An Indigenous group is continuing their efforts for an elected Indigenous-only seat on Hamilton City Council.
The Circle of Beads is calling on all members of Hamilton City Council to meet with them on September 20, 2024 “to engage in formal discussion” in the hope of reaching an agreement to add a voting Indigenous seat on city council.
“The point is that a seat should be reserved for the Indigenous community, which had mainstream political processes imposed upon it and have not had a meaningful voice in these processes, to the community’s ongoing detriment,” reads a press statement issued by NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun aka Lyndon George on behalf of the group.
A motion to begin the process of creating an Indigenous-person council seat was defeated in an 8-7 vote during the July 12 Council ratification meeting.
“This was a missed opportunity to demonstrate leadership on Reconciliation by supporting a proposal that could have led to real inclusion of Indigenous people in the political process,” the statement reads.
Had it passed, the motion would have directed staff to produce a report on how to create either an appointed or elected council seat to be held by an Indigenous person. Creating a voting seat requires the Ontario Legislative Assembly to pass legislation to change the Municipal Act. An elected seat would also require changing the Municipal Elections Act.
The Circle of Beads statement reads, “It is possible that the seat could be an elected position, chosen by the Indigenous community. The point is that a seat should be reserved for the Indigenous community, which had mainstream political processes imposed upon it and have not had a meaningful voice in these processes, to the community’s ongoing detriment.”
They state they are “disappointed” in Mayor Andrea Horwath for voting against the original motion, writing “this was a missed opportunity to demonstrate leadership on Reconciliation by supporting a proposal that could have led to real inclusion of Indigenous people in the political process.”
The Mayor introduced a separate motion to have staff provide an update on the implementation of the City’s Urban Indigenous Strategy, as well as the best practices being used by municipalities across Canada.
A new Council motion to create an Indigenous seat will require a two-thirds majority vote.
The Circle of Beads will hold a press conference on Monday, July 29.
Thanks for continuing to cover this.
Do what every other citizen has to do get out there pound the pavement and run for a seat as an alderman. Just don’t expect that just based on your origins your just entitled to a seat. Try putting the effort in to secure a seat.