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Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) Meeting Minutes
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Online via MS Teams
Members Present:
B. Neblett (Chair)
S. DeGrace
R. Hooper
K. Kassirer
L. Reyes-Grange
T. Shomar
A. M. Tesluk
Absent:
Councillor Anderson
B. Gruber
P. Gunti
S. Paguirian
D. Watt
V. Wong
Also Present:
N. Balakumar – Supervisor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
D. Smith – Clarington Library, Museums and Archives
M. Westover – Manager, Strategic Communications and Initiatives
The Meeting was called to order at 7:05pm.
1. Land Acknowledgement
S. DeGrace shared a personalized land acknowledgement statement.
2. Declaration of Interest
No declaration of interest by members.
3. Review and Approval of November 13, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Moved by T. Shomar; seconded by L. Reyes-Grange.
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That the minutes from the November 13, 2025, DAC meeting, be approved as
presented.
Carried.
4. New Vice-Chair Election
B. Neblett shared the Committee Vice-Chair election process and opened the floor for
nominations.
L. Reyes-Grange was nominated for the position of Vice-Chair by K. Kassirer. L. Reyes-
Grange accepted the nomination.
With no other nominations put forward, no formal vote was required, and L. Reyes-
Grange was acclaimed Committee Vice-Chair.
Moved by R. Hooper; seconded by K. Kassirer.
That L. Reyes-Grange be appointed Vice-Chair.
Carried.
5. Workplan and Priority Working Groups Discussion
The committee reviewed the identified five key areas for the remainder of their term: the
Diversity Leadership Bursary, Indigenous engagement (broadened from Indigenous
Veterans Day, incidents of hate, alignment with regional DEI initiatives and community
engagement.
Members discussed focusing on three key priorities for January-June 2026: the
Diversity Leadership Bursary, Indigenous engagement (including recognition of
significant dates) and community engagement (including civic engagement).
Incidents of hate and regional alignment will remain ongoing monitoring items, not
formal priorities.
Moved by K. Kassirer; seconded by L. Reyes-Grange.
That B. Neblett update the priority spreadsheet with timelines and working group
members.
Carried.
6. Indigenous Medicine Healing Garden
Members discussed ideas around Indigenous engagement, which included exploring
the creation of a healing garden or sacred space for reflection and learning.
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Discussions also took place on partnering with the local Legion for Indigenous Veterans
Day and the importance of consulting local Indigenous communities and continuing
relationships established during the land acknowledgement development.
Updates were shared on the development of the regional Indigenous Engagement
Strategy led by Whitby will all eight municipalities participating.
7. DEI Staff Update
N. Balakumar shared updates on two recent events. On December 3rd there were over
60 attendees at the film screening and panel discussion on homelessness. On
December 10th, there were over 140 attendees at the community conversation on
intimate partner violence. Both events had strong community engagement and received
positive feedback.
N. Balakumar shared that the annual Black Vendor Village will be coming up on
February 21st and that vendor applications are now live.
8. Adjournment
Moved by S. DeGrave; seconded by L. Reyes-Grange.
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm
Next Meeting: Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 7:00pm (virtual)