Humboldt Human Rights Commission Addresses LGBTQ+ Issues, Homelessness, and Indigenous Awareness
Humboldt Human Rights Commission Addresses LGBTQ+ Issues, Homelessness, and Indigenous Awareness
The Humboldt County Human Rights Commission convened its September 4th meeting, a virtual session lasting approximately 58 minutes. The meeting, attended by Commissioners Guy Aronoff, Jim Glover, Byrd Lochtie, and Jamie Nelson, covered a range of topics impacting the community. Commissioners Larry Miller and Ellen Murphy were absent.
The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgement, recognizing the Wiyot people as the ancestral caretakers of the land where Eureka sits. Following this, the minutes from the August 7th meeting were unanimously approved after minor amendments.
A significant portion of the meeting centered around a report on correctional facilities in Arizona, presented by Commissioner Lochtie. Lochtie shared positive observations, noting that the facilities were "welcoming and encouraging to the LGBTQ+ community." This report provided valuable insights into best practices for inclusivity within correctional settings.
The commission also discussed the upcoming Youth Human Rights Commission, noting that its inaugural meeting was pending due to the start of the school year. A collaboration with a College of the Redwoods professor on a community project is in the works for the student commission.
Another key discussion involved a letter focused on cultural awareness and indigenous people. The commission unanimously approved this letter, assigning Carol De Lorme Larsen the task of distribution. This action underscores the commission's commitment to promoting understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures within Humboldt County.
The commissioners also addressed the pressing issues of homelessness and behavioral health, although details regarding this discussion were limited due to audio quality issues in the video recording. A forum on October 22nd at the Humboldt Area Foundation was announced, potentially providing further opportunities for public engagement on these topics.
In personnel matters, the commission granted Commissioner Larry Miller a six-month leave of absence following a triple bypass surgery and stroke. The commission pledged to keep Miller informed of commission activities during his leave.
The next meeting of the Humboldt County Human Rights Commission is scheduled to take place before October 25th. For more information on future meetings and opportunities for citizen involvement, please visit the Humboldt County website or contact the commission directly.