The Miller Arts Commission on March 26, 2025, discussed a package of short- and long-term actions to deepen the commission’s work with Indigenous artists and tribal nations following the meeting’s land acknowledgment.

Commissioners described two short-term proposals: pay Indigenous artists to present a land-acknowledgment piece at commission meetings and support the Boulder County Arts Alliance in relaunching an artist listing to better include Indigenous artists. They also discussed longer-term possibilities including a dedicated grant program or permanent exhibition space for Indigenous-led work.

Lauren, a staff member who attended a recent summit on Indigenous-museum collaboration, told commissioners that one-off projects are often viewed with skepticism and that successful work generally requires "respect and trust, and trust built over time." She said conference participants urged ongoing partnerships rather than intermittent collaborations and recommended using existing cultural institutions and liaisons where possible.

Commissioner Georgia Schmidt said the commission should pursue both immediate actions and longer-term, relationship-driven work: "My thought was just that how do we give it back and that, what does what spaces does arts commission have to give back and then putting out an invitation for any other organizations that have space, if they had space that they wanted to give." The commission discussed using fee-waiver or shared space models already in use by local venues as possible short-term options.

Staff and commissioners also reported hearing that Creative Nations funding (an NEA-associated program) has been cut in some areas, affecting local youth programming previously funded through that stream. Lauren said conference attendees noted the cut and recommended the commission account for reduced federal funding when planning local support.

Members suggested specific program and policy steps staff could take, including adding a checkbox or question to museum grant applications that asks whether a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) or similar consultation has occurred, and coordinating with city colleagues and local organizations that have established relationships with tribal nations. Commissioners emphasized compensating Indigenous artists for participatory and ceremonial work and said outreach should be deliberate and sustained.

Commissioners asked for further input from community partners and indicated they would return to the commission with refined proposals that clarify resources, timelines and potential partnerships.