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1 | Question 1 Do you acknowledge that genocide has been committed against Indigenous peoples in Canada? | Question 2: have you read the White Goose Flying Report? If yes, how will you proceed on the unanswered calls in this report? If no, why not? | Question 3: What work have you done on a personal level towards Reconciliation? | Question 4: The Bear Clan Patrol advocates for strong harm reduction strategies such as safe injection sites. What will you do to ensure the provision of harm reduction programs and services in Calgary? | Question 5: How will you support a better relationship between the Treaty 7 Nations and the Calgary Municipal Government? | Question 6: How will you engage with Indigenous communities to safeguard the Residential School Memorial at City Hall? | Question 7: Are you willing to reallocate a portion of the Calgary Police Service budget to support Indigenous peoples in Calgary through programs such as USAY (Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth), Awo Taan Healing Lodge, Bear Clan Patrol, etc? | ||||||||||||||||||||
2 | Steve Webb | 1 | Yes | when elected, I will commit to work with City Council to bolster the education of indigenous affairs within the city by collaborating with the CAUAC and other indigenous groups and leaders. Anti-racism programs must be modified to have a greater impact. This is not a program that can be solved by throwing money at it and sewing badges on people's uniforms. It requires input from all stakeholders and a real, measurable plan put in place to ensure we are attacking this issue at the training stages for all public service workers. Education is the key to reconciliation in my view. There are so many brilliant cultural traits that have either disappeared entirely or are on the verge of loss that were cornerstones to indigenous culture. One example is the amazing environmental balance that was achieved. The forest management and the use and not abuse of the lands, the flora and fauna. Modern society could actually learn a lot from the past of the indigenous people to improve our future. With Royal Ascent being granted for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, we now have the means to push forward on the Municiple level to make real positive change to start to implement the calls to action. I am onside with encouraging education as a primary tool moving forward. Encouraging indigenous arts, incorporating history and the truth about our past into education, encouraging more field trips to sites that are rich in indigenous culture, presence of indigenous history in museums and art galleries. These are all achievable goals that should be at the forefront of this new Council. There is so much that can be done. It will however take a collaborative effort across multiple levels of government. I will commit to working hard to start addressing as many of the calls to action that I can. I will engage Council and the province to get on side with me on this effort. We will have to create a plan in with the Indigenous and Council to prioritize the calls to action and get a realistic timeframe to addressing the list. | *First and foremost, I have shared my education on the topic of the residential schools with as many people as possible. That is the best tool I have in my arsenal. I was one of a small handful of students selected to attend Camp Kiwanis in high school where I spent a weekend with an Indigenous elder and learned about the atrocities that were witnessed at residential schools. At the same time, I was taught about the beauty of Indigenous culture, the harmony they achieved with their environment and the strength and spirit of a strong people whose warriors fought the colonization war for over 300 years that ended with the advent of residential schools. I was given lessons from the elder on finding willow trees, cutting them down and how to select rocks for a sweat lodge. We were blessed to take part in a ceremonial sweat lodge and learned how to find and brade sweet grass and Knik Knik (pardon my spelling). I took everything I learned to my friends and family and made sure I passed on my new knowledge to as many others as possible. I have taught my 9-year-old son about what I learned, and he and I have participated and supported the annual Orange Shirt day. I took my son to the reconciliation rally on July 1st (see photo attached). I think educating our children about the truth of the past is the cornerstone of positive change. | We have to get the community involved at the planning stages for additional safe consumption capacity because we know the difficult hurdle: everyone agrees we need to have these facilities, but the general consensus from people is "not in my backyard." If we engage the community, alongside with the province, we can create a plan to ensure we have effective safe consumption sites. Along with AHS mandates, we need to nurture this program and ensure it allows people to transition out of addiction which means an affective plan that coincides with mental health services and social services as well as employment and affordable housing. It needs to be a centralized, unified program. Some of this is Provincial jurisdiction, but we have to work lock step with the province and the residents of the community to have effective safe consumption sites and the services that should pair with them to provide more holistic assistance to those struggling with addiction. | I would like to form an advisory committee that is made up of volunteer indigenous leaders, business owners, CAUAC member(s) and residents that I will meet with regularly to ensure that the voices of the indigenous are being heard and that we can make decisions based on the input from that advisory committee. I am doing the same with each of the 11 communities within my Ward. | Every resident of this city and those who are connected to this city should feel safe in Calgary. I commit to work with the CPA to ensure that we have adequate forces and budgets to ensure that ALL Calgarians feel and are safe. No matter of creed, color, demographic,income level or sexual orientation our people should be safe. Full stop. | No answer | Side note: expected our committee to meet him and expected our committee to educate him on where to get orange shirts. In a follow up he emails us again with requests to remove these side notes. | |||||||||||||||||
3 | Jacob Mcgregor | 1 | jacob@jacobforward1.ca | Sept. 25 | There have definitely tragic, misguided, and Eurocentric policy decisions made for hundreds of years. A large piece of the physical toll being from disease which was largely unintended at least in that aspect. but deliberate policy like the Indian Act, reservation system, and residential schools definitely constitute cultural erasure that could be classed as cultural genocide | I have read the WGF report after being pointed to it by a constituent. Calls to action 43 and 47 seem like they require a good deal of involvement from other levels of government but staff training, commemoration, and record collection as outlined by calls 57, 75, and 77 seem very attainable and I would support a motion to accomplish them | I’m am very early only this journey, answering honestly I probably haven’t done much personally aside from reading the report. Sadly, that probably already puts me in the minority. I want to be open, transparent and am always looking to do better | I’m familiar with the Bear Clan Patrol and would like to meet with them and view their data on harm reduction as many in my ward view these sites controversial. I’m very data driven and transparent. If the data supports it I’ll look into solutions | By maintaining regular communication with Treaty 7 representatives and indigenous community groups. My door won’t be closed | Once I am elected I can more effectively understand the best way to safeguard this memorial as it is a tremendously important project especially following the discoveries of this past year. | I would not be in favour of redirecting policy funds but perhaps funding for these initiatives could be folded into CPS’s existing mental health and community spending | ||||||||||||||||
4 | Francis Aranha | 2 | Sept. 23 | Yes | Yes. Some things we can do better is: Affordable Housing Urban Indigenous Engagement Project, better funding than the previous cuts are unacceptable. Public awareness and training, Spiritual healing, more clarity from the government/churches with regards to the records. Development of Indigenous heritage. | Ive worked long with the indigenous communities, participated in rituals and cultures. I myself come from a country where my forefather’s suffered the ill effects of British colonialism. I really understand the search of answers and truth, wherein our original heritage was lost. | We need more of safe injection sites and I will support it. Being a volunteer, I have saved many lives by administering Naloxone . | Get a meeting with the Indigenous community and give them what they want! Showcase the history. Let all the immigrants know that the Indigenous community welcomes all and loves to share their land, despite most of them being foreigners. More education. Learning and knowledge needs to be given to new immigrants and kids. | I’ve always supported this and got this issue to the Mayor, you will see me at most of the gathering/rallies supporting Indigenous values. | Yes, sure. | |||||||||||||||||
5 | Gurbir S Nijjar | 3 | gurbir@gurbirward3.ca | Sept. 22 automatic reply | |||||||||||||||||||||||
6 | Brent Trenholm | 3 | brent.trenholm@shaw.ca | I will start of with the definition of Genocide (noun) as stated by Merriam Webster since 1828; Essential Meaning of genocide: the deliberate killing of people who belong to a particular racial, political, or cultural group. Full Definition of genocide: the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group. I will acknowledge that heinous actions did occur, and we can all agree that what happened at the Residential School Systems in Canada is absolutely horrendous, however based upon this official definition, I do not believe genocide had been committed, and I will explain why;- I do not believe that housing the children in Residential schools to simply “ kill” them was a deliberate (characterized by or resulting from careful and thorough consideration) decision.-I do believe there was good intent on behalf of many at the start and something happened ( by disgusting individual(s) which spiralled out of control with the conclusion being what we have been made aware of today.I would not compare the Residential school atrocities to that of the horridness of the the Holocaust, which was proven to be deliberate ( by definition) | I have read the White Goose Flying Report and will honestly say that I would want and need more conversation to fully understand all that is written in the report vs answering based upon a “guess” or “misunderstanding" as there are many good points that need to be addressed. I also feel we all need to be more aware and understanding of Canada's history and what it entailed, acknowledge (that) it was history, accept it for what it was, never allow the past to repeat itself, grieve and heal from the past and look forward to a progressive future for all. Today”s society was not involved with what transpired hundreds of years ago, yet I cannot help but feel “we” are being blamed for something that would absolutely never happens in todays world. | I do, have and always will treat every living being the same as we truly are “one race”, the human race. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and fully understand history, along with the fact that I was on the board for a Museum where my portfolio included sifting through a lot of history, researching and investigating, recording and filing in the “halls’, all the knowledge and various artifacts discovered including that of indigenous culture. | I will be honest to say that I have a bit of a concern with not only safe injection sites, but the criminal activity that occurs in the numerous communities. I am not saying the two go hand in hand, however they are both issues in the City of Calgary that need to be curbed. It is my stance that government ( at all levels) should be mandated to open support facilities to give the support needed to individuals to assist in breaking the drug habit, getting the individual(s) well to become productive members of society. There are currently avenues that can be utilized, however not enough facilities or programs to help those in need of the differing types of support. It is not a “one size fits all” problem. | All relationships should be based upon mutual respect and understanding. Municipal Government is a lower level of Government and the relationship(s) must begin at the Federal and Provincial levels, funnelling to the municipal level, then community. Without mutual respect at the higher levels, the municipalities/communities would be hard pressed to develop, implement and maintain respectful relationships on their own without sustained support from the higher levels of Government. | For a memorial as important as the Residential School Memorial at City Hall, being out in the open elements of weather and people, there is and may always be incidents to where it can be destroyed. I would like to see “a” Memorial, whether it remain the same or different ( which will be decided by the Indigenous communit(ies)) be displayed in a more secure venue where it cannot be destroyed by weather or people. I would not be opposed to a “museum like” venue perse , based upon the history leading up to todays Residential school memorial. | Services such as policing are best covered under Federal and Provincial jurisdiction to ensure consistency throughout the Country. These levels are responsible for providing support and allocating funding toward the various policing and outreach programs in each Province. With that support it would enable Cities to properly allocate resources where they are deemed necessary based upon the greatest need or highest risk. It is with such programs as USAY, Awo Taan Healing Lodge, Bear Clan Patrol and others….that are necessary to ensure Indigenous peoples are taken care of and provided the support, whether it be emotional or disciplinary in nature. It would be best served to have these supports conducted by the Indigenous culture as I truly do not believe any other culture would or could have an understanding of the issues surrounding Indigenous peoples. | |||||||||||||||||
7 | Ian McAnerin | 3 | ward3@mcanerin.ca | Sept 30 | Yes, there can be no doubt. See the U.N. definition here: https://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/genocide.shtml | I have read both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report and the White Goose Flying Report. The White Goose Flying is specific to the City of Calgary and should be considered a task list for Council and Administration, in my opinion.Although work has started, I support the following next steps:(1) identify the advancement of the TRC Calls to Action as a priority for the City and a responsibility of all leaders and staff (2)establish an annual report to Calgarians on progress made on the TRC Calls to Action, and; (3)bring forward a request to increase the budget for the Indigenous Relations Office through the November 2021 budget deliberations.(4)If elected, the November 2021 budget deliberations will be the first opportunity as a councillor to act on these and I intend to do so. | 1. I have a foster brother (Clement) and sister (Evette) from my childhood home. Clement taught me to play hockey as a child. 2. I studied Alberta Indigenous culture and the Blackfoot language in university (Oki, Nitsiska’sim Ian McAnerin). 3. I've read and understood both the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report and the White Goose Flying Report and I commit to the recommendations therein. 4. I have much more to do and remain committed to doing so.ement to every meeting without anyone needing to tell me I should (a practice that continues this day), and have one on every page of my website.I have much more to do, and remain committed to doing so. | Although Safe Injection Sites are within the provincial jurisdiction, the City of Calgary can advocate (and provide resources for) many harm reduction strategies, including supporting organizations that provide these services, which the city is allowed to do. The first step to re-implementing safe injection sites is to redesign the program using the knowledge that we gained, as well as current best practices. Once a new program that avoids some of the problems of the original (i.e. higher crime rate in the area causing resident backlash) is designed, the City can advocate for that design to be implemented. | I fully support - and wish to expand - the work and importance of CAUAC (Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee) within the city. I will also advocate for the return of full funding for the Calgary Indigenous Relations office. | The Residential School Memorial at City Hall has been vandalized twice recently. It is vulnerable to this type of abuse because it is essentially a temporary installment. It needs to have a safe, permanent home. | I'm in favour of moving the work (and the budget for that work) that isn't properly CPS work to more effective crime prevention programs. That doesn't necessarily mean reducing the overall CPS budget, as there is a lot of police work that is currently not being done due to budget restrictions. | ||||||||||||||||
8 | Tahir MERALI | 5 | info@votemerali.ca | Sept. 22 automatic reply | |||||||||||||||||||||||
9 | Tahir Merali | 5 | info@votemerali.ca | Sept 30 | Yes | I have not, but am aware of the report through discussions with other groups (ie. Momentum) and I look forward to the opportunity to read the White Goose Flying Report. | I have worked on mega-projects (public and private sector) that encouraged or mandated % of contracts / staff have Indigenous heritage or ownership. I run a non-profit (www.zenithpathways.ca) whose mission is to support professional development and upskilling of underrepresented and disadvantaged Canadian students and early-career professionals, with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion in Canada's aerospace sector. This includes engaging Indigenous Canadian groups across industry, academia and government. I also asked my campaign team to wear orange shirts today in lieu of our green campaign attire to respect our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. | Yes. While running a start-up company in 2020, I expressed support for Harm Reduction Alberta to ensure we could spread the word about the importance of safe and equitable access to medical advice and treatment. If we can invest in more supports and systems at the source concern to begin with, the better off the individual will be and the safer our communities will be. | By first listening. That is the role of a good Councillor and a good leader. Understanding what we've been able to do with our relationship to date, what recommendations have been made that have yet to be actioned, and to evaluate (as time passes) whether we need to re-evaluate/improve/augment more action. Any successful relationship requires check-ins, and ensuring we have regular, continuous dialogue is important. | I would investigate existing by-laws to see if there is an opportunity to formalize / consider an appropriate permanent Residential School Memorial. | I would advocate for new & increased supports for Indigenous programming through a more active and fruitful relationship with Treaty 7 Nations. | ||||||||||||||||
10 | Lana Bentley | 6 | hello@lanabentley.ca | Sept. 29 | Yes. | I have read the report. Regarding the unanswered calls, my approach would be to revisit the calls in consultation with the Indigenous community. I would like to use this feedback to prioritize the remaining action items. | I have participated in various workshops related to Reconciliation. Additionally, I have participated in my own exploration of the topic via my own self-directed learning activities. | I will work in coordination with other orders of government to ensure that the full spectrum of substance related interventions, including harm reduction programs, are available to Calgarians. As I have shared throughout my campaign, I believe in evidence-based decision-making and practices. As such, I support the use of harm reduction approaches... | I am committed to using a community development approach to engage the Treaty 7 Nations and the municipal government. I acknowledge that an effective relationship involves both parties feeling respected and included. In light of the treatment that Indigenous folks have experienced from various orders of government historically (and present day), I recognize that I have work to do to earn the trust of the Treaty 7 Nations. | I intend on maintaining a high level of engagement with the community. I am happy to meet with Indigenous leaders and consult with the CAUAC to discuss this matter. I recognize that the City may need to allocate some resources towards the maintenance of the memorial and I welcome that conversation. I will also explore what resources are available from other orders of government to safeguard the memorial. | I am willing to review the funding that the City of Calgary provides to Indigenous focused agencies and programs. I do believe that the City of Calgary can and should show leadership around meaningful engagement with the Indigenous community. Keeping that in mind, I am willing to examine how best we can support (fund) Indigenous organizations in the community. | ||||||||||||||||
11 | Marilyn North Peigan | 7 | marilynward7.ca; info@marilynward7.ca | Please see Marilyn's platform: https://marilynward7.nationbuilder.com/platform | Marilyn co-authoured the White Goose Flying Report. Find it here: https://www.calgary.ca/csps/cns/first-nations-metis-and-inuit-peoples/calgary-aboriginal-urban-affairs-committee/calgary-aboriginal-urban-affairs-committee.html | ||||||||||||||||||||||
12 | Derek Williams | 7 | Sept. 28 | Yes, there has been a genocide committed against Indigenous peoples in Canada, I believe that to be true. | I have read the White Goose Flying Report and the TRC Report from the Federal government, Elected or not, I will be an advocate for justice for the intergenerational trauma that occured, push for the the adoption of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and I support a program for awareness training for public sector staff | Not enough, but I continue to listen and learn from those I follow in the Indigenous community, Indigenous family members and Indigenous spiritualleaders I have had the honour of meeting. | I fully support programs like the Bear Clean Patrol, DOAP team and others and have called for further investment in the future to fund programs like these to help people in crisis in our city. | I believe we need to respect the importance of forming a genuine relationship with Indigenous communities, respect and understand traditions and customs, and be willing to listen and learn. We must be invested and involved in the whole community and give more than we take. | I promise to engage with Indigenous communities with honour and respect, this is a memorial that needs to have a lasting legacy here in Calgary and I am committed to being patient and allowing for proper discussion and consultation to safeguard the memory of those children who did not come home | I am in support of funding programs like these, whether it comes from reallocation of the police budget or from the council directly, I believe supports like this need our full attention and funding and promise to be a champion for programs like this. | |||||||||||||||||
13 | Terry Wong | 7 | I acknowledge that human injustice to the indigenous people of Canada has occurred since even before Canada's confederation in 1867 and even with today's federal government which has not ensured safe drinking water despite repeated promises over the past decade (if not longer). There have been many injustices to our indigenous communities and people from a social, health, welfare, community and housing, environment, families, children, and many other considerations as settlers and later Canadian citizen exercised their will upon our First Nations communities across Canada. | I have read the 'White Goose Flying Report' and have incorporated many of the recommendations since 2016 especially in my responsibilities as Executive Director of the Chinatown Business Improvement Area. As a Chinese community, we have an affinity with the Treaty 7 First Nations communities with a history of Chinese settlement along the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River and ultimately in the current Chinatown location of Centre Street / 2nd Avenue South.As Councillor, I will ask to incorporate the 'Call to Action' in all reports of City Administration to City Council in addition to the 'Triple Bottom Line considerations of Social, Economic and Environment' so Council and the public are aware that appropriate research, due diligence and action is considered if not actioned. | As a child, I grew up knowing and serving many of the indigenous residents in and around Vancouver's Chinatown and played as a youth had associated with youth members of the Musqueam Indian Band along the banks of the Fraser River in the City of Vancouver.Since moving to Alberta, many of my Treaty 7 and Metis colleagues working at The City of Calgary have maintained a respectful and collaborative working and social relationship over my 30-year career at The City.In both cases, I reflect on the atrocities and injustices to the indigenous people and feel/receive the anguish borne by members of this precious community. I have shared this history with my grandchildren especially at activities, events, festivals and showcases.I have personally committed to learn more about the injustices and to learn, understand, and act on the proper approaches to reconciliation and lessons/stories to share.I will commit to work with and support fellow Ward 7 candidate, Marilyn North Peigan, and her efforts towards reconciliation and the White Goose Flying call to action. | Harm reduction (including safe injection sites) is a continuum of a journey of identifying, safeguarding, treating and rehabilitating those afflicted by drug addiction (and other social misfortunes such as homelessness, mental health, sexual abuse, etc.).I will commit to strongly influencing the Government of Alberta to establish policies to support this continuum of care through policies, programs, services and funding. I will also commit to working vigorously with City Council colleagues to ensure our drug inflicted community is received, provided social support, safe consumption, and health services aligned with Alberta Health Services, social services agencies, shelters, and others through acollaborative strategy. | The current City Council has incorporated a very honoured and respectful inclusion of Treaty 7 Nations partnership into its governance and policy positions. City Administration has also designated an Indigenous Affairs office to research, assess, develop and act upon strategies for greater First Nations and Indigenous inclusion.I would ask the Treaty 7 Nations if there are aspects of this relationship that can be strengthened, if not added. | I would encase the memorial in a place of safe and honourable keeping for permanent display on the grounds of the Calgary Municipal Building, available and accessible 7x24 for reflection. This monument would be discussed, defined, and established in collaboration with the First Nation's and indigenous community. | As the Calgary Police Services budget is under the authority of the Calgary Police Commission, I would ask the Commission how they could assist and support the indigenous people of Calgary. However, I would ask Council colleagues to consider new (or reallocation of other City funding) to support USAY (Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth), Awo Taan Healing Lodge, Bear Clan Patrol, etc. | ||||||||||||||||||
14 | Heather McRae | 7 | heather@heather4ward7.ca | Sept. 29 | I agree with the Truth and Reconciliation Report that a cultural genocide has been committed against Indigenous peoples in Canada. | Yes. I will advocate to ensure that funding remains intact to ensure that we are able to proceed with recommendations. | I have begun my own journey toward reconciliation by participating in a Many Chiefs tour of St. Patrick Island; reading the White Goose Flying Report and the Truth and Reconciliation Summary Report; and having open and honest conversations with Indigenous persons at every opportunity. | I will be an advocate for funding of harm reduction strategies. | A better relationship between Treaty 7 Nations and the Calgary Municipal Government will evolve through open dialogue and continued engagement between organizations. | Consultation with Indigenous communities will be critical to ensuring that the Memorial is appropriately preserved. | |||||||||||||||||
15 | Ted Knudtson | 8 | Sept. 1: withdrawn from the race but sent kind words to advocacy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
16 | Courtney Walcott | 8 | info@courtneywalcott.com | Sept. 27 | Yes, I do. | a. I have. Certain calls, like #57, need to be immediately implemented but in an effective and non-tokenistic manner. The challenge of implementing educational materials in an organization as large as the city, we risk polarizing rather than growing. This is where the city must include Indigenous peoples in city building. b. We must also restore funding for the Calgary Aboriginals Urban Affairs Committee to previous levels.c. Using an intersectional lens, Calgary must ensure that our social services have a culturally responsive lens applied to all public services such as housing, transit, urban planning, and future land acquisition and use. | a. On a personal level, it began with an exploration of my own history to help me understand my own role as someone whose family is both colonizer and colonized. As a bi-racial Black person, I must contend with the realities that I exist at an intersection of oppressed/oppressor. b. As an educator, I have worked for years to decolonize my own curriculum. However, this work is ongoing. This work consisted of looking for support from diverse communities in my efforts to advance reconciliation through effective curriculum planning and implementation utilizing Indigenous worldviews. | a. It starts with advocacy. Knowing that SCS are in the control of the province, Calgary must be a strong advocate for the SCS’s and provide a legitimate business case and social case that demonstrates how significant it is to the City’s harm reduction goals. b. In addition to this, we must advance holistic strategies that break the cycles of trauma, poverty, systemic discrimination, and mental illness that often compound and intersect on marginalized communities. This means we must enhance funding for community and family services, expand housing affordability, redefine community safety beyond just policing, and collaborate with the community to help establish outcomes and objectives. | a. This starts with making space at the city to collaborate on the shared goals of prosperity between Treaty 7 Nations and the city of Calgary. We need to go even further to establish a better representation of Nations on city decisions, especially given our shared environmental future. We’re all stewards on this land now and our shared prosperity is paramount. | a. The City should simply commit to establishing an Indigenous led memorial committee to determine what to do with the current Residential School Memorial. If elected, I would not touch it until a permanent fixture is in place as determined by Indigenous people. b. In certain moments, there is no better engagement than silence. I would not seek to lead this discussion, or even be a part of it. My role at the City would be nothing more than supporting implementation. | a. Yes. Reallocation is about effective outcomes-based planning. We must determine what the outcomes we seek as a city are and fund those services appropriately. This Is how we approach true harm reduction in the city by supporting a diversity of services to address the needs of citizens. No one group is a monolith, and therefore, one service to address so many unique needs is flawed in our city’s landscape. | ||||||||||||||||
17 | Gary Bobrovitz | 8 | info@garybobrovitz.ca | Sept 30 | Yes | I have, and I am committed to implementing the recommendations of the Report, including the direct actions that the City can take as well as using the power of City Council to advocate and encourage other organizations to help answer these calls. | I have taken the University of Alberta's 'Indigenous Canada' course to educate myself better about my role in reconciliation and I have reached out to marginalized Indigenous communities and individuals and continue to support Reconciliation efforts. | I will invest in community safety programs and resources so that there are non-police options to respond to all Calgarians' needs such as mental health, addiction support, homelessness, and domestic trauma. | I would like to appoint an Indigenous ombudsman for the City of Calgary to advocate on behalf of the Indigenous community within City boundaries and engage with the Indigenous Nations around the City. | I believe there must be a permanent memorial in the City developed with direct and meaningful input from Indigenous communities and the current, organically created memorial should be protected until a permanent one is completed. | I believe in a holistic approach to community safety. I would support a reallocation of a portion of the Calgary Police Service budget in consultation with the Police as well as allocate additional funds from the City of Calgary budget to support programs that support Indigenous peoples in Calgary similar to what City Council and the Calgary Police Service did in the 2021 budget. | ||||||||||||||||
18 | Naomi Withers | 9 | Naomi@ward9calgary.com | Yes. | The White Goose Flying Report is a critical piece of policy work that must be implemented in its entirety to move toward sustainable reconciliation. As a former chair of CAUAC, I understand the work that the committee has put into this report and City Council and Administration must take its responsibility seriously to bring about real change and remove systemic racism from our system while recognizing the story of the first peoples in the City of Calgary. First, training on Indigenous issues must be made available immediately to all Public Servants. Second, our Public Art program must build in the recommendation to identify principles of reconciliation in vetting processes for projects (including commissions and art installations) throughout the city, pertaining to Indian residential school and other types, of cultural commemoration. | As an Indigenous person Reconciliation is about learning from the experiences of my ancestors and ensuring that future generations learn about Inuit, Metis and First Nations People and the journeys they have gone through. I have built relationships with knowledge keepers and have researched my families’ experiences in Residential Schools. My children proudly acknowledge their Metis heritage and culture. I have also worked with Scouts Canada to build their Aboriginal Awareness Program for Cubs and continue to work with them to support the organization acknowledging the historical lands on which they work. | I support safe injection sites in every neighbourhood in Calgary. We must provide resources to assist our neighbours in coming out of additions and metal health crisis. Harm reduction services must continue to be a funding priority for the city. The Bear Clan Patrol is a critical asset to our communities in East Calgary. | A working relationship between Treaty 7 and Metis Nation Region 3 is critical to creating a place for everyone in Calgary. A cross municipality working group that includes these two stakeholder groups must be formed. | I believe this is summed up in the phrase “Nothing About Us Without Us.” Proper protocols for the Memorial must be dictated by the Indigenous peoples. | Yes. | |||||||||||||||||
19 | Gian-Carlo Carra | 9 | info@carra4ward9.ca | Sept 30 | Yes. On this, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and every day. | Yes. As Chair of the City of Calgary’s Committee on Community and Protective Services, I am deeply committed to action on and education regarding White Goose Flying specifically, and Truth and Reconciliation in general. My Rise Together Platform specifically calls for the full-buildout, resourcing, and empowerment of the Indigenous Relations Office over the next term of Council which will be the primary mechanism through which the unanswered calls are both directly addressed, as well as how all city policy is vetted through a Truth and Reconciliation lense. Rise Together also specifically calls for, over the course of the next term, the funding, planning, and construction start on the IGP, as well as the appropriate memorialization of Ward 9’s St. Dunstan’s Residential School site. | I have committed to living Forum Community Relations’ 10 Ways to Take action Towards Reconciliation:1. Recognize & celebrate diversity among Indigenous Nations and Communities - As a councillor, a candidate, and citizen I seek to respectfully learn about and from Indigenous members of our community that I have the occasion and privilege to interact with;2. Diversify your media - As a longtime Buffy St. Marie and Robbie Robertson fan and a huge supporter of our very own Wendy Walker, I’m finding myself heading down an Indiegenous hip hop rabbit hole lately. I’m trying to up my podcast game as time permits - so far I’m pretty close to home with Native Podcast, and I’ll take all suggestions for podcasts, twitter, and TikTok follows of note;3. Attend an event or celebration & spend time in oral tradition - As someone privileged to attend many events and celebrations in an official capacity, I’ve been focusing on using my platform and the events I hold to feature Indigenous artists, voices, and content, as well as seeking to make connections on a personal, non-official capacity;4. Read the TRC’s calls to action and know which calls apply to you - Yes, and I’m working on it;5. Know your influence and ask how you can use it to take action - See my answer to 3, and I’m committed to building the relationships necessary to benefit from wisdom regarding how i can improve;6. Buy Indigenous - We sourced my campaign apparel from local Redman Customs, and I’m using my influence to push other people and companies in my sphere to also source Indigenous products. On Council, our new Benefit Driven Procurement policy will be a game-changer for City Procurement in this regard. 7. Decolonize, make space to do things differently - This is a process to which I’m committed. It is my hope, over the next term, that the Greater Forest Lawn Governance and Communications Model Council Innovation Project is able to provide the right forum to pilot a decolonized model for community governance and City-community relationships from which we can transform grassroots democracy across Calgary;8. Build relationships and listen more than you speak - I consider the first part of this a strength of mine and acknowledge the second part to be something that I need to continuously work on; 9. Volunteer with & donate to Indigenous-led or Indigenous-serving organizations - I have had the honor of patrolling with the Bear Clan and I am pledged to supporting their work in an official and unofficial capacity; and, 10. Be accountable for your learning, for your actions, and for your community - This is a core part of the Rise Together commitment; to work towards a more equitable, just, and antiracist Calgary, built on a foundation of Truth and Reconciliation. | My disagreement with some of Greater Forest Lawn’s community leaderships’ opposition to the proposed mobile supervised consumption site in East Calgary is a significant reason around which this election is being contested. I strongly support the work of the Bear Clan as well as that of many of the agencies and groups on the ground in East Calgary engaged in harm reduction. I also support the need for more housing and the development of more comprehensive wrap around services for the community - and most particularly the community’s most vulnerable neighbours. I am committed to the development of a collaborative and inclusive governance model for GFL through the Council Innovation Fund grant we’ve received as the appropriate venue for resolving conflict between community groups. Over the longer term, through the Community Safety Investment Framework, I support reallocation of police resources and the development of new funding sources to support local, wrap-around supports for our most vulnerable neighbours. | With the City of Calgary’s new organizational structure embedding the Indigenous Relations Office with Council’s Intergovernmental Affairs Committee, I will seek to establish a full-term/four-year subcommittee that will be tasked with deep relationship building between the City and the Treaty 7 Nations. I believe that the revolving nature of leadership and the busyness of everyone’s jobs continually undermine the relationship-building necessary for meaningful progress. I hope that a four-year commitment by a curated group of City Councillors to be the City’s ambassadors will demonstrate appropriate dedication to better relations | I take my direction straight from Bear Clan’s Yvonne and from Wendy Walker. | Yes. It’s a core component of Council’s commitment to ending systemic racism, my Rise Together commitment to Antiracism, and the purpose of the Community Safety Investment Framework; undertaking this work is one of the main reasons I’m seeking reelection. | ||||||||||||||||
20 | Esther Sutherland | 10 | Yes, it is very painful to tell the truth and the facts.In the past and in the present time too, genocide was committed against First Nation people in Canada. In the present time, bad politicians who are governing Canada, are doing the same thing to Canadians born in Canada, applying Euthnasia, mercy killing to them. Few years ago when the federal MPs passed the bill to approve euthanasia, mercy killing, they did intentionally to kill to Canadians born in Canada and to kill to aboriginal Natives too. Some federal leaders are foreigners who became Citizens, they are in the government, governing Canada. There are a lot of MPs who are using turbans.they approved the bill, to put in action a deliberate plan and systematic extermination of a national racial, and culture.Federal governors aproved to pass the bill of euthnasia, to force to doctors to apply euthanasia in pacients who have pain.In present time, in Albrta Canadians born in Canada under 65 years old, they do not have free medication, no free eye glasses and no free dentalprograms.Canadians born in Canada, under 65 years old, if they became sick, affected with any illness, lack of money and no free medication to cure their illness, they died. Did you ask a question yourself, What kind of leaders are governing the City and Alberta? Originally where they came from, those leaders who are governing Canada in any level of government? We notice that most of them are using turbans, that is the fact and truth.Questions:THEY ARE THE ONE WHO WANT TO EXTERMINATE TO CANADIANS? with crazy rules and regulations?WHY CANADIANS BORN IN CANADA UNDER 65 DO NOT HAVE FREE MEDICATION, IN THEIR OWN COUNTRY THEY BORNWHY FIRST NATION HAVE TO LIVE WITH NO CLEAN WATER IN THEIR RESERVES IN THEIR COMMUNITIES. IS THAT THE WAY TO EXTERMINATE PEOPLE'S RACE AND CULTURE?.Genoside to exterminate Canadians and first Nation is not only in the past, is phappen in the present time too.What kind of crooked democracy foreigners brought into Canada? What kind of crooked human rights is that?Human rights apply for only one group of people, who have all kinds of privileges to enjoy, subsidized programs, free medication, free education ESL, free eyeglasses , free dental programs, affordable housing, free legal services, subsidized business programs to SET UP and develop their business, for their personal gain and profit.Afterthey become business owners, they are hiring only to their own people, from their ethnic group. Creating a monopoly of jobs. Sending to Canadians born in Canada and First Nations to survive in the food banks.Genocide to exterminate Canadians and first Nation is not only in the past, is happen in the present time too. | Yes, The City of Calgary has made some progress towards its commitments to truth and reconciliation, but work still remains to be done under the call to action in the White Goose Flying Report. According to reality, there are a lot of social and economic issues to look at, to find good solutions. NEED ACTION AND WORK TO BE DONE, by the City of Calgary Council, should have a plan to approve a grant of $10 Millions to give to Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee, to build affordable housing for First Nation Canadians, to avoid homelessness.To set up a budget to create training jobs and work placement for First Nation Natives Canadians, so they should have the opportunity to be hired in the banks, retails, oil and gas industries, etc. Having a job and decent income, to reduce poverty and homelessness. As well, the City grant should be used to create business programs to help to Aboriginal Canadians who want to set up a business in Calgary, to help them to develop their business. later to make a contribution to the economy.The best reconciliation with First Nation Natives Canadians, is for the City to remember and to put in action infrastructure work, to fix and build roads in rural areas, and on reserves for safe food transportation.Work to build water pipes in rural communities and reserves, in order to have clean water to drink, clean water to cook meals, to have showers, and to wash clothing.That action is the best reconciliation with aboriginals.The City action and work should be, to build affordable housing for First Nation Natives, to avoid homelessness. That is the best reconciliation with Aboriginals Canadians. | Presently, we do philanthropic work, helping to Christian Pastor to distribute humper to needy people.We distribute humper in many areas of the City. We notice that 250 people in Forest lawn are surviving in the food bank, some are looking for a job, for them it is difficult to get a job. Because a monopoly of jobs exists in Calgary.The best reconciliation with aboriginal is to create subsidized educational programs, training for jobs and work placement, to have decent salaries, to decrease poverty and to avoid homelessness. And to have a decent income to put food on the table, to keep good health.About your question, what I am doing to help others:Presently my husband and I, we do philanthropic work. We distribute humper to needy people in many areas of our communities.As well, my husband does volunteer work, helping the City to clean the highway fences, parks, sidewalks, removing all the garbage accumulated in many areas of the community, and doing volunteer work. My husband Glen was born in Canada, and Canadians under 65 do not have free medication in Alberta. | My background is nursing, I worked for Health Care Institutions and Food Hills hospital in Calgary. We are a Christian we choose to have Christian style of life, based on the freedom of choices, we do not smoke, we do not drink.In my opinion Injection sites will not cure the emotional, mental, and physical illness of people who suffer addiction. temporary relief is not a healing.In my opinion, I think it is much better to create a specific health care program, to detoxify people who are addicted to dangerous drugs that are affecting their mind and health. Specific therapy with medication will be necessary to clean their system, with intravenous and medication, to remove toxins from their system, to improve health.And to give to them, good healthy counselling, to help them to cure them emotionally, mentally and physically. TO CREATE specific programs for them to supply their needs, by giving to them affordable housing.After they improve their health, give them job training and work placement, to improve their standard of life, for everyone's well being. | These days we are very busy working 6 days a week evenings, on top of that during the day I have to distribute my campaign brochures door by door. If I were elected City Councilor for ward 10, my commitment is to put into action my platform built according to community needs and peoples' petitions.. I will find ways to have frequent conversation, communicate with First Nation people, to have better relationships between 7 Nations and Calgary Municipal Government, to remind them to put in action and work to be done to reconcile with first nation people. To address social and economical issues to the right place, to look into to find good solutions, for everyone's well being. Applying human rights equality of services and opportunities for every one. | The past is the past. We can not fix the bad actions, what bad people did in the past to First Nation people.But we can do something in the present time, to work on behalf of First Nations Culture, to supply needs, to apply human rights and to educate people to learn to respect First Nation's culture. An the memory of Residential school, should teach to newcomers and to everybody to stop to commit genocide and to stop exploitation to Fist Nation, and stop to put them to live in misery and poverty with no clean water to drink. AND TO LEARN TO HAVE GRATITUDE TO TO FIRST NATION ABORIGINAL CANADIANS, FOR THE GENEROUS HEART, TO ALLOW INTO CANADA TO ALL KIND OF PEOPLE WHO CAME TO LIVE IN NATIVES' LAND. | YES, if I were elected, I would set up a budget for Calgary Police Services, a budget to support First nation indigenous peoples in Calgary through programs they have, such as Urban society for Aboriginal youth, A.T. Healing Lodge Bear Clan and any other programs they may have, for everyone's well being. I am asking Fists Nation Natives Canadians to consider voting for Esther Sutherland for City Councillor Ward 10, on election day October 18. Or in advance on October 4 and 8. Thank You.God bless. | ||||||||||||||||||
21 | Leslyn Jones | 10 | yes | Yes, I have read the White Goose Flying Report and have actually pulled 13 calls to action I feel are important to not just Indigenous peoples but all citizens. I think it’s ridiculous that City Council was handed a specific handbook and has only committedto renaming a few schools and a bridge. More needs to be done. | I believe, like many others, truth has to come first before reconciliation. So, for me, it was important that I recognize that Canada has a dark history that cannot be ignored. I spend my time educating others from a settler/immigrant lens as I cannot speak directly from an Indigenous perspective, as I am not Indigenous. | Funding needs to be provided to advocates like Bear Clan Patrol. The grant process right now needs to be streamlined to make sure there isn’t so much red tape hindering smaller organizations doing the work on the ground. Also, I would propose that safe consumption sites are reinstated in Calgary and not just in one location. We need to start by making these services accessible to all users. Calgary must stop worrying about people’s property value when consumption sites are established in their neighbourhoods and start taking care of each other. | Consultation and engagement is very important. Indigenous people, like all other racialized communities don’t operate as a monolith, there has to be representation at the table by all members of each community. We can’t be sitting down with one or two of the same people from only select groups and make decisions for everyone. | Consultation needs to be done with Indigunous communities but there needs to be a permanent memorial. This is actually one of the calls to action I feel is very important. It’s acknowledging Canada’s horrific past on our path to truth and reconciliation. | As part of Defund2Fund coalition, we were a small group of Black organizations and individuals that fought for 30% of the Calgary Police budget to support organizations that were out in the community doing important work for mental health and harm reduction. Unfortunately, only 5% was taken from CPS and was given to grandfathered organizations they had already been working with. I will continue to push City Council to continue their efforts in supporting harm reduction and mental health supports and to further extend their funding to Indigenous groups. | ||||||||||||||||||
22 | Kourtney Branagan | 11 | Sept. 28 | Yes | I would like to further the outreach in Libraries and partnership with the CBE. I strongly support community based initiatives and programs in working on reconciliation. | I continue to unlearn my settler mindset through reading and experiences. I have attended two land acknowledgment training sessions, the blanket exercise, and continue to seek out Indigenous authors to inform my understanding. When I was president of the Haysboro Community Association I led the land acknowledgement implementation for meetings and the website. | Harm reduction is crucial to Calgarians. I will continue to advocate for Safe Injection Sites across the city and for integrated services to provide cultural, emotional, and mentally relevant services to people who use drugs. | We need to continue to fund and improve the scope of the Indigenous Liason Office at the City. I would like to see parks, planning, and real estate departments provide better historical context to decisions which acknowledge the history of the land.In Ward 11 I would like to host a Neighbour Day celebration bringing together Treaty 7 Nations and neighbourhoods. This should be a city wide effort and | I believe the City needs to be stewards and caretakers of the memorial under the direction and guidance of Indigenous communities. This means intentional conversation about it's importance. | Yes | |||||||||||||||||
23 | Lauren Herschel | 11 | Yes | Yes - I have read it several times over the years. Here are some of the initiatives I would champion to support in support of the calls in the report: Commit to creating a central Indigenous Gathering Place and healing centres in each quadrant of the city –set aside land and have an action plan and timelines including funding sources by the end of 2023. Provide additional funding (perhaps a match program with the private sector) to the Calgary Public Library to increase their Indigenous Language programs for Indigenous learners as well as other programming to support Truth and Reconciliation awareness. Provide additional funding to the Indigenous Affairs office to ensure they are able to effectively move their initiatives forward in a timelier fashion. Allocate funding to support mental health, housing and addictions-related agencies who serve at risk Calgarians, a disproportionate number of whom are indigenous. Increase education around Truth and Reconciliation, anti-racism and intergenerational trauma for Calgary emergency services, City of Calgary staff and City Council. Identify key heritage indigenous landscapes/resources and ensure they are added to the Inventory of Evaluated Historic Resources. Work with province to ensure they are designated as protected resources. Support community groups and agencies (physical space, funding, partnerships) that do risk prevention work with indigenous youth and families. Ensure these services are available city wide. | I have read books, watched documentaries, listened to survivor stories from Indigenous folks in my life. I also donate monthly to the Awo Taan Healing Lodge | I believe we should have a number of safe consumption sites in easy to access locations (by transit and by foot) in all quadrants of the city. I would like to champion more education for the public of the benefits of these sites, and what can and cannot happen there. I would like to find ways of partnering with the private sector to provide more funding for harm reduction organizations and agencies that support at risk Calgarians. | I would establish relationships with key leaders and representatives of the Treaty 7 Nations, and ensure we have ongoing dialogue about issues and opportunities we have the potential to work together on. I would want to understand how the City can best support and foster a stronger relationship. | I would like to better understand what the indigenous community would like to see happen with the monument, and how we can best support that from a City Administration perspective. | Yes. | ||||||||||||||||||
24 | Steven Phan | 12 | steven@stevenphan.ca | Sept. 28 | Yes, when the discoveries were made public, my initial response to family and friends was, "This is genocide!". | Yes, multiple times to gain a better understanding. There are 94 CTAs for the City of Calgary, and each task must be taken into consideration and completed. Working with council, Administration, and CAUAC, we would need to form an action committee to tackle each of these items one at a time. We would have to give this committee certain powers to create/impact change and implement these calls to action, providing further accountability and transparency. | I enrolled at the beginning of the year in a 12-week certificate program offered by the U of A called Indigenous Canada. | I've been asked on this campaign if I support safe injection sites, and I do. I would encourage other council members to support the sites as a beacon of hope to help those struggling mentally and physically, as these sites could be the first step to getting help. We need to work with community partners, Administration, and Council to provide better resources to our partners who offer community programs and services. | Creating a better relationship that has been strained for many decades will take time. As part of being a staff member of the Calgary Municipal Government, I would advocate that we need to educate all staff members on Truth and Reconciliation. In addition, to asking Treaty 7 Nation members what they would like to see more of with the Calgary Municipal Government and if the 94 CTAs are sufficient or if there are additional items that our city can do to more of towards the path of Truth and Reconciliation. | I am for creating a permanent structure, and a memorial at City Hall dedicated to the Indigenous community. I would have to work with other councillors to ensure we direct the Administration to have this action carried forward. Most people recognize that this is a painful and ugly past of Canada and would like to see the proper steps taken on the path to Truth and Reconciliation. I would be interested in participating in a committee and meeting members of the Indigenous community to understand Truth and Reconciliation better. | No, I don't believe the Calgary Police Service should have a portion of the budget reallocated as they need every dollar to ensure our communities are safe. Along with providing proper funding for programs within the Calgary Police force for better training CPS members on such topics as Truth and Reconciliation. I believe we can find other city areas to provide funding to programs such as USAY, Awo Taan Healing Lodge, and Bear Clan Patrol. | ||||||||||||||||
25 | Jay Unsworth | 13 | Sept. 29 | The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls concluded in its 2019 final report that the Canadian state has perpetrated genocide against Indigenous peoples. I agree with this finding, and support an ongoing and purposeful commitment to the recommendations outlined in the report. I wholeheartedly believe that we must address the following, as stated in the report: historical, multigenerational, and intergenerational trauma; social and economic marginalization; the status quo and institutional lack of willpower; and advocating for the agency and expertise of Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA people. | Yes, I have read the White Goose Flying Report, as part of my preparations to run for city office. Until then, I admit I did not know the story of Jack White Goose and the residential school in Calgary. It’s a reminder there is much to learn and that we all need to commit ourselves to actively engaging in, listening to, and gathering more information about the city’s relationship with Indigenous peoples in order to move forward. I feel the immense weight of this national tragedy rests on all of our shoulders, thus personally, I feel deeply responsible to uphold and steward the recommendations contained in the White Goose Flying report to help create a “more equitable and inclusive society by closing the gaps in social, health and economic outcomes... [as realized through] joint leadership, trust building, accountability and transparency.” [TRC Commission of Canada (2015). What We Have Learned; Principles of Truth and Reconciliation. Library and Archives Canada. Pp.125-6.] While the city is making progress, unfortunately remain unanswered or unrealized. If elected to City Council, I will do everything in my power to steward these critical initiatives. I feel that my strong project management skills, background in working with diverse groups to achieve a common goal, and collaborative nature would be an asset in ensuring the actions/goals outlined in this report under the categories of Own, Encourage, and Partner are met, when we say we will meet them. I would start with bringing the right people to the table to form a working group (not a committee who just continues to discuss – we need action). This working group would include representation from the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC), Indigenous leaders, city administrators and councillors, and private and non-profit members (from several of the organizations I mentioned above to ensure that women’s voices are heard). I would ensure tangible outcomes and timelines were met, and that any progress, findings, successes, and set-backs were openly shared with Calgary citizens, not kept behind closed doors with endless extensions. Also, I agree with increasing the Indigenous Relations Office’s (IRO) budget; in fact I would champion the creation of an Indigenous Affairs Committee that includes the CAUAC, White Goose Flying, and IRO. The Indigenous Affairs Committee would no longer be part of Community Strategies. After all, the Community Services strategy has one of the smallest budgets at about one-eighth of one per cent of the total budget. I think it needs to be a separate line item in the budget in order to keep a clear line of sight on how we are resourcing our ambitions. In addition, I would champion the implementation of annual progress reports for different City departments to increase the probability of calls to action being enacted and to increase transparency. Above all, I think that the City needs to and prioritize educating the public and city staff about intersectional issues that impact Indigenous communities. Looking forward, I do get excited about the possibilities for bringing this report and the recommended actions to life and I have many ideas around how to do that. For example, coming from the education sector, I see great opportunities to collaborate with our local school boards and post-secondary institutions to create rich learning opportunities and deeper understanding for young Calgarians. Also, it would be fantastic if the private sector would partner with the City to create a robust long-term program to provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to pursue their dreams through think tanks, STEAM competitions, art/music/writing workshops, business pitch events, mentorship programs, etc. I also feel it is imperative that all Canadians, but most especially community leaders and those in government read the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. To move forward and create meaningful change, we must understand the full extent of the horrors of our past (and unfortunately our present). Finally, we must make this a part of our everyday conversation, building awareness around how each and every citizen can play a role in creating a shared future of healing, understanding, acceptance, and collaboration. Together we have the opportunity to build something remarkable – but we must continue to engage, empower, and take the lead from Indigenous community members and key organizations who play a role in reconciliation in this process. | I became more aware of the tragedy of residential schools and the need for Reconciliation while learning about the Dunbow residential school through the film, Little Moccasins. My wife, and the school where she works, were involved in the production of this film that honoured the First Nations children who died and were buried in unmarked graves at Dunbow school, near Calgary. This experience deeply touched my wife and I, and has changed how we view the world. Since then, I continually seek to educate myself on the many issues connected to this issue, and advocate for these causes when given a chance, as I strongly believe that when we know better, we do better. In my current professional role at Mount Royal University (MRU), I am proud to work for an organization that encourages employees to learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Through MRU, I have been able to access professional development opportunities that help me better understand the legacy of colonization, and I thoroughly enjoy working with and learning from my colleagues at the Iniskim Centre in building broader understanding and more inclusive policies. Every morning, I am reminded of the need to reconcile with the past when I see the permanent Treaty 7 and Metis flags on campus. Through a combination of symbols and education, I believe that the City can continue to make progress on its commitments to building understanding and stronger relationships with Treaty 7, Metis, and urban Indigenous communities. | I fully support community advocacy to help the most vulnerable people in our community. My view is that we need to put people at the forefront of every issue. I support groups like the Bear Clan Patrol who are working to protect many of those most vulnerable people in Calgary. I also support strong harm reduction strategies, and would work with local health authorities and other health experts to find the best solutions. I would support what the public health experts recommend, recognizing the strategy should be led or co-led by Indigenous peoples. | I would support all efforts to establish better relationships between the Treaty 7 Nations and the Calgary Municipal Government, and believe that actions speak louder than words. With this in mind, Calgary’s municipal leadership must focus on following through with the unrealized recommendations outlined in the White Goose Flying Report. Also, as I mentioned, I believe that the City of Calgary needs an Indigenous Affairs Committee with full funding. In addition to the other ideas I outlined in my response to question #2, I believe these actions will be a step in the right direction towards establishing a more positive relationship. | I support the permanent establishment of a Residential School Memorial or Museum in Calgary that is championed in partnership with the City of Calgary and Indigenous and Metis communities. If done well, this project could help to further educate Calgarians regarding the horrors of the residential school system, and also of Indigenous people and culture to build broader understanding, but it must be led by those who are the experts in these areas. The goal would be to create a shared space for conversation, learning, honouring, collaboration, and most importantly, reconciliation. | I am open to find additional funding to support Indigenous peoples in Calgary and the programs supporting them, but that may or may not come from the Calgary Police Services’ budget. That is a commitment that I am able to make right now, as I believe that the Calgary Police Service needs to be included in any discussion regarding allocating their budget. I do recognize the fraught history between law enforcement and members of Indigenous communities, and condemn all incidences of police brutality against Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people, including the assault of Clayton Prince and Dalia Kafi. I would champion any proposal that includes the Calgary Police Service working with Indigenous groups to reach positive outcomes. For instance, the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good has called for additional funding to increase the number of Indigenous liaison officers to one in every district. | |||||||||||||||||
26 | Paul Michael Hallelujah | Mayoral | Sept. 23 | 50000000% | I look forward to reading it soon... | I am running for mayor on a platform of fMRI testing for common psychoses like racism in police. Kevin Annette is a friend of mine. After I wrote Trudeau in 2017 re Kamloops and Elizabeth 1964 he kidnapped my young children and had them raped and tortured by (name of people removed) at (address removed) in (town/city removed) for 11 months. | Follow your advice | Advocate for First Nations to receive back all stolen lands and the repayment for the ills caused and ongoing. | Meet weekly with leaders of Indigenous Peoples to hear their concerns. | Yes! | |||||||||||||||||
27 | Khan Zaheed ali | Mayoral | I acknowledge History and hold us all accountable as a human species. I am a soldier of Christ and am loyal to the Queen. this was an abuse of power as usual and I would hope the pope and or queen speak on this atrocities. | Yes I have read the white goose flying report 45 pdf pages on my phone next to qc-33, the aboriginal act and or Indian treaty acts atrocious really all of it just like the Knesset and Jason Kenney and your conservative think it's justified. just think on that for a moment . We as humanity must fix and corren all in justice towards humanity. | I had the free food pantry of falconridge. I deal with a lot of the cities poverty and or aboriginal people so I personally have stepped into the dark of the problem. I believe we can get flowing water to the reserves via an aqueduct. | We must do what is Necessary for the safety and protection of citizens whether it be safe use sites to ensuring that the public and other citizens are not affected by this undertaking. | To ensure better relation we must tackle the issues head on . some answers may not be the best however they answer the problems such as a collaboration between the Treaty 7 nations and municipality. land to grow food for pandemics and or establishing better affordable housing not just gor citizens of calgary but that of the nation's. | The safe guarding of this site is a must I would call on a parter ship of the treaty 7 nation to lend the municipal members of their own armed forces to privately safe guard this site. if the people don't smarten up I will go back to western law. | The answer to this is most definitely yes as it significantly addresses the mental health pandemic in the city. it doesn't matter what you are Indian, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, chinneese these issues affect us all if you notice those are nationalities as well as religions stated. | ||||||||||||||||||
28 | Jyoti Gondek | Mayoral | Sept. 28 | Yes | Yes. As a councillor, I requested that the White Goose Flying recommendations be taken seriously through making it a standing committee update at Priorities & Finance Committee. By focusing on what needs to be done each month, action becomes more likely. Further, I have advocated for a dedicated percentage of funds from City land sales to be committed to the Indigenous Relations Office and actions in the report. | I have been educating myself in the history of residential schools and the 60s scoop, and the intergenerational trauma that was perpetuated by those two injustices. My own journey has involved speaking with friends and colleagues who are Indigenous to understand lived experiences. I am also taking the University of Alberta Indigenous Canada course. I’m committed to making sure we action the recommendations of the TRC. | Harm reduction strategies must be guided by experts, and I have worked with different organizations to better understand service delivery models. Overwhelmingly, the recommendations are: 1) to situate supervised consumption sites near spaces where other services are sought by people in positions of vulnerability (e.g. Drop In Centre, Alpha House), 2) engage the surrounding community early and often, and 3) advocate for clean supply. | It’s important to set a schedule of meetings between elected officials. Once the cadence is established, it allows for relationships to grow. Hosting responsibilities should be shared so each party can experience the city & region from different perspectives, which also goes a long way to demonstrating ties to the land for the Indigenous community. | By working with the Indigenous Relations Office and identified liaisons from Indigenous communities, we can work toward a memorial that will not wither over time from impact of the elements. However, we must ensure the memorial is accessible to all and representative of the dual intent to remember the children who died in residential schools, as well as our commitment towards reconciliation. | The Calgary Police Service and Calgary Police Commission jointly brought forward a budget in 2020 that identified the need and ability to reallocate a proportion of the CPS budget towards partnerships. Focusing on Indigenous partnerships has been deemed a priority by CPS leadership. I am fully in support of this action. | |||||||||||||||||
29 | Grace Yan | Mayoral | grace@graceyanformayor.com | Sept 30 | Without a doubt the atrocities committed against the First Nations peoples in Canada constitutes genocide. For decades, First Nations were subjected to colonialist policies designed to systematically destroy a proud people. | I am a strong believer that we must acknowledge history, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. It is the only way our society can appreciate the true depth of human suffering and the long lasting impacts it has on victims.I fully agree that a lack of understanding makes for poor public policy decisions. If I am elected Mayor I am committed to combining efforts with Indigenous Calgarians to work towards implementing the Calls to Action. | I have spoken with First Nations Chiefs from Treaty 7 and they are helping to organize a forum so I can better learn how I can support their communities as Mayor.On a more personal level, I have Indigenous family members so I have witnessed intergenerational trauma first hand with my brother in law and nephews. Providing love, support and understanding during difficult times is integral to healing. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just listen and be present. | I am also an advocate of harm reduction strategies. We have seen an alarming increase in opioid overdoses during the pandemic, exacerbated by lockdowns. During these trying times, people need help more than ever to combat mental health and addictions issues.It is imperative that we get lethal drugs like carfentaniloff our streets. Naloxone isn’t is as effective on drugs this potent. We need to ensure that, in addition to harm reduction strategies, our communities are safe for everyone.As the cost of Naloxone continues to skyrocket, it makes it difficult for us as a municipality to purchase medications and provide treatment, and it limits our ability to save lives. Though we can’t do much about the moral shortcomings of the pharmaceutical industry, we can offer health services, outreach and support services and safe injection sites.Mayor Nenshi admitted that it was a mistake to have one large facility to accommodate the needs of an entire city. He later admitted that multiple safe injection sites scattered across the city would be better and I agree. As Mayor I would look for highly effective examples of ways other communities successfully deployed harm reduction programs, rather than make expensive mistakes. We have to save their lives today, or there is no chance for a better tomorrow. | I am currently engaging Treaty 7 Chiefs to learn what they need. I am deeply committed to open and transparent dialogue. Until I have the opportunity to speak with them, I won’t know how I can best support the Treaty 7 Nations.. | I think we need to create a more permanent memorial site. In addition to vandalism, the elements will destroy the current memorial. It needs to be somewhere that people can easily access and is highly visible to the community. As Mayor I would explore multiple possibilities including utilizing empty storefronts to create displays | We have a growing urban Indigenous population and it is imperative that they are well represented in terms of budget allocation. As Mayor, I will look to cut wasteful spending while increasing support for important initiatives like these. | ||||||||||||||||
30 | ((School trustee answers)) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
31 | Late: Daria Bogdanov | 7 | Oct. 10: Good Morning. My name is Joel Schulz, campaign manager for Daria Bogdanov. As Ward 7 Candidate for Calgary City Council, thanks you for your inquiry. When she is elected, she will always be available to speak with Calgarian regarding their specific issues. Below you will find a summary of the most important issues Daria feels city councillors must address: (copy and paste of platform with no Indigenous content) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
32 | *G6 continued: Secondly, I have listened. I have indigenous friends from our region in Alberta and as far west as Hidagyu and as far north as the first nations people of Tutchone. I have given them an ear to listen to their stories and the stories of their families. They have shared the struggles that they have gone through and the lasting impact of the residential schools on their families and their mental health and the advent of addiction that follows trauma. I have been there to hug them when they cried and I gave them support even though I can never fully appreciate their position. I can listen, however. Listening, supporting and educating. That has been my contribution thus far to reconciliation. If elected, I will have many more tools in my arsenal to support cooperation, collaboration and reconciliation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
33 | I believe that we can find money to support Indigenous programs without taking additional funds from police, or any other first responders. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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