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Pocahontas Park Name Review
In recent months, the Parks and Recreation Commission has undertaken an examination of the appropriateness of the name of Pocahontas Park. The process was guided by the Government Alliance for Race and Equity Toolkit, Roseville's Racial Equity Narrative and the City's commitment to engaging the Community.
The process included direct outreach to several Native American individuals and groups, an examination of research related to issues of utilizing Native American names, and engagement with Roseville residents, particularly those that live near the park.
Specifically, the concerns that were raised were:
- The story of Pocahontas that most people know is inaccurate and contains stereotypes. As told by her tribe, Pocahontas was actually captured and abused by white settlers throughout her life.
- Research shows that romanticizing the past and inaccurate portrayals of Native Americans is harmful to Native Americans currently.
- Pocahontas had no ties to Minnesota or the tribes that reside here.
On January 31, 2022, the Commission recommended that the City move forward with changing the name. Based on that recommendation, the City Council requested that the Commission move forward with a process to recommend a new name.
That process is planned for summer of 2022.
Submit Your Name Idea Today!
The Parks and Recreation Commission is currently accepting possible new names for the park. Names should align with the City's policy for naming facilities. Names will be given consideration based upon:
- natural habitat, i.e., vegetation, terrain, animals, etc.
- geographic location, i.e., street names, directions, etc.
- appropriate non-descript terminology, i.e., acronyms or joining of two words or names or activities, etc.
Click here to submit a name suggestion
Parks and Recreation Commission Discussion To Date
View a Summary of Feedback, Engagement and What Has Been Learned to Date
September 1, 2020 - History of who Pocahontas, the person, was
October 6, 2020 - Overview of the GARE Racial Equity Took Kit
November 5, 2020 - Develop Engagement Plan
December 1, 2020 - Guest Speaker
January 25, 2021 - Joint Meeting with City Council
February 2, 2021 - Additional steps in engagement
April 6, 2021 - Updated process
September 7, 2021 - Parks and Recreation Commission Listening Session
January 31, 2022 - Joint Meeting between the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council
Provide Feedback
Provide feedback for the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding this topic.
Suggest a possible new name for the park if the name is changed.