HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquity Anti-Racism Advisory Committee Minutes - 2022-10-26EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 26, 2022 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee to Council met electronically this date, commencing at
5:30 p.m.
Present: Saba Oji (Co-Chair), Paul Okoye (Co-Chair), Aaliyah Whyte-Watson, Andrea Daley, Avni
Adams, Ayesha Munir, Sharon Van Manen, Shawn (Bangishimo) Johnston, Yexin Tan
Absent: Christine Furniss, Danny Martin
Staff: Rea Parchment, Committee Staff Liaison
Amanda Drumond, Committee Administrator
Guests: Andrea Amog (student), I Lam Ko (student)
1. CHECK-IN AND REQUEST TO ADOPT AGENDA ITEMS
Agenda items reviewed and approved.
Committee members shared their reflections and perspectives on the experience of participating on the
Equity & Anti-Racism Advisory Committee.
2. RISE FUND & PROJECT UPDATES
RISE Fund Grant Applications
Rea shared with the group an update on the status of the RISE Fund grant applications. The city was
able to fully fund five (5) applicants, and partially fund one (1) applicant. The following is a list of the
successful recipients:
- Levant Canada
- ForUsGirls
- African Community Wellness Initiative (ACWI)
- Association of Liberian Immigrants in Kitchener Environs (ALIKE)
- BeBlended
- Rohingya Centre of Canada
All applicants have been notified of their status, and successful recipients have been asked to keep the
news confidential until the legal agreements have been finalized and signed in full.
News of the successful recipients will be shared broadly through a council update and media release.
Queen Victoria Statue Engagement Strategy
The city has launched an equity-driven engagement and education process exploring the history and
impacts of the Queen Victoria statue located in Victoria Park. The city has partnered with Jay Pitter
Placemaking to facilitate this project. The first session will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 1 via Instagram
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EQUITY & ANTI-RACISM ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES
October 26, 2022 CITY OF KITCHENER
live; community members are invited to join Jay Pitter for an ything
questions about the project and process.
New Director, Equity, Anti-Racism & Indigenous Initiatives (EARII)
Sophia Stanberry has joined the city and began her new role as Director of the EARII division on
October 21, 2022.
Question was raised on the status of the applications for the new term of EARAC; it was advised that the
interim selection committee have completed their review of applications and recommended 12 new
committee members. However, recommendations will need to go forward to the new term of City
Council, applicants will be notified likely in December.
3. WORKPLAN DISCUSSION & FINALIZING
Saba shared the final version of the committee workplan; group discussion took place to further refine
actions and make final changes.
Request was made for Rea to provide a final review of the workplan document for spelling, grammar,
formatting, etc. Rea intends to share the finalized workplan with City Council.
Agreement was made to have a member from the existing committee present the workplan to the next
committee group, which would be helpful to tell the story and give additional background context.
Suggestion was made to include a summary of the process that was followed to create the workplan.
4. COMMITTEE RECOGNITION & WRAP UP
Mayor will be presenting certificates of recognition to all committee members at a Special Council
Meeting taking place on Nov 7, 2022 at 7:00pm; invites will follow.
Victoria Raab joined the meeting to give closing remarks and extend appreciation for the work
of the committee during the first term.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 6:46 pm.
A. Drumond
Committee Administrator
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