Durham Region appoints members to anti-Racism taskforce

Whitby, Ontario – Yesterday, Durham Regional Council approved the appointment of citizen members and institutional representatives to the Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce. This committee will act in an advisory role to Regional Council for issues related to racism—structural, systemic and interpersonal.

The Taskforce comes as part of the Region’s commitment to develop and implement an Anti-Racism Framework to ensure a healthy workplace and to address racism within the Region. The Taskforce was established by the Region of Durham in 2021 to act in an advisory role to Regional Council.

The Region recruited, reviewed, and scored over 70 Taskforce applications and all shortlisted candidates participated in a virtual interview.

The newly appointed citizen members are:

• Fatouma Ahmed: With more than a decade in public service, Fatouma has been instrumental in connecting with a diverse array of individuals from government, non-for-profit organizations, and community groups on key priorities for government.
• Shauna Bookal: As executive director of a field hockey organization, Shauna has successfully secured several large funding grants and brand partnerships for the organization; in addition to developing and sustaining valuable community relations.
• Shrishma Dave: Founding member and co-chair of a staff-led diversity and inclusion taskforce at a local municipality, Shrishma has also presented to various municipalities and organizations on enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Laura Francis: A local freelance writer whose work—related to race and racial issues—has appeared in national magazines and newspapers. Laura wants to be a part of making our Region a place to look towards when it comes to diversity.
• Trynée Hancock: An active community member with experience rooted in the not-for-profit sector; currently a post-secondary student studying Diversity and Intercultural Relations and Human Resource Management.
• Jeany Munawa: Responsible for planning, implementing, and advocating safe work practices, Jeany is focused on removing barriers and providing accommodations to foster safe and healthy workplaces.
• Channon Oyeniran: Pursuing her PhD at Queen’s University and currently first Vice-President for the Ontario Black History Society, Channon’s interest in Black History and eradicating anti-Black racism began at early age. Channon’s keen interest and passion helped her realize that she must do all she could to educate others and raise awareness of the rich history of Black people.
• Zed Pickering: A passion for building community—combined with the lived experiences of being a person of colour—has led Zed down a path of social activism and fight for equality. He is a founding member of a local anti-racism coalition that educates and brings awareness about racial injustices.
• Kevin Vieneer: A resident of Durham Region since 2013, Kevin has several professional development articles published in the areas of leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Gail Wilson-Beier: Personal life stories prompted Gail’s desire for social justice and addressing systemic barriers. She applies her lived experiences to her work on marginalization, identity and diversity.

The following individuals have been appointed as representatives from industry, association and public institutions:

• Sherry Caibaiosai, Whitby Library: Formerly Head Librarian and CEO at Mississauga First Nation Library, Sherry has been a voice for Indigenous awareness. Sherry has spoken at the Ontario Library Association, the National Library of Canada, the First Nation Library Advisory committee, the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries ad-hoc committee, and in partnerships with local schools, churches, and community groups.
• Pita-Garth Case, DurhamOne: Executive Director of DurhamOne, a community developer who is passionate and experienced in bringing people together to work towards programs and initiatives that will grow and strengthen communities. Pita-Garth hopes to contribute to the change necessary for new and intriguing initiatives that will foster relationships between the Region and its partners.,.
• Kari Garside, Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services: Drawing upon her work in the social welfare field, Kari works from the heart; and feels that colour, race, gender, or sexuality doesn’t define a person. 
• Nikhila Samuel, Durham College: An advocate of antiracism education who has a keen interest in the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion in educational institutions. Nikki has spent more than 10 years working in community development and post-secondary settings; training, advocating, and developing culturally appropriate programming and services for marginalized youth and adult learners.
• Jacqueline Williamson, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: Serves on the Black Students Success Network for a local college, in addition to committees that address horizontal violence, anti-oppression, and mental health and addictions.

To learn more about all Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce members, visit bit.ly/311vfDV.

Quotes

“Regional Council is proud to support the establishment of the Durham Region Anti-Racism Task Force, which is part of the Region’s larger commitment to develop and implement an Anti-Racism Framework. I am pleased to be working alongside community stakeholders, Regional staff, and other relevant partners with the common goals of ensuring Durham Region successfully implements its anti-racism framework and the Region’s aim of demonstrating leadership in addressing systemic racism.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair

“The establishment of the Durham Region Anti-Racism Task Force allows for a formalized structure ensuring a consistent approach to addressing systemic racism. This committee will assure that implementation plans are built on the lived experiences of racialized communities and centers the voices of these stakeholders. This important Anti-Racism Task Force will also provide a forum for residents to learn more about what the Region and its partners are doing to address racism.”

- Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

“Having a sense of belonging is critical to our personal and collective success. Who we are in terms of our cultural identity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religious affiliation, age, etc. helps to shape our life experiences. It is important that the Region of Durham is a place where diversity is embraced and each one of us is valued and included. We look forward to the Durham Region Anti-Racism Task Force creating a strong sense of belonging, helping us to harness individual differences in ways that drive leadership, co-operation, innovation and service excellence.”

- Allison Hector-Alexander, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Quick Facts

• The establishment of the Taskforce comes as part of the Region’s commitment to develop and implement an Anti-Racism Framework to ensure a healthy workplace and to address racism within the communities the Region serves.
• Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce Appointments
  
• Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce Terms of Reference
• May 28, 2021 - Durham Regional Council endorses development of an Anti-Racism Task Force

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