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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-12Clarington Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee Minutes If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Date: Thursday, March 12, 2026 Time: 7:00p.m. In -Person: Microsoft Teams Roll Call: Present: B. Neblett (Chair) A. Tesluk D. Watt K. Kassirer L. Reyes -Grange P. Gunti R. Hooper S. Paguirigan T. Shomar Regrets: Councillor Anderson V. Wong Also Present: N. Balakumar — Staff Liaison D. Smith — CLMA 1. Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. The Chair advised that B. Gruber has resigned from the Committee due to a change in employment. The vacancy will be addressed through the standard appointment process. 2. Land Acknowledgement Statement The Chair led the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement Statement. 3. Declaration of Interest There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting. 4. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes Page 2 Moved by: T.Shomar Seconded by: R. Hooper That the minutes from the February 12, 2026, meeting, be approved. Carried 5. Discussion on Delegation Presentation Re: Expanding the Municipal Land Acknowledgement The Committee discussed follow-up to a previous delegation regarding the municipal land acknowledgement. A draft motion proposing a formal review of the statement was considered. Staff confirmed that guidance already exists to support personalized land acknowledgements, and that education is underway with staff and Council. Committee members emphasized the importance of reviewing the acknowledgement for accuracy, inclusivity, and continued relevance, and of consulting with local First Nations as part of the process. Minor procedural and wording refinements were identified. Moved by: K. Kassirer Seconded by: S. Paguirigan Whereas Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee (CDAC) is committed to meaningful reconciliation and to ensuring that its practices reflect respect for the histories, rights, and presence of Indigenous Peoples; and Whereas additional historical information was presented to CDAC indicating that the lands upon which we gather are situated on the traditional territory of the Huron-Wendat people, who inhabited the north shore of Lake Ontario, including the area near the Rouge River and toward Prince Edward County, particularly during the 14th and 15th centuries; and Whereas the Huron-Wendat were agriculturalists who established villages near water sources, and their presence in the region historically overlapped with other Nations; and Whereas land acknowledgements are living statements that should reflect accurate historical understanding, evolving knowledge, and ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities; and Page 3 Whereas CDAC recognizes the importance of engaging directly with local First Nations communities to ensure that any acknowledgement statement is respectful, accurate, and reflective of their perspectives; and Whereas land acknowledgements are most meaningful when delivered as a personal reflection that demonstrates individual awareness, learning, and commitment, rather than solely as a scripted statement; Therefore be it resolved that CDAC recommend that Council direct staff to: 1. Formally review the current Land Acknowledgement Statement to ensure historical accuracy, inclusivity, and alignment with best practices; and 2. Undertake the review in consultation with local First Nations communities, including but not limited to Alderville First Nation, which shall be engaged first in recognition of the existing relationship; and 3. Prioritize dialogue, transparency, and respect for the knowledge and guidance shared by participating Nations in the consultation process; and 4. Bring forward, for approval through the appropriate governance process, any recommended revisions to the Land Acknowledgement Statement; and 5. Review the Land Acknowledgement Statement on a recurring basis, at minimum every two (2) years, to ensure continued relevance, accuracy, and alignment with community guidance. Carried 6. Encouraging Civic Participation on Council Advisory Committee The Committee discussed a proposed motion aimed at strengthening civic participation and effectiveness of Council advisory committees. The discussion included exploring alternate members, increasing community awareness, facilitating training opportunities, and committee support. Moved by: T.Shomar Seconded by: L.Reyes-Grange Whereas a thriving democracy requires public accountability, but also a climate which encourages good people to step up and support their community without fear of personal attacks and misinformation; and Page 4 Whereas advisory committees serve an important role in advising Council on specific issues; and Whereas advisory committee members volunteer their time, effort and lived experiences to make Clarington a safe, livable, and equitable community; and Whereas advisory committee members should feel safe, valued and encouraged in their work; and Whereas the current advisory committee structure may present challenges to those from various socio-economic backgrounds; and Whereas municipalities such as Ajax, Pickering and Toronto have changed their advisory committee policies to better reflect the important work and commitment of advisory committee members. Therefore be it resolved that CDAC recommend that Council direct staff to: Explore opportunities to support current and future advisory committee members in fulfilling their work, including but not limited to the following: a. Regular training for advisory committee chairs and vice -chairs (and other committee members as needed) on topics such as meeting procedure, committee -staff -council relationship, EDI, and public relations; b. Appointment of alternate members, who would automatically be appointed to an advisory committee in the event of a vacancy; and c. Holding a public open house prior to the appointments process to ensure prospective applicants understand the work of advisory committees and their roles/responsibilities. 2. Consult with advisory committees on the potential changes listed above and any other changes which would support the work of advisory committees. Carried 7. DRART Letter to DRPS Staff provided an overview of the Durham Region Anti -Racism Taskforce (DRART) letter regarding allegations involving senior Durham Regional Police Service leadership and advised that the Clarington Anti -Black Racism Advisory Page 5 Committee (CABRAC) has proposed a motion recommending Council endorsement. The Committee discussed alignment with CABRAC's approach and the importance of coordinated advisory committee action. Moved by: K. Kassirer Seconded by: D. Watt Whereas the Clarington Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee (CABRAC) has proposed a motion recommending that Council endorse the letter from the Durham Region Anti -Racism Taskforce (DRART), which raises concerns regarding anti -Black racism and systemic issues within policing institutions; and Whereas CABRAC's motion emphasizes the importance of accountability, public trust, and addressing systemic anti -Black racism within institutions that serve the community; Therefore be it resolved that CDAC support the motion brought forward by the Clarington Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee recommending that Council endorse the Durham Region Anti -Racism Taskforce letter. Carried 8. Priority Working Groups Discussion The Chair reminded members that there are limited meetings remaining before Council recess and the municipal election period and encouraged the Committee to prioritize items requiring Council consideration. Discussion focused on bursary program timelines and opportunities to open applications earlier, potential review of CDAC-related actions within the DEI Strategy, opportunities for CDAC input into major municipal projects such as the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, and Indigenous initiatives, including the importance of regional coordination and community -led approaches. 9. DEI Staff Update Staff provided updates on several initiatives, including the Black Vendor Village, which was a successful event with over 800 attendees and strong community engagement, with feedback noting space limitations and vendor balance. Page 6 Members were also advised of upcoming Pride events and invited to volunteer at Durham Pride on June 6 and the Clarington Pride Walk/Run on June 14. In addition, staff shared follow-up information related to a Community Healing Garden initiative and advised that an overview of the 2026 work plan, including areas relevant to CDAC, will be presented at the April meeting. 10. Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee is scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, commencing at 7:00 p.m. on Microsoft Teams. 11. Adjournment Moved by: L. Reyes -Grange Seconded by: K. Kassirer That the meeting adjourn at 8:27 p.m. Carried