There’s a new face at city hall to help build bridges with the Indigenous community.
Regina Mandamin was hired last month as the Manager of Indigenous Relations and Inclusion, and says she will use her experience working with First Nations and other levels of government, as well as Indigenous cultural teachings.
“Also really focusing on the role that women have. We just saw the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Inquiry report, and really talking about the need and importance of recognising Indigenous women’s roles.”
The city official says the city has created a good foundation to address racism, and wants to see more “sustainable change.”
“I feel that the city has been doing a good job, but we could be doing a lot better,” she notes. “And dedicating a position in this type of leadership role will really position us best to be able to perform on a daily basis, and also start working with key partners within the city.”
Mandamin says that will involve looking at how City Hall operates. “Are we posing barriers inadvertently? Are there other things we can improve to make the way that we carry out our policies more inclusive, more inviting for more diverse and Indigenous populations?”
Her duties include managing the Aboriginal Liaison Office, conducting a review of systemic racism within City Hall and recommending changes.
She will also help create an Anti-Racism Resource Guide for local organizations.
