Insert Report title (same title as on page 1)
Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee
2007 Annual Activity Report
Recommendation:That the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee’s 2007 Annual Activity Report, as outlined in Attachment 1, of the August25, 2008, Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee report 2008CAEA01, be received for information.
Report Summary
The Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee has submitted its annual activity report for 2007.
Report
· The activities of Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee in 2007 are outlined in Attachment 1. Overall 2007 was an exciting and challenging year. The Committee was involved in a number of issues and events throughout the year, but most especially valued the opportunity to be involved in the Dreamcatchers Conference for Aboriginal Youth and in the creation of Wicihitowin.
· Under City Policy C476B, Civic Agencies report, the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee is required to report annually on its activities.
· Under the Procedures and Committees Bylaw 12300, the Committee reports to Council through Executive Committee.
Justification of RecommendationCommittees of Council are required to submit to Council an annual activity report.
Attachments
- Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee Annual Activity Report 2007
Page 6 of 1
Attachment 1
EAUAC Annual Activity Report 2007
ANNUAL ACTIVITY REPORT
2007
Submitted By:
Karen MacKenzie, Chair
Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee
Web Site: www.aboriginal-edmonton.com
Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee
Annual Activity Report 2007
Contents
A. Report Summary
B. Introduction
C. 2007 Significant Activities and Events
a) From the Accord Office to the Aboriginal Relations Office
b) Accord Relationship Reviews
c) Wicihitowin: Circle of Shared Responsibility
d) Bannock and Tea at City Hall
e) National Aboriginal Day
f) Rossdale Flats Traditional Burial Grounds
g) Mayor’s Luncheon
h) Nellie Carlson Youth Awards
i) Western Municipalities Aboriginal Gathering
D. Ongoing Participation in Community Development
a) Safe Edmonton
b) Families First
c) Focus Edmonton
E. Communications
a) EAUAC Web site: www.aboriginal-edmonton.com
b) Edmonton Examiner
F. EAUAC Internal governance
a) EAUAC policy Development
G. 2008 Projections
H. EAUAC Chair Concluding Remarks
EAUAC MEMBERS 2007
Carmen Callihoo, Derek Chewka, Chantelle Favell-Rubenstahl, Karen Fox, Nicole Hetu, Miranda Jimmy, Karen MacKenzie (Chair), Lori Sokoluk, Wendy Walker,
Resignations: Shannon Souray (Feb-07), Tibetha Kemble (Feb-07), Carla Elder (Feb-07), Ruth Suvee (April-07), Caroline Foster (June-07), Angela Ferguson (June-07), Dave Ward (June-07), Ilene Cardinal-Nepoose (Sept-07), Gwen Creighton (Sept-07), Kathryn Skov (Dec-07).
Appointed April 2007: Norm McCallum, Harold Robinson, Kathryn Skov.
Appointed December 2007: Lanny Der, Holly Carpenter, Dallas Kleckner, Gloria Borg, Melody Manuel
A. Report Summary
The Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee is a volunteer committee working, “to act as a catalyst to developments for Aboriginal people in the City and Edmonton and to act as a liaison, advisory and support body to the City of Edmonton, and its representatives, in its dealing with the Aboriginal people living in the City of Edmonton”.
This report summarizes key EAUAC events and outcomes for 2007. In summary, 2007 was an interesting and challenging year. The role of EAUAC was in transition as the Aboriginal Relations Office (ARO) became operational and many of the activities in which EAUAC participated migrated to the auspices of the ARO. In addition, the Aboriginal community has participated in the development of a mechanism, Wicihitowin; Circle of Shared Responsibility and Stewardship which includes EAUAC in a leadership role. This has allowed EAUAC to begin the process of re-defining itself.
In 2007, EAUAC was part of several community events engaging Edmontonians on Aboriginal issues. Additionally, the Committee held nine monthly meetings, plus additional Strategic Planning facilitated Sessions in April, July, and August 2007. This planning resulted in an updated three year strategic plan that will guide EAUAC in its work through the identification of three strategic areas of focus: communications, celebrations, and community participation.
There was significant turnover in membership throughout the year. In May, after a spring recruitment campaign, three new members were recommended by the committee and appointed by City Council. However by the end of 2007, new leadership and membership were the focus for the upcoming year.
B. Introduction
EAUAC was established in 1994 in a cooperative effort led by an Aboriginal Inter-Agency Committee and Mayor and City Council. The actions of EAUAC are directed by the Committee’s initial Terms of Reference that were adopted by City Council in 1994 and then revised in 1998. In 2004, the Terms of Reference were changed to The City of Edmonton Bylaw 13720. In accordance with the Bylaw 13720 at least 50%, plus one member shall be Aboriginal; and, members will be selected based on their merit and commitment to the Aboriginal community, without consideration as to tribal origin or membership in any special interest group. Each appointment made by Council is for a term of one year, up to two consecutive three year terms for a maximum of six years.
C. 2007 Significant Activities and Events
a) From the Accord Office to the Aboriginal Relations Office
In January of 2007, the Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Accord Initiative Project Office was rebranded to become the permanent Aboriginal Relations Office (ARO) to continue to providing a link between Aboriginal community members and the City Administration. EAUAC now receives administrative assistance from the Aboriginal Relations Office
b) Accord Relationship Reviews
In order to keep the Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Accord Relationship alive, the Aboriginal Relations Office coordinated meetings to review partnerships, progress and discuss potentials. In 2007, there were 3 Accord Relationship reviews: Sacred Self Art Series (March 2007), Nekanihiw Aquatics Program (June 2007), and the Cultural and Ceremonial Land Area Project (September 2007). EAUAC plays a leadership role at the Accord Relationship Reviews by chairing these meetings. This is an opportunity for EAUAC to learn more about and engage in dialogue on community and City partnerships as intended by the Accord Relationship.
c) Wicihitowin: Circle of Shared Responsibility
As a result of the extensive Accord Initiative, the Your City, Your Voice report was published to illustrate the extensive results from consultations with Aboriginal community members as well as to highlight community priorities in addressing community issues. A mechanism to implement these priorities was initiated through Aboriginal Community Action Circles and an Action Circle Secretariat called Wicihitowin”: Circle of Shared Responsibiltiy. Two EAUAC members, Miranda Jimmy and Karen MacKenzie participated in its formation by developing the Terms of Relationship. Former EAUAC member, Dave Ward, became the Community Coordinator of Wicihitowin – Circle of Shared Responsibility in July 2007. Karen MacKenzie became the Co-Chair of Wicihitowin and was introduced at the Community gathering on June 11, 2007. EAUAC sees their participation as imperative to remain updated on community concerns, suggestions, and initiatives that may be of interest to City Administration and Council.
d) Bannock and Tea at City Hall - May 2007
In May 2007, EAUAC hosted the Bannock and Tea at City Hall that featured various cultural performers from the local Aboriginal community. EAUAC views this event as an important means for engaging the wider Edmonton community about Aboriginal issues and honouring the Aboriginal community by showcasing diversity and talents of local performers and artisans.
e) National Aboriginal Day – June 2007
National Aboriginal Day is an important event to celebrate Aboriginal peoples in the city and across the continent. EAUAC maintained representation throughout the year in the planning stages of National Aboriginal Day event and, during the opening ceremonies, the Co-chair of EAUAC brought greetings and provided an overview of how the Aboriginal community plays an important role in the city.
f) Rossdale Flats Traditional Burial Grounds & Fort Edmonton Cemetery – August 2007
The Rossdale Flats is a designated cemetery which also became a memorial park in recognition and protection of the human remains that were unearthed at the Rossdale Burial Site. The Commemorative Site was completed in June 2007 with unveiling of the preserved sacred site on August 11th, 2007. Two EAUAC co-chairs attended the ceremony and feel it is a positive step in the recognition of Aboriginal historical ties to the community. EAUAC will continue to dialogue on this and other historic sites to ensure recognition and preservation of Aboriginal histories.
g) Mayor’s Luncheon – October 2007
The EAUAC’s Mayor’s Luncheon is held each year with Mayor and Council to provide an opportunity for the EAUAC members to meet directly with the Mayor and Councillors to share information over lunch. This is an opportunity for both Mayor and Council to hear about issues of concern, local Aboriginal events and celebrations, give and take feedback and possible directions for Aboriginal people who make Edmonton their home. This year, the committee tried a less-formal “speed-dating” approach where issues and concerns were shared in a fun, yet informative manner.
h) Nellie Carlson Youth Awards at Dreamcatchers Conference – October 2007
In honour of Aboriginal Elder Nellie Carlson, the Nellie Carlson Youth awards recognize Aboriginal youth for their excellence, leadership, perseverance and strength. These youth receive a signed certificate by the Mayor and a five hundred dollar monetary award for their educational endeavours. This year’s event was scheduled during the opening ceremonies of the Dreamcatchers Conference for Aboriginal youth in a unique partnership between EAUAC and Dreamcatchers. Two EAUAC members, Karen MacKenzie and Wendy Walker, delivered a workshop at the same conference to over twenty-five participants to examine opportunities for other communities to develop Aboriginal Youth Awards.
i) Western Municipalities Aboriginal Gathering – October 2007
The 7th Annual Western Municipalities Aboriginal Gathering was held in Calgary. Several EAUAC members attended and were overly impressed as Edmonton presented itself as a leader on Aboriginal issues due to continued support from our Mayor, Council, and current City Administration. This event was a wonderful opportunity to network across municipalities and share best practices.
D. Ongoing Participation in Community Development
a) Safe Edmonton
EAUAC continues to maintain representation on this community-based initiative in developing strategies for community organizations to help build a safer Edmonton. This is seen as an important initiative for the Aboriginal community as there are many Aboriginal people who are vulnerable throughout the city. Therefore, we are making efforts to contribute to this effort.
b) Families First
One EAUAC member made a commitment to participate on the Steering Committee of Families First to provide ongoing feedback through the pilot of this initiative. EAUAC influenced a greater outreach to Aboriginal families.
c) Focus Edmonton
The City of Edmonton is preparing a city-wide long-range land-use plan that will address strong economic and population growth and other related questions such as future land development and redevelopment decisions. Two EAUAC members participated in the community consultations and focus groups throughout the year to ensure that Aboriginal voices were included in the City Plan.
E. EAUAC Communications
a) EAUAC Web site: www.aboriginal-edmonton.com
It was agreed that the EAUAC’s website, www.aboriginal-edmonton.com needs to be redeveloped to become a useful tool for the EAUAC and the citizens of Edmonton. It is used to provide information on the Committee’s activities, Committee Member changes, Reports, Employment opportunities, Nellie Carlson Youth Award Recipients and current activities. EAUAC remains dedicated to further develop and make this tool more effective in 2008.
b) Edmonton Examiner
Part of EAUAC’s role to engage Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members is achieved through a monthly feature in the Edmonton Examiner. These articles highlight significant events, community leaders, and other success stories from the Aboriginal community. It is seen as an effective means to introduce community roles models and showcase the success stories of urban Aboriginal people.
F. EAUAC Internal Governance
a) Policy Development
EAUAC recognized the need to develop policy in several areas in order to clarify and standardize practices and procedures. With consultation and participation of the entire committee, EAUAC developed a website policy outlining updating procedures. A second policy, the attendance policy outlined procedures for informing members of their commitments with the Committee. Finally, the member acknowledgement policy outlined procedures for thanking members who had left the Committee.
G 2008 Projections
EAUAC looks forward to an exciting year. There has been significant turnover at the Executive committee with every member tendering their resignation so that new leadership has taken the helm. New members have been recruited and are excited about the role that they will play. EAUAC has committed to furthering internal governance and policy such as work with a Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest guidelines for voluntary members. In addition, EAUAC will play a significant leadership role in the development and support of Wicihitowin Circle of Shared Responsibility as EAUAC’s Chair also Co-chairs Wicihitowin. In order to continue our support for Aboriginal initiatives within the City of Edmonton, EAUAC will also encourage individuals from the Aboriginal community to participate in all city-wide boards and commissions. Finally, in 2008, effective and positive communications is a priority.
H. EAUAC Chair Concluding Remarks
The Members of EAUAC are committed to creating equal partnerships between the City of Edmonton and its citizens and ensuring that the principles of the Accord Relationship are upheld and manifested in every aspect of what we do. We encourage all citizens who are interested in playing a role to begin with their participation in one of the Action Circles which comprise Wicihitowin. This will enable them to recognize the issues that face the community at the grassroots level. Through their participation and development they will bring a stronger voice to EAUAC. EAUAC is also committed to keeping the community informed of its activities.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen MacKenzie, Chair
Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee
Page 6 of 6 Report: 2008CAEA01 Attachment 1