New member brings Indigenous perspective to Calgary police commission

A new appointee to the Calgary police commission says she hopes to bring an Aboriginal perspective to the body that provides civilian oversight to the force.

Marilyn North Peigan, a member of the Piikani First Nation, is one of three female appointees, all of whom come from diverse backgrounds.

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"I think it's very important to have that reflection of the Aboriginal community in those positions of power, and be able to reflect their needs as well, because the relationship between the Aboriginal community and policing in general has been very unique," said North Peigan, who is a warrant officer with the Southern Alberta Corps of Commissionaires.

Other new commission appointees include city councillor Jyoti Gondek, management consultant Amira Dassouki, and retired Canadian Forces veteran Roy Goodall.

The Calgary police commission has11 members nine members of the public and two who can be municipal appointees, either councillors or municipal employees.

The current members are:

• Brian Thiessen, chair
• Lisa Silver,vice-chair
• Chris Salmon, vice-chair
• Johnathan Liu.
• Tyler Shandro.
• Richard Sigurdson.
• Marilyn North Peigan.
• Roy Goodall.
• Amira Dassouki.
• Coun. Ward Sutherland.
• Coun. Jyoti Gondek.

North Peigan said she's happy to see the commission moving towardits goal, affirmed in a motion passed earlier this year, to bolster the diversity of its membership.

"I believe the leadership can make better decisions, improving gender and culture diversity, and it should also reflect the needs of the community on the board itself," she said.

"I think I can offer my voice in a healthy, engaging debate and also to find a way to make an impact in the community."

Board chair Brian Thiessen said the appointments are a good step towardgender parity.

"We've made significant progress. As you can see we've increased our diversity and gender diversity on the commission. Just like I've said for the service, it's a work in progress," he said.

"We've selected four new commissioners, three of which are women and most importantly very accomplished individuals who are highly qualified for the commission. I'm very confident that as we proceed we'll reach parity."

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