Brian Bowman names members to Winnipeg indigenous advisory committee

Just months after being labelled Canada's most racist city, Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman has revealedthe full membershipof a special committee that will advise the city on ways to "build awareness, bridges and understanding"between the aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities.

Bowman first announced the creation of theMayor'sIndigenous Advisory Circle(MIAC) back in March, duringhis state of the city address. At that time, Bowman also appointedWab Kinew as the chair.

"To create unity and equality, we must build understanding. Through MIAC, much of the important work building strong bridges in our community will continue," Bowman said on Monday.

"I want to thank each member of the circle for sharing their experience and knowledge to help build a stronger Winnipeg."

Most racist city

A Jan. 22Maclean's Magazine articlelabelling Winnipeg the most racist city in Canada helpedpromptthe formation of the circle.

"Five months since the Maclean's article, we have sort of grappled with what that means. We've sort of taken our lumps as a city, but now I think we've returned to a place where we can move forward in a good way," Kinew said.

The advisory committee will help implementsuggestions thatcame out of theTruth and Reconciliation Commission and work to improvethe economic lives of indigenous people in the city, Kinew said.

"The whole city would be better off if every kid reaches their full potential. If every indigenous person in this city was doing better,everyone benefits," Kinew said. "Arising tide lifts all boats."

'Ushering in a new era'

Kinew, theassociate vice-president for indigenous relations at the University of Winnipeg, said he looks forward "to ushering in an era when First Nations, Mtis and Inuit cultures are celebrated by all Winnipeggers."

"In terms of the broader vision of making Winnipeg a place that celebrates the indigenous component to its identity,that's going to be a years-long process."

The advisory circlewill start offwith atraining program for city staff on indigenous culture. It will alsolook for ways to make indigenous women and girls safer on the streets.

The MIACmeetings will be held quarterly, with the first meetingset forSept.17.

The full list of indigenous advisory circle members includes:

• Mayor Brian Bowman
• Wab Kinew, chair
• Coun.Cindy Gilroy
• Harry Bone, elder
• Mae Louise Campbell, elder
• Esther Ducharme, elder
• Marcia Anderson-Decoteau
• Jessica Dumas
• EJ Fontaine
• Damon Johnston
• Kimberley Puhach
• Dee Thomas-Hart
• Manley A. Begay Jr.
• Cindy Blackstock
• Alan Greyeyes
• Chief Robert Louie
• Sean McCormick
• Justice Murray Sinclair
• Kerri Tattuinee
• Jamie Wilson