The Dallas City Council convened on June 25, 2025, to discuss several agenda items, with a significant focus on a resolution to name three lakes in the Dallas floodway system as the "Three Sisters Lakes." This proposal aims to honor the Comanche, Wichita, and Lipan Apache tribes, incorporating the native word for "sister" from each tribe's language.

The meeting began with a presentation of the resolution, which was met with strong community support. Six individuals signed up to speak, each providing personal insights into the importance of this naming initiative. Angel Faz, a former arts commissioner, emphasized the lack of representation of Native American culture in Dallas's public spaces and expressed hope that naming the lakes would be a step toward rectifying this oversight. She highlighted the lakes' role in protecting local neighborhoods from flooding and the symbolic significance of the names in fostering unity among diverse communities.

Jody Boyce Yellowfish, a member of the Muskogee and Lakota tribes, shared her personal connection to the city as a product of the U.S. government's relocation program. She stressed the importance of acknowledging the historical context of Native American presence in Dallas and how the naming of the lakes could facilitate conversations about the city's past and future.

Rachel Salinas, representing the Lipan Apache tribe, voiced her support for the resolution, particularly the designation of one lake as Lipan Apache Imbati Lake. She noted the historical significance of the tribes in the region and the importance of honoring their contributions to Texas history.

Mark Smith, a Cherokee Nation member, reinforced the idea that naming the lakes is a powerful act of recognition and inclusion, ensuring that all communities feel represented in Dallas's narrative. He urged the council to approve the resolution as a meaningful acknowledgment of the city's diverse heritage.

Council member Mendelsohn raised practical concerns regarding the signage and pronunciation of the lake names, questioning how they would be communicated to the public and emergency services. The director of Dallas Water Utilities, Sarah Standifer, assured the council that they would work with the community to develop appropriate signage that respects the cultural integrity of the names while ensuring accessibility.

The council members expressed their support for the resolution, recognizing the importance of honoring the city's Native American heritage. The discussion concluded with a unanimous vote in favor of the resolution, marking a significant step toward acknowledging and celebrating the cultural history of the indigenous peoples of Dallas. The council plans to follow up on the implementation of signage and educational materials to further enhance public understanding of the lakes' significance.