HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-25Clarftwn
Clarington Diversity Advisory Committee
Thursday, June 25, 2020, 7:00 PM
Microsoft Teams
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Present: Councillor Ron Hooper
Sajida Kadri
Meera McDonald
Laila Shafi
Rachel Traore
Also Present: George Acorn — Director, Community Services
Erica Mittag — Community Development Coordinator
Lee -Ann Reck — Manager, Client Services
Presenters: Reverend Michelle Brotherton
Roberta Ransom
Lauren Reyes -Grange
Regrets: Ashfaque Choudhry
Absent: Derryck Lamptey
Rajeshwari Saharan
John Sawdon
The meeting called to order at 7:06 p.m.
1. Land Acknowledgement
Rachel Traore read the Land Acknowledgement Statement
2. Presentations
a) Reverend Michelle Brotherton and Roberta Ransom presented on behalf of
St. Paul's Circle of Indigenous Friends and Advocates. Their group is
committed to developing a deeper appreciation for and understanding of
Indigenous culture, history and current reality. Their goal is to engage
church communities in Clarington and to reach to the broader community.
Roberta Ransom shared information about their event this fall: Indigenous
Awareness Days. The event will be held virtually with a kick-off event on
Friday, September 25 and various speakers and sessions throughout the
month of October.
b) Lauren Reyes -Grange spoke to the Committee about her experiences
as a Clarington resident. Lauren recognized the Committee issued a
statement speaking out against anti -Black racism, however felt the timing
took too long and lacked urgency. She shared recommendations for
visibility on social media. Erica Mittag will share these concerns with the
Municipality's Communications Team. Lauren voiced concerns about hate
symbols seen in the community. She would like to see a by-law passed to
address these symbols. Rachel Traore accepted her concerns on behalf of
the Committee and shared that the Committee is working with the
Municipality to put anti -Black racism plans in place.
2. Adoption of Agenda
Moved by Meera McDonald, seconded by Councillor Ron Hooper
That the agenda of the meeting of June 25, 2020 be approved as amended.
Carried
3. Adoption of Minutes
Moved by Laila Shafi, seconded by Sajida Kadri
That the minutes of the meetings of May 28 and June 4, 2020 be approved.
Carried
4. Update on Presentation to General Government Committee
Rachel Traore provided an update on the presentation she made on behalf of
the Committee to General Government Committee on Monday, June 22, 2020.
The presentation was well received with supportive comments and questions
from Mayor Foster and Members of Council.
5. Council and Community Updates
Councillor Ron Hooper shared:
a) The Municipality of Clarington approved Report FND-108-20 which includes a
$2 million package consisting of a Community Improvement Plan and a
Temporary Property Tax Relief Program
b) Communications have been received by the Mayor and Councillors' Offices
addressing various concerns about racism and suggestions of ways to take
action. Should there be communications that require support from the
Committee, the Municipality's Communications team could be connected with
Rachel Traore and Meera McDonald (Note: Through Erica Mittag, Community
Development Coordinator). Upon further discussion, the Committee felt that a
subcommittee should be formed (of existing Committee members as well as
previous Committee applicants and community members who have reached
out) to address this important work and that other members of the community
(i.e. past Committee applicants and presenters) could be invited to participate.
Representation from the Committee is still to be determined.
Moved by Laila Shafi, seconded by Meera McDonald
That a subcommittee to focus on anti -Black racism be formed and that anti -
Black racism be included in the training strategy that is being developed.
Carried
c) The Durham Black Accountability Coalition has requested a meeting with
Mayor Foster. He would like Rachel as the Chair of the Diversity Advisory
Committee to join him at this meeting.
d) Regional Chair John Henry has sent out a media release stating a Durham
Region Town Hall event will be held later in the summer to discuss anti -Black
racism. Dates to be confirmed.
e) Chief of Police, Paul Martin of the Durham Regional Police Services issued a
statement which included actions the DRPS has committed to in our
community to address systemic racism and discrimination.
f) The Municipality of Clarington is conducting a Ward Boundary Review. The
public is invited to participate. Virtual information sessions are being held and
an online survey is available. Visit www.clarington.net/WardBoundarvReview
for more information.
Erica Mittag shared:
g) The Municipality of Clarington approved the Community COVID-19 Relief
Program which provides support to non -profits and volunteer organizations.
h) Recently and internal staff Diversity and Inclusion Team was approved.
Member recruitment is currently underway. The Team will develop an action
plan and will work in collaboration and simultaneously with the Diversity
Advisory Committee.
6. Anti -Racism Initiatives
Rachel Traore shared that the Committee should be looking out for funding
programs that support anti -Black racism initiatives. The Federal Government,
through the Department of Canadian Heritage recently had an Anti -Racism
Action Progran available. Should this come available again, the Committee
should ensure they are able to react and apply for funding.
7. Diversity Lens
Erica Mittag is working on the template with guidelines to facilitate the
development of the framework and content of the aspects of a Diversity Lens.
This will be shared by email in the coming weeks. Any Committee Members who
would like to assist the Diversity Lens working group will be welcome to do so.
8. Other Business
a) Councillor Hooper shared that the Municipality has been contacted by a group
looking to organize a rally in support of Black Lives Matter on Sunday, July 5,
2020. The Mayor is scheduled to meet with the organizer. George Acorn
shared that the Municipality is not sure how to support the event considering
current Provincial Orders that prohibit social gatherings of more than 10
people. George will follow up with Mayor Foster.
b) Rachel Traore asked the Committee Members about the opportunity to meet
in the summer months. The Members felt a meeting would be needed in July.
The next meeting of the Diversity Advisory Committee is now scheduled for
July 23, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Moved by Laila Shafi seconded by Meera McDonald
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
Next meeting: Thursday, July 23, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
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