used elsewhere and that
he had reached out to them about that possibility.
9. Schertz Landmark Property/Heritage Neighborhood Designation
Nominations — Chairperson Strong mentioned that a proclamation
recognizing the Comal Settlement was presented at the City Council meeting
on Tuesday, October 22, 2019. Some discussion occurred as to where to
display the proclamations that have been made the City, County and State.
10. Subcommittee Reports — Discussion Only
Historian — Vice Chair Weirtz discussed the need to work on next year's
looking back article and that John Baker would do that as he had done this
year's. He also discussed the cemetery south of town on the CCMA
property that includes the grave of Dr. Felix Brotz.
Vice Chair Weirtz noted that mid - September to mid - October was Spanish
American Heritage month and next month is Native American Heritage
Month. He also indicated that all of the items that had been stored at the
Space Saver storage facility had been moved out and presented a letter
from the Cibolo Valley Community Museum Association, a nonprofit
accepting all of the property.
Social Media/Website — Chairperson Strong indicated there had been two
posts, one of the old cotton gin near the Highlander center area that drew a
lot of interest. She provided a summary of the statistics (see attached). She
indicated she had given a project to a Northeast Lakeview College student
to develop answers to frequently asked questions for the website. Things
like, "who founded the City of Schertz ?" She is also working to organize
the past special remembrances articles by keyword and topic as they are
currently organized only by date. Finally she is working to clip and
organize the oral history videos and is working to try to get them close
captioned. She also mentioned maybe moving to podcasts instead of
videos. Sabrina Allen indicated that her son, a high school student, is
interested in editing the podcasts. Some ideas for the first podcast were
mentioned — including the new Mayor or the Chairperson of the SHPC as
an introduction to the Committee's efforts.
Oral History — Chairperson Strong noted that this project is pretty much
complete.
Outreach — The judging for the student art and essay contest is next week,
October 31 at 9:00 at the Education building off Schlather Road. The
volunteer appreciation dinner occurred a few weeks ago. A meeting with
Patricia Whitman occurred at the library about her group's involvement
with the Committee. A meeting with the area genealogy society on the
Native American presentation was held at the library. A meeting occurred
with physicians at a new medical facility in Cibolo wanting photographs.
Reg uests and Announcements
11. Request by Committee Members that items be placed on a future agenda —
Sabrina Allen requested the podcast project be put on the next agenda. Vice
Chair Weirtz asked that the Committee objectives be put on the next agenda.
12. Requests by Committee Members to City Manager and Staff for information —
nothing
13. Announcements by Committee Members — Chairperson Strong mentioned she
had two. First an antiques dealer in Rosenberg had the original 1912 cash
register from the Schertz Mercantile. He is wanting $1,500 for it. She
wondered if the Committee would have an interest in purchasing it.
Discussion occurred as to where it would be kept. One idea was to see if
Schertz Bank and Trust was interested in buying it.
Her second announcement is that Lou and Lynn Foehrkolb were moving and
would be stepping down from the Committee. Proclamations and certificates
were presented to both. Much thanks and appreciation was offered for their
work and friendship.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 pm.
CERTIFICATION
ElizEliz blh Strong, Chairpers
Indigenous Representation a "How To" Script
Munahoo! I'm Catherine, an enrolled member of the Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western
Mono Indians, or BSR Mono Nation. I earned my Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies,
focusing on Education in Urban Society, and I have a Masters of Library Science. Through my
life and education, I have seen and experienced the lack of good representation and support for
Indigenous peoples in academia, the field of librarianship and media as a whole. Right now,
Indigenous peoples are in need of good and respectful representation everywhere. Through this
presentation and with the help of the guide, you will learn how to make better informed choices
that respect the array of Indigenous peoples and our cultures, past and present.
2
I wanted to start out with an attention - grabbing number, something to really show how looked
over Native peoples are and how relevant we are to collection development, even in communities
without a reservation. 78% of American Indians or Alaska Natives live off reservations. 72% live
in urban or suburban areas. Houston has the 9th largest population of American Indians in the
US. Still, you are unlikely to see us represented in community polls because Houston is a big
place and we make up less than I% of the total population. This should not take away from our
need to be adequately represented in urban spaces.
3
Part of providing service to Indigenous peoples is recognizing that we are operating on the
traditional lands of others. A simple, this is whose land we are on is not enough. It means that the
individual did enough research to learn the first caretakers of this land, but what are they doing
with that information? Are they using as a badge, or as encouragement to work harder to support
Indigenous peoples? A land acknowledgement should have two parts. The actual land
acknowledgement and an explanation of what the institution is doing to support Indigenous
peoples. If you choose to create a land acknowledgement for your site, contact local Indigenous
groups and tribes to get their input. There is not one simple answer to land acknowledgement,
except for active communication. A potential land acknowledgement for Schertz and San
Antonio is: We acknowledge that we are on the traditional land of the Tonkawa people and we
are working to have better Indigenous representation in the media we utilize and share.
4
This part is more difficult for me to talk about. I have been personally hurt by some of these
stereotypes and slurs. I'd like you to repeat after me, "There is no such thing as a good
stereotype." _______________________ This may seem odd to some of you, but all stereotypes cause
harm. The wise Native and the Native with superhuman tracking ability are just as hurtful as the
drunken Indian. They dehumanize and take away from one's sense of self. They can even
prevent potential growth.
CATHERINE ANTON BATY -- INDIGENOUS REP HOW TO
Last Updated: October 23rd 2019
5
Most Native stereotypes fit under 2 umbrellas. The Bloodthirsty Savage and the Noble Savage.
As you can see, one word connects them. Savage is a slur which dehumanizes on contact.
Whether Noble or Bloodthirsty, they are still no better than an animal.
The Bloodthirsty Savage can also be called the Red Man. This stereotype shows that Indigenous
peoples are out for blood. They are more animal than human and have a need to be tamed, or are
an obstacle to overcome. This has been a part of the American belief system since the beginning.
Even our Declaration of Independence states, "the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule
of warfare." The Red Man is jarring and scary to readers, they are meant to be feared by
non - Natives. Their common traits are they are quick to anger, they kill without remorse, they
have wild animalistic characteristics, they are ignorant of Western ideals and they don't want to
learn about them, and they are usually unattractive according to Western ideals.
The Noble Savage is the other side of the coin. This stereotype is usually that of the friendly
Native. They want to learn about non - Native culture and are there to help. They may be shy,
have connections with or be able to talk to animals, and be naive. Alternatively, the Noble
Savage can be a wise, stoic figure. They know all about the land, may be mysterious and
withholding of information.
These stereotypes do not help Indigenous peoples to be seen as they are, but through the lens of
Hollywood. These images degrade, and wear on the soul.
6
There are 3 themes I've found to be most prevalent.
Relegated to the Past: This theme only represents Indigenous peoples as a part of history, and
fails to recognize that they are a significant part of the modern world. This is rampant in writings
about Natives. Many Indigenous peoples still practice and participate in their cultures, and they
are a part of the world today and ought to be seen in that light on library shelves. Native
literature is not limited to history.
Tonto - Speak: This carries across character tropes. Indigenous peoples have different cultures,
English is seen as a second language and one at which they are not good. These broken sentences
spoken by slow -to- comprehend Indigenous peoples serves to show the superiority of the
non - Natives.
"Mohican Syndrome" (Native Americans in Comic Books Sheyahshe 2016): A non - Native is
adopted or otherwise becomes a part of a Native tribe by choice, rejecting their modern life for
the old ways of the Natives. The non - Native takes in all that they learn from the Natives,
eventually the character becomes better at being Native than the Natives. In this trope, the
Indigenous people are a background to the main, non- Native character.
These themes force Indigenous peoples to fit into categories set by non - Natives and limits
understanding to preconceived notions that have no place in responsible and accurate
representation.
CATHERINE ANTON BATY -- INDIGENOUS REP HOW TO 2
Last Updated: October 23rd 2019
7
Quickly, I'd like to go over some common negative phrases and imagery. Sayings like, "Too
many chiefs" -- "Circle the wagons" -- sitting "Indian style" -- "pass the peace pipe" -- "off the
reservation" -- "happy hunting grounds" -- "Indian giver" -- "low man on the totem pole" --
"Indian burn" -- "spirit animal" -- " is Indian word for _" -- "firewater" -- " tribe" --
"savage" -- "powwow ". Some of these phrases may seem innocuous, but they show a low -grade
disrespect for those members of Indigenous nations. Totem poles are sacred objects, spirit
animals are a faith held by specific tribes, powwows are cultural celebrations often involving
Native religious practices as a part of ceremony, savage is and always has been a slur used for
othering people, especially Indigenous populations.
Some common disrespectful imagery is: Headdresses on animals, people who have not earned
them or skulls, Native Halloween costumes, Native mascots, the misuse and sale of white sage,
and Native themed tattoos on non - Natives. Headdresses are objects of honor. Like military
medals, or awards given to significant community members, headdresses are earned and
awarded. To put them on an animal, a person who has not earned it, or a skull says to the Plains
Natives from where the headdresses originate, that their culture is not respected. This also
contributes to pan - Indigeneity, in which people see all Indigenous peoples as having the same
cultures. Halloween costumes are wrong for the same reason Native mascots are, they are a joke.
Something that can be put on and taken off on the wearer's whim. Culture cannot be shed that
way. The misuse of white sage is different. White sage is from California, traditionally only
California nations and those who traded with them had access. Now, as commercial spirituality is
on the rise, the buying of sage for those commercial purposes threatens the availability of it to
those who have used it for thousands of years. Finally tattoos, taking something from a culture
which you do not belong to and then tattooing it on your body forever shows a lack of
understanding for those cultures they claim to care so much about. It's the height of privilege.
8
I saved these for last because, frankly 1 don't want to talk about them. Every time I hear, read or
say these slurs my heart breaks a little. I'm afraid that I simply do not have the heart to go into a
deep discussion about why these are slurs, so I will simply state: These words listed above are
slurs. They have been used to dehumanize and otherwise put down Indigenous peoples. In the
case of Pocahontas, real name Matoaka, her own family has said repeatedly that they want her to
be left alone. She was a young girl ripped from her culture, and forced to leave all she knew
behind, only to die of a disease she never would have had if she were left at home.
Instead of dredging up these terrible things, we should work to use respectful language. Proper
descriptors like: Native American (US), First Nations (Canada), American Indian, Native, and
Indigenous peoples are all acceptable. I usually use Native in conversation, but I try to stick to
Indigenous in academic writing.
CATHERINE ANTON BATY -- INDIGENOUS REP HOW TO 3
Last Updated: October 23rd 2019
9
Let's move on to selection criteria. As opposed to most rule -based selection criteria, I've created
a list of questions to ask when selecting or evaluating existing sources and materials. These
questions are meant as guidelines while people develop their understanding of appropriate
Indigenous representation. It is important to remember that this information is fluid. As we learn
new things, the questions will change or grow. New questions can be added as you develop your
own sense of what is and is not appropriate.
10
Though good representation can come from non - Natives, a good starting place is to ask, "Is the
source or author is Indigenous ?" Deeper than that, it is vital to ask, "What is their nation ?" Never
settle for simply "Native American ". This moniker gives zero information. Anyone can claim to
be Indigenous. Those who claim a particular nation are likely more reputable. It is an easy phone
call or email to the specific tribal nation to verify their connection. They will want to know if
someone is making a false claim. If the source is reconnecting, a complicated practice which we
will not cover, they are likely to say so and have evidence to back up their claim. Because of
that, those who claim a particular nation are more likely to be truthful. A common question in
collection development is "What authority do they have on the subject matter ?" This remains
important here, however the question should be expanded, "Does the author have life experience
or other relevant education on the topic about which they are writing ? ". Authority does not have
to mean "degree ". Colonial academia is not equal to Indigenous learning spaces. Additionally, it
is possible for one Native to appropriate from an Indigenous culture different from their own.
Asking if they are a member of the nation about which they are writing helps to avoid that
problem. I cannot speak or write with authority about people from other nations as I have not
lived it. The lived experience is important because I cannot be sure which materials, practices
and ceremony from other nations are sharable and which are privileged information. On the other
hand, it is possible to write and speak about other nations, just as it is possible for non - Natives to
do so. Here, we can check to see if the author lists consultants from the nation about which they
are writing or speaking, and if they note that they have the approval of that nation's tribal
council, elders or other respected authority.
Next, Is the book recommended by trusted authorities in Indigenous media? This question ought
to be asked whether or not the source is an Indigenous person. We should also ask, "What
authorities ?" I have provided a short list of some trusted voices which should act as a good
starting place in your own searches. As you find your own authorities, it is also good to ask if
they are trusted and valued by Indigenous peoples. This can be determined by taking the time to
notice if they reference each other in social and professional spaces. Twitter is a great place to
see the discourse between Indigenous peoples. Many of the Indigenous leaders I follow were at
some point referenced by another person on Twitter. Things like the New York Best Seller list
and recommendations from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, might seem like good
places, but they are not authorities in Indigenous literary circles, so their opinions in this case are
not valued.
CATHERINE ANTON BATY -- INDIGENOUS REP HOW TO 4
Last Updated: October 23rd 2019
11
Moving on, If it is a book, is it from a trusted publisher of Indigenous literature? And what leads
you to believe that? Check previous works to see if this publisher can be shortlisted for future
purchasing. To add publishers to your own list, you can see if they are mentioned by trusted
voices. Finally, and what can arguably be the most important question, "Does the source
perpetuate stereotypes of Indigenous peoples ?" Some of the most beloved books and media
perpetuate harmful stereotypes of Indigenous peoples. While they are forever marked as classics,
moving forward, be more selective and think about the harm that those representations can do to
a young Indigenous person's idea of self. If there are tropes present, question their presence. Are
they there to prove a point, and are they being challenged within the narrative? Often in YA lit,
stereotypes will be brought up for a character to challenge and prove wrong, or to show how
those stereotypes are a part of life for that character, building empathy and understanding in the
reader. Though there is no such thing as a good stereotype, they can be used for teaching readers
about what others go through. This is important and helps those of the in -group to feel validated
and understood, and those of the out -group to build understanding of the silent fights
marginalized peoples face every day.
12
That was pretty heavy, but a lot of what we need to talk about to provide the best representation
is going to be. We need to ask those heavy questions as we make selections because when we do
it right, it will be noticed. When we do it right, we can make someone's day brighter. We can
make someone feel seen and cared for, and that is so worth it. We're not expected to do it alone
though. I have made a super short list of Trusted voices in Indigenous literature and academia.
This is by no means comprehensive, but I feel as if this is a good start. I have also included some
trusted publishers who have a history of publishing Indigenous literature.
CATHERINE ANTON BATY -- INDIGENOUS REP HOW TO
Last Updated: October 23rd 2019
13
In the guide, you'll notice that I added Twitter handles along with websites. Twitter can be a
wonderful resource for reaching out to marginalized groups. #NativeTwitter is an active
community. If you decide to follow any of these people, you will learn a lot. I know I have in the
past couple years since I became more involved. Dr. Debbie Reese is well known for her blog
American Indians in Children's Literature. There, she reviews many books every year and talks
about why or why they are not recommended. Dr. Kim Tallbear literally wrote the book on
Native American DNA. Dr. Adreen Keen runs the Native Appropriations website, there you can
learn about why and how appropriative behaviors harm Indigenous peoples. She also hosts the
podcast All My Relations with Matika Wilbur. On the podcast they discuss all things Indigenous
from fashion to language revitalization. Dr. Daniel Heath Justice wrote the book Why
Indigenous Literatures Matter. Since its publication, it has been recommended reading for all
librarians and educators. Finally, IndigenousXCa is an account on Twitter. This account is hosted
by a different Indigenous person each week. They take their week and talk about what is
important to them. It is a great opportunity to learn about Indigenous issues from a wide array of
people. The American Indian Library Association is a division of the American Library
Association. Its youth literature award is a great resource for good representation. These
publishers I have listed have all published respected Indigenous authors, and though no one in
fallible, they will be helpful in your own searches. I have also collected more sources on my
blog. The address is with my contact information on the last page of the guide.
14
And, that's it. I know that I've done a lot of talking about some pretty tough things and I want to
thank you for your time. Separate from the guide, I have provided a list of recommended books.
It is separated by professional reading and non - fiction, adult literature and memoir, young adult
literature, middle grade readers and children's. These are books that I feel would make excellent
additions to any collection and can help to give you an idea of what good representation looks
like. I hope that you make use of the information I have provided. My contact information is
available on the last page of the guide and I have cards for anyone who would like one, I'd love
to hear from you. If you have any questions now, I'm happy to answer to the best of my ability.
CATHERINE ANTON BATY -- INDIGENOUS REP HOW TO G
Last Updated: October 23rd 2019