Council unanimously approved the recommendations advanced through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission aimed at municipal governments, leading to the formation of Reconciliation Regina. Reconciliation Regina is comprised of community leaders, organizations, educators, Elders/Knowledge Keepers, newcomers, survivors, healers, cultural and arts organizations, governments, youth, businesses, service agencies, faith groups and individuals committed to working in partnership to create a strengthened, healthy, vibrant, inclusive community. But Council still has a lot of work to do going forward. We can’t be satisfied with the formation of an organization or process. We must oversee results. What does that mean?
When it comes to decisions around public art and street names, Indigenous peoples must have a say at the table. We also need to measure success based on what Indigenous peoples here on Treaty Four demand from local government, from employment opportunities to roles at the City. It should also shape how we develop and deliver public services. This isn’t an easy task but it’s one we must work on together.
It also means advancing clear benchmarks, targets, timelines, and systems of accountability. The community deserves action.
As a councillor, I want the City to move on concrete objectives and to ensure that Reconciliation Regina brings to us clear recommendations. For example:
- Ensuring that the path forward is representative of demands put forward by Indigenous peoples and the Metis Nation in Regina.
- Ensuring that programming is representative to the needs of Indigenous peoples in our community.
- Increasing the number of Indigenous and Metis residents who work for the city, particularly in senior decision-maker positions.
- Specific timelines on the renaming of Dewdney Avenue, Dewdney Pool, and the future of the John A. MacDonald statue in Victoria Park.
- Creating advisory groups that provide direction to Council.
- Meaningful anti-racism initiatives.
- Tackling questions of mental health, addictions, and housing insecurity that disproportionally effect Indigenous peoples.
- Working with Indigenous-owned businesses to craft a socially responsible procurement policy.