The region has appointed its first director of truth and reconciliation: Paula Whitlow

This week, Paula Whitlow started her new role as the Region of Waterloo's first director of truth and reconciliation.

Whitlow, who is Wolf Clan of the Mohawk nation and a resident of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, said she applauds the region for taking "the bold and necessary step." 

"I just hope we can find more allies along the way to make this a nationwide movement for more justice and reconciliation between settlers and Indigenous people in this country," she said. 

In the job description of the role, the regional government said it is hoping Whitlow will help "as a trusted liaison between the region and local First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities," advise the region on matters of interest to the local Indigenous community and implement "anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and practices at the region".

Making the community feel heard

Whitlow said she plans to help make community leaders in the region of Waterloo feel heard, adding that the local land back movement has given hope to Indigenous community members.

"There have been accommodations made for the land back movement and that's something positive because usually it's met with sending the police in and people being arrested. It also looks to the youth and the children that are watching this. It's not just here in the city, but also across Canada and across the border."

Whitlow had previously served as the executive director of the Native Women's Centre and the Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford. Her body of work includes research on Haudenosaunee architecture and residential schools.

"I've never had a role like this before," she said. "I'm anxious to get to work. I'm trusting the process. It's as much Indigenous as it is non-Indigenous to make things right."