By Shane Clausing

indigenous advisor

City looking to hire Indigenous Advisor to help grow relationship with Indigenous community

Feb 12, 2022 | 5:00 AM

At Grande Prairie City Council’s February 7 meeting, members approved to begin the process of hiring an Indigenous Advisor.

The goal of this hire is to help begin taking steps toward reconciliation and help build relationships with the local Indigenous community.

Angela Sutherland the Manager of Community Social Development with the City of Grande Prairie says residents in the community came to council, suggesting there was a need to hire for a position like this.

“I think the city has always had a commitment to working within the truth and reconciliation calls to action with the Indigenous community,” she stated.

“It was a result of the community coming forward to city council and saying that we really need a position that could help build relationships and communication between Grande Prairie and the Indigenous community.”

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Sutherland says they have worked with local Indigenous leaders to figure out how to best utilize this position in the region.

“What we have done was actually consult with key stakeholders in the Indigenous communities and ask their input on what kind of position would be most beneficial in their minds,” Sutherland explained.

“Some of the key themes that emerged was a position that would provide leadership, cultural expectations, consultation and direction to really advance, guide and develop the city’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous people.”

The position would also oversee the development of appropriate corporate strategies, which Sutherland says is to ensure the city is taking the right steps to honour the calls for action for Truth and Reconciliation.

More details on the position will be ironed out over the coming months.

Sutherland tells EverythingGP hiring for a position like this is becoming more common throughout other municipalities across Alberta.

“I can’t speak for all municipalities, but in our environmental scan and some municipalities I have spoken with, there is different progress with Indigenous relations,” she said.

“Some already have established work units in their municipalities addressing Indigenous relations and others are like us and continue to build some capacity there with regards to the importance of this work within the organization.”

Sutherland says council approving a spot for a position like this is very encouraging.

“I think it’s a really exciting time. I’m very pleased that council had directed and endorsed this position.”