Where do Winnipeg mayoral candidates stand on reconciliation, Indigenous issues?

Coming off the second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation across Canada, the topic of reconciliation is a key element in Winnipeg’s upcoming mayoral election.

So how do candidates vying to become the city’s 44th mayor plan to address reconciliation if elected?

GLEN MURRAY

Glen Murray says when he served as the city’s 41st mayor from 1998-2004, Winnipeg became one of the first cities to introduce Land Treaty Entitlements. He says too many topics in the city are on hold, including reconciliation and reparation with Indigenous People.

“As mayor, I will take personal responsibility for ensuring the city government is following the commitments we made explicitly and implicitly to First Nations People,” said Murray. “I want Winnipeg to be the nationally recognized leader in reconciliation.

Murray says there is, in his words, an Indigenous renaissance happening in Winnipeg right now, which should be celebrated. He says he promises to put Indigenous issues on the forefront, including the topic of reconciliation, if he were to be elected mayor on Oct. 26.

“I would argue that I’ve already done a lot more than any of the other candidates.”

ROBERT-FALCON OUELLETE

Meanwhile Robert-Falcon Ouellette, who is Cree and Métis, is calling on Winnipeggers to elect the city’s first First Nations mayor. He says reconciliation is related to everyone.

“Think about the homeless, 75 per cent are Indigenous,” said Ouellette. “We want to have reconciliation, let’s get the homeless off the streets, let’s work with Indigenous governments to do this and make our lives for everyone better. Reconciliation is about all of us together, not Indigenous People, but everyone.”

Ouellette says if elected, he will have a member of his staff solely focusing on the topic of reconciliation.

“If we actually find and development the city properly, we have to have someone that has the direct link to the mayor’s office and mayor to make sure there is a follow through with what is actually going on,” he said.

MORE FROM MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN:

• Winnipeg mayoral candidates address crime
• Winnipeg mayoral candidates address infrastructure
• Winnipeg’s mayoral candidates address homelessness, housing crisis

OTHER CANDIDATES

Candidate Rick Shone wants the city to work with Indigenous governments to do more to help Indigenous newcomers find work in Winnipeg.

Sean Loney has promised to work with Indigenous elders to create a program for men and boys to promote safety for Indigenous women

And Kevin Klein has proposed creating a new position at city hall to promote Indigenous economic well-being.

Not just campaign promises, warns advocate

Katherine Legrange from the 60s Scoop Legacy of Canada says it’s important for the next mayor to continue the ongoing relationship between the city and Indigenous People that was started by current mayor Brian Bowman.

“I think there are some surface level things that could happen such as renaming of streets, changing of names that are offensive and continuing that work,” said Legrange. “From my perspective, I feel like there is economic reconciliation that could really happen. Returning of land, parks, there are always opportunities for First Nations to take over parks and re-establish their presence in the Winnipeg area.”

Legrange is reminding the candidates that Indigenous People and issues are not just campaign promises, but are key partners and stakeholders in this election.

“I’ve looked at some of the platforms of the mayoral candidates and there are a couple that I feel are genuine and have done that work already so it’ll be interesting to see who is elected,” she said. “And we are definitely watching closely.”

Winnipeggers cast their ballots in the municipal election Oct. 26.