My Commitment Following Indigenous Peoples Day

On June 21, many across Edmonton gathered to recognize and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. This day is about honouring the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities whose cultures, histories, and contributions continue to shape this land. In our city, and especially here in Ward sipiwiyiniwak, these relationships are not just symbolic. They are real, immediate, and deserve active attention every day of the year.

Ward sipiwiyiniwak borders Enoch Cree Nation, a sovereign Indigenous community with a proud history and strong vision for the future. Our proximity offers a unique opportunity to build a municipal relationship grounded in respect, reciprocity, real collaboration on economic and social goals. As a city councillor candidate, I am committed to supporting meaningful partnerships between the City of Edmonton and Indigenous communities, particularly our neighbours at Enoch Cree Nation.

My Commitments as a City Councillor Candidate

I come into this work as an immigrant from a colonized country, with deep respect for the Indigenous peoples of this land. I have had the honour of learning from perspectives of Indigenous leaders, organizations, advocates and neighbours here in Edmonton, in politics and in community. They all say that reconciliation must be more than words. It must be seen through consistent actions, policy choices, and relationship-building rooted in trust.

Based on that conversation, my own values, and what I continue to learn, here are some of the ways I intend to support Indigenous communities at the municipal level:

Promote Mutual Recognition and Respect with Enoch Cree Nation

• Ensure the City of Edmonton continues to show up in a good way in intergovernmental dialogue with Enoch leadership.

• Look for opportunities to co-develop policies or programs that respect Enoch’s sovereignty while finding mutual benefit, such as shared emergency services planning, economic development initiatives, regional transit coordination, special cultural and economic zones, and urban reserves.

Uplift Indigenous Culture, Language, and Visibility

• Support the continuation and expansion of initiatives like Indigenous art in public spaces, Indigenous-language signage, and cultural protocols at city events.

• Advocate for more Indigenous representation in City boards, agencies, and public consultations, especially in areas like urban planning, housing, policing and community safety.

Support Learning and Anti-Colonial Work Within City Hall

• Encourage consistent cultural competency and anti-racism training for city staff and elected officials, not just as a checkbox, but as an ongoing journey.

• Promote policies that embed truth-telling and equity in the city's core operations.

Champion Housing, Health, and Safety Equity

• Push for increased support to Indigenous-led housing and service organizations, including those working in homelessness, mental health, and harm reduction.

• Collaborate with Indigenous organizations on programs that address systemic barriers Indigenous residents face in accessing city services, employment, and infrastructure.

Practice Relationship Before Policy

I commit to being present at Indigenous community events, listening when invited, and supporting long-term conversations rather than quick-fix solutions. True reconciliation requires patience and consistency. I believe that building trust and showing up with humility are just as important as writing motions or casting votes.

Let’s Build a City That Moves Forward Together

The City of Edmonton is already taking meaningful steps toward stronger, more respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities. For example, the Community Engagement Indigenous Framework guides how public consultations include and centre Indigenous voices. Meanwhile, the Indigenous Relations Office works across departments to build and maintain relationships, and the Indigenous Artist-in-Residence Program amplifies Indigenous creativity in civic spaces. On the housing front, the City supports several Indigenous-led housing initiatives to address specific needs within Indigenous communities. I encourage you to explore these initiatives online, learn about what’s happening now, and consider how we can build on these foundations.

Your lived experiences, ideas, and perspectives matter deeply. Whether you live in ward sipiwiyiniwak or carry connection to one of the many Nations across Treaty 6 and all of Turtle Island, I invite you to reach out. Please share what’s working well, where we have more work to do, or how you would like to see your city step forward together. I welcome your feedback, your stories, and your vision for a city that celebrates and supports Indigenous communities, socially, culturally, and politically.

Finally, for those who need the resources to learn the Indigenous ward names, this Indigenous Ward Naming Knowledge Committee page outlines the history, process and meanings behind the names, including the pronunciation guide.

Let’s move forward in true partnership, with listening, learning, and action.