Women Transforming Cities: Delegates to the 2022 Convention were presented with highlights on the progress local governments have made in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action at a clinic earlier today.

Speakers from Women Transforming Cities identified that 54% of surveyed municipalities have made progress on less than three calls to action; common barriers include:

• limited staff capacity
• lack of funding
• lack of knowledge and education; and
• that small towns are most challenged to make progress. 

In discussing misconceptions about the calls to action, delegates were reminded that this is the work that we’ve all been asked to do by Indigenous communities. “The calls to action empower and create permission to do more work and take ownership,” said Clara Prager, TRC Project Lead.

Councillor Wark from the District of Chetwynd provided local examples of their reconciliation work.  “Reconciliation is an ongoing effort,” said Wark and she encouraged delegates to focus on communication.  “There are so many opportunities for local governments and First Nations to work together.”

Patience is the key recommendation from Barclay Pitkethly, Deputy CAO with the District of Mission.  He provided an example of a ten-year land transfer process that will provide tremendous benefit for both the Indigenous communities and the local government.