Mandel’s work has set strong foundation for moving forward

That the City of Edmonton is looked upon as a municipal leader in Aboriginal relations is no doubt thanks to Mayor Stephen Mandel.

After nine years at the helm, Mandel will not be seeking re-election this October. However Lewis Cardinal, who has worked closely with Mandel on Aboriginal initiatives, doesn’t see Mandel’s retirement as a blow to the local Aboriginal community.

“The front runners in the civic election are actually continuing to support and endorse the relationship with Indigenous urban people. They’ve been well-versed and well-trained,” said Cardinal.  He adds that he has spoken to the candidates, which includes councillors Karen Leibovici, Don Iveson and Kelly Diotte, and Ermineskin Community League Curtis Penner, about increasing the relationship with the urban Aboriginal people and continuing initiatives.

“That’s one of the challenges with changing administrations. The next person might not have that same desire. I hope they do,” said Mandel. “I can’t impact that but that’s something you hope people would ask during the campaign.”

Cardinal is confident a positive relationship between the city and urban Aboriginals will move forward. Mandel has laid the groundwork, he says.

“The head of any organization sets the tone and he set a really good tone,” said Cardinal. “His unwavering support of the principles that are found in the Edmonton Urban Aboriginal Accord Relationship Agreement, speaking respectfully and recognizing that Edmonton is on Treaty 6 territory, and that we have an obligation to be inclusive and respectful of Indigenous peoples.”

“The accord is important, that recognizes the history and challenges we face,” said Mandel. He also notes creating an Aboriginal office within the city of Edmonton as an accomplishment.

Under Mandel’s guidance, the city signed a number of documents committing to both working with and recognizing Aboriginal people. The most recent agreement, a Memorandum of Coordination and Collaboration, which recognizes urban Aboriginals, was signed between the city and the province in May. These urban Aboriginal agreements have set Edmonton ahead of any other city in the country and the Canadian Federation of Municipalities has held these agreements up as a benchmark for other municipalities. UNESCO has also noted the work undertaken by Edmonton in moving Aboriginal relations forward.

“These are the foundational things that have really set in motion through the different departments, in setting policy to ensure that Aboriginal people are welcome and supported in the city,” said Cardinal.

“We’ve tried to do lots. We would have liked to have done more… but it took a little bit of time to get going,” said Mandel.

Political will is not only dependent on elected leaders, but on administration as well, says Cardinal. He adds he has seen projects stalled when public employees are not behind them.

But progress needs to move beyond paid personnel, Cardinal says.  If progress has been slow, then that’s where the Aboriginal population comes in. It’s not enough for papers to be signed.

“It is the responsibility of Aboriginal people now to hold the city’s feet to the fire in moving things forward,” he said.  “What I would tell the Aboriginal community is, ‘Get out and vote!’”