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City of Dryden Reveals ‘Working Circle’ Details

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Dryden City Council has approved eight members to the new “Working Circle” sub-committee including Indigenous residents, city councillors and staff members.

Members appointed to the group include: Cheryl Edwards, Lisa Kooshet, Neil McLeod, Lloyd Napish, Councillor Norm Bush, Councillor Shayne MacKinnon, Councillor Michelle Price and CAO Roger Nesbitt.

Shayne MacKinnon says these members are leaders in the community and in the area.

“To have those folks at the table along with Councillors Price and Bush and Mr. Nesbitt, I think that we can really express some thoughtful and timely recommendations to council.”

The group is the first of its kind in Dryden and will play a critical role in helping the City achieve its Strategic Plan goals.

The idea of the Working Circle came from Norm Bush in July in hopes of improving relations with Indigenous peoples.

“In these times as we can see north and south of the border with all of the strewth that’s taken place in society, I think we can do some things in Dryden that will help propel Dryden forward in a very constructive and meaningful way.”

The group will meet monthly and work to do the following:

  • identify issues important to Dryden’s Indigenous communities
  • recommend actions the City can take to improve the experience of Indigenous people
  • propose ways the community can bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents

Mayor Greg Wilson says he’s thrilled to see the Working Circle coming together.

“It will help us ensure Dryden is a welcoming place to all, especially to our Indigenous peoples. Through listening and working together, we make positive change. I’m proud of the diversity in our City. Everyone should feel included.”

Council first approved the formation of a Working Circle on July 27.

It sits as a subcommittee under the Master Plan Steering Committee and will work on initiatives identified under two key priorities in the Strategic Plan: Community Diversity and Inclusion, and Economic and Investment Diversity.

As the group begins its work, more details and updates will be provided.

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Indigenous Communities Receive COVID-19 Funding

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The federal government is providing another $305 million for aboriginal organizations and bands to cope with COVID-19.

Indigenous Services Minister Marc Miller says the money is in part a recognition that the virus could hit first nation communities harder.

“This is a worry that we see when we talk about second waves or third waves. The progressive openings and staged openings in provinces, to the economy, people letting their guard down.”

Miller notes the coronavirus is not going away anytime soon until an effective vaccine can be found.

However, Miller stresses it’s a testament to Indigenous leadership that community exposure to the virus has been limited so far.

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National Recognition For Local Teacher

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A local educator is sharing ways in which the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has worked to encourage active steps toward reconciliation.

Michelle Parrish is the Canadian Geographic “Featured Teacher” for the month of April.

Parrish, whose background is teaching middle school, has switched her focus to support other teachers by providing resources and guidance to bring Indigenous history and knowledge into the classroom.

She was instrumental in leading the travelling Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada Giant Floor Map this past winter.

Parrish shared her ideas and thoughts on four different topics in the online publication including her role as a Student Achievement Teacher, Treaty Recognition Week, the travelling Floor Map and teaching and learning about reconciliation.

To read the full story visit https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/featured-teacher-michelle-parrish