The Falls Initiative Community Engagement Plan outlines a framework for centering Native voices in discussions about the future of Owámniyomni and property adjacent to the Upper Lock that is currently in federal ownership.
Across all phases of engagement, resources were allocated to connect meaningfully with key audiences, including:
- The diverse Native community, including sovereign Tribal Nations, urban Indians and those in exile, and those held up by the community as important voices for the future
- Community and riverfront stakeholders, including recreation interests, neighborhood interests, business and tourism interests, river and environmental interests, education interests, and historic resources interests
- The greater BIPOC community and those engaged in the work of truth and reconciliation, recognizing the importance of acknowledging their shared experience of racism
Public meetings, online engagement, and outreach to key stakeholders were channels to broaden the conversation and bring the Native Partnership Council in dialogue with all members of the community.
These engagement opportunities were focused on the following key topics, in addition to themes identified by the Native Partnership Council:
- Indigenous Perspectives: Re-centering Native connections to Owámniyomni and the site
- Environmental Restoration: Ecological sustainability and the health of the River
- Programming & Activities: Public use and activation
- Connectivity: Blue, green and gray access
- Business and Tourism: Financial sustainability and economic opportunities