New CEO at Siloam Mission; organization pledges to improve Indigenous relations
Siloam Mission has named a new CEO along with new commitments to improve Indigenous relations after a grassroots organization called for the former CEO to resign.
Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud will begin work with the organization on Nov. 15.
According to Siloam Mission, Blaikie Whitecloud currently works as the executive director of 1JustyCity, an umbrella organization created to bring financial stability and more visibility to outreach ministries of the United Church of Canada in Winnipeg.
“I am truly excited to be coming on board at Siloam and to begin doing this important work. It is a place where I can bring my full depth of experience with social justice and leadership, and know that I am doing God’s work every day,” Blaikie Whitecloud said in a news release. “God’s love is a foundation from which I understand my own worthiness and lovability and apply that, as he does, to all I encounter.”
The appointment comes after a grassroots organization called for Siloam’s CEO to resign in January of 2021.
The group ‘Not My Siloam,’ made up of former Siloam Mission staff members and concerned citizens, said then-CEO Jim Bell was a barrier to the inclusion of Indigenous traditions and cultural practices in Siloam Mission services.
“We are saddened to see negative messages being circulated on social media through a coordinated campaign that misrepresents Siloam Mission,” a statement from the Christian humanitarian organization said at the time.
In response, Siloam Mission launched a corporate competency evaluation.
The organization also announced Bell was no longer CEO in February of 2021.
The report found Indigenous staff wanted to see the organization adopt a strategy that considers incorporating Indigenous practices, culture and ways of being into Siloam’s programs and services. A report summary said none of the employees felt that they were discriminated against, but some felt they were left out of conversations that related directly to them and the community they serve.
The summary also said Indigenous patrons overall appreciated the programs and services that Siloam provides, and there were no complaints of religion or Christianity being forced on individuals.
However, almost all noted the lack of opportunities for Indigenous practices or cultural activities.
The report noted Indigenous community leaders felt there is a need for Siloam to better communicate with Indigenous organizations and community members. It also said some leaders reported being aware of Indigenous people experiencing homelessness who chose not to attend Siloam for fear of having Christianity forced on them.
The report made a number of key recommendations, including hiring an Indigenous relations director, looking for Indigenous representation on the board of directors and ensuring Indigenous community members have access to culturally relevant programs.
Siloam Mission said Thursday it is committed to implementing all recommendations put forward in the report, and has already started work in some areas.
“We have been listening to our community, and are committed to doing better in the future, and we know Tessa is going to be part of that. Her expertise, experience, and love for those we serve will position her well to help move our organization forward,” said Siloam Mission board chair Garth Manness in a statement.
- With files from CTV’s Michael D’Alimonte
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Alice Munro, Nobel literature winner revered as short story master, dead at 92
Nobel laureate Alice Munro, the Canadian literary giant who became one of the world's most esteemed contemporary authors and one of history's most honoured short story writers, has died at age 92.
Latest updates on air quality alerts, and when the smoke may reach Ontario and Quebec
Wildfires have led Environment Canada to issue air quality advisories for parts of B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories, as forecasters warn the smoke could drift farther east.
Are these Canada's best restaurants? Annual top 100 list revealed
The annual list of Canada's top restaurants in the country was just released and here are the places that made the 2024 cut.
Attack on prison van in France kills 2 officers, inmate escapes
Armed assailants killed two French prison officers and seriously wounded three others in an attack on a convoy in Normandy on Tuesday and an inmate escaped, officials said.
Maximum payout for LifeLabs class-action drops from $150 estimate to $7.86
Canadian LifeLabs customers who filed an application for a class-action settlement began receiving their payments this week, though at a much lower amount than initially expected.
Steal a car, lose your driver's licence for 10 years under new Ontario proposal
Repeat car thieves may face lengthy licence bans under proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act.
$1.6B parts plant for Honda electric vehicle batteries coming to Niagara Region
A Japanese company has announced it will build an approximately $1.6-billion plant in Ontario's Niagara Region that will make a key electric vehicle battery component as part of Honda's supply chain in the province.
B.C. brings in law on name changes on day that child killer's new identity revealed
The BC NDP have tabled legislation aimed at stopping people who have committed certain heinous acts from changing their names.
Manitoba premier to visit areas impacted by wildfire
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew will get a close-up look at the devastation from a large wildfire burning in northern Manitoba Tuesday.