Calgary takes steps to implement TRC recommendations

When Coun. Brian Pincott stood up to bear witness at Words & Actions: A Roundtable Discussion of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Indigenous Women’s Rights at Mount Royal University earlier this year, he spoke powerfully. 

“We will carry your pain, share your pain, take some of your pain away and move forward. We have to. It’s as simple as that,” he said. “By not being silent, we will do our best to honour you.”

His commitment to move forward led Pincott to present a two-part motion to Calgary city council on July 20 to act upon the recommendations for municipalities put forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The TRC delivered its final recommendations in early June. While council was unanimous in its support of the TRC’s call to action, four of 14 councillors voted against the second part of the motion, requesting that the city support a call to the federal government to hold a national inquiry into murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. The TRC recommended such a national inquiry. 

Police stepping up their investigations is not stopping the murders, which sees Indigenous women targeted disproportionately, says Pincott.  Regardless of who the perpetrators are, the problem must be addressed. 

“Why are we turning a blind eye? Of course, it’s our problem,” said Pincott, who was disappointed with the lack of unanimous support from council.

Pincott has asked that the city report back on how it plans to take action on the TRC recommendations, with an update to council by Nov. 15. A full report in conjunction with the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee annual report is to be delivered by May 2016. The motion ensures that the TRC recommendations are embedded in CAUAC’s new strategic work plan.

“The CAUAC committee has done good work,” said Pincott, “but the circle is too small.”

The motion is intentional, he says. Aboriginal employees are not well-represented on staff, so increasing employment opportunities would be a start.

Educating city staff in Aboriginal history and culture is critical, because it’s our collective history, says Pincott, adding education will open people’s eyes, create more understanding, more openness and more inclusiveness.

Andrea McLandress, newly elected president of Calgary’s Aboriginal Friendship Centre,  says her organization has the resources to support Pincott’s motion. 

“We’d like to provide support and information on ways the city can implement the recommendations that fall within municipal jurisdiction,” she said.

While Calgarians participate in celebrations of First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture, their understanding and appreciation could go deeper, says McLandress.

 “They enjoy hoop dancing, drumming, and jigging performances, but don’t know much about the Royal Proclamation of 1763, treaties, the Indian Act or residential schools,” she said.

“Fifty-six per cent of Canada’s Aboriginal people live in urban centres. Therefore, the way municipal governments respond to the TRC’s call to action will affect the majority of Aboriginal people in the country, many of whom are affected by residential schools, either as survivors or through intergenerational effects,” she added.

McLandress noted that her organization supported other recommendations made by the TRC, including reclaiming names and identity, and addressing health care needs of off-reserve Aboriginals. 

She also pointed to the TRC’s recommendation that called for Aboriginal people to have equitable access to job. 

“AFCC would like to see our community members find greater employment and advancement opportunities within companies who have offices or operations in the Calgary area. We’d be happy to work cooperatively with the corporate sector to achieve this,” said McLandress.

Photo Caption: Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi (far left) waits to address the crowd at the opening ceremonies of Aboriginal Awareness Week.