The Indigenous Advisory Committee is responsible for providing advice and guidance to County administration on issues or topics that involve or impact Indigenous peoples.

History

In 2021, Strathcona County directed Administration to review the Truth and Reconciliations Calls to Action and develop an action plan to address actions directed towards municipalities. As an evolution of the County’s commitment to reconciliation, the Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) was formed in 2022. The committee was established to have a committee of Indigenous community members to assist and provide advice on advancing reconciliation efforts in Strathcona County. This administrative committee is comprised of up to eight public member representatives and is supported by Intergovernmental Affairs.   

Current committee members

• Merle, M., Chair: Merle is a member of the Grand Rapids MB First Nation. He is a 15-year resident of Sherwood Park who has 30 years of experience working in the oil and gas industry. He has intimate in-depth knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as his parents were a part of the original TRC. Merle is a lifelong community volunteer and currently supports his grandchildren’s school and family.  
   
• Amanda G.: Amanda is Métis, originally from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo area and has been a resident in Strathcona County for over a decade with her family. She has over 30 years working in the human services sector working with Indigenous Elders, leadership and community members. She also has extensive experience developing and facilitating Indigenous awareness training.  
   
• Karen W.: Karen is a member of Sucker Creek First Nation, and lived within this community of Sherwood Park for close to 20 years. She is a First Nations educator with extensive experience as a curriculum consultant and instructor, working with students from kindergarten to post-secondary levels. Currently she is a PhD student in Secondary Education at the University of Alberta.  
   
• Gerald C.: Gerald is from the Xeni Gwent’in First Nation in British Columbia and has lived in Alberta for over 30 years, with his partner and their two children. Currently he works with an Environmental Management firm. Gerald’s professional work has taken his throughout Alberta working directly with First Nations and Métis settlements in various capacities. Through the Committee he hopes to advance reconciliation and assist with a better understanding of Indigenous communities by non-Indigenous peoples.  
   
• Corey W.: Corey is of Ampskapi Piikani (Blackfeet) and Métis ancestry and is deeply rooted and guided by her culture and traditional ways of knowing and living. She is currently working as an Indigenous Liaison/Consultant with Edmonton public schools. Her career has been committed to working with Indigenous youth, families and communities in several capacities, both on and off reserve for the last 30 years. As a long time resident of Sherwood Park, she has a vested interest in building Indigenous perspective, inclusion and involvement within the County. She is excited about the Committee and the future as an Indigenous resident of Strathcona County.

• Randy E.: Randy is a 60’s scoop survivor from Saddle Lake Cree Nation (Treaty 6). His journey started as a young man when his adopted family allowed him to reconnect with his roots and find his biological family. He has walked two worlds to find his path and belonging to his ancestors. Randy has been living in Sherwood Park for 38 years, he is also one of the knowledge keepers and cultural liaisons for the Strathcona County/Edmonton region. Randy is a proud father of two adult children and Mosum (grandfather) of one. He and his wife Tamara still follow and practice the traditional ways and love to bring teachings and cultural meaning to friends and those who want to learn.  

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