Regina executive committee endorses creating Indigenous framework

Regina's executive committee has endorsed the development of an Indigenous frameworkthat would centre Indigenous perspectives, values and priorities in all of the city's services.

"I don't think it's appropriate to say you stand for something but you don't do the work to be continually improving in it, continually learning, continually developing those relationships," Regina Mayor Sandra Masters said during a media scrum after the committee meeting Wednesday.

The proposed development of the framework will now move to city council's Oct. 11 meeting where members are expected to discuss and decide on the framework's future.

A report providedto the committeesays developing theframework would be a "significant step toward reconciliation efforts."

While the City of Regina has worked to apply an Indigenous worldview,there has been no cohesive and dedicated organization-wide strategy that applies that worldview, according to the report.

The report says thecreation of a framework could help correct that issue and provide a roadmap forthe city by guiding meaningful engagement with Indigenous people and incorporatingIndigenous perspectives into decision-making processes.

Masters said consultation as part of the framework should not significantly add to the length of time to complete projects, but could mean pressing pause on some projects to address missing parts.

She said consulting about projects is important and should be an ongoing habit.

If developed, the framework will affirm and complement the city's strategic priorities lens, which uses the phrase "recognizing our relationship, we grow our community and improve quality of life."

Development of the framework is budgeted at $95,000,which will be funded internally.

The majority of the budget ($90,000) would go towardhiring a consultant, as well as honorariums for elders and knowledge keepers consulted. Another$5,000 would go to an Indigenous creative for the design and printing of the completed framework.

"Not doing something like this, not being intentional, not relationship building, not attempting to be more open, making space, elevating these relationships, will cost us far more in the long run," said Masters.

She said she couldn't speak to how much it would cost to complete programmingand training.

According to a proposed timeline, requests for proposalsfor an Indigenous creative and an Indigenous consulting firm would be issued by January, with consultation and creation of the framework occurring over the next eight months.

The framework and action plan would go to council by September or October.

The report appeared in front of the executive committee just days after the third annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.