Durham Region appoints members to Anti-Racism Taskforce

Whitby, Ontario – On February 1, 2023, Durham Regional Council approved the appointment of citizen members and community organization representatives to the Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce (Taskforce). The Region of Durham welcomes new appointees and returning members, who will build on the great work initiated by the inaugural Taskforce during the previous term. Priority projects identified by the Taskforce include developing and implementing strategies to address racism—structural, systemic and interpersonal—within communities across the region.

As part of Durham Region’s commitment to fostering healthy and vibrant local communities, the Taskforce advises the Region on anti-racism practices and processes. They identify systemic issues related to anti-racism and equity, review the impact of equity-related policies, programs, and decisions, and collaborate with local service providers and institutions. Established by the Region of Durham in 2021, the Taskforce continues to act in an advisory role guided by the Terms of Reference approved by Regional Council. The contributions of the Taskforce’s first cohort have been invaluable to the Region’s anti-racism efforts and have laid a solid foundation for new members to build upon.

The Region recruited and reviewed Taskforce applications and candidates participated in a virtual interview.

The newly appointed citizen members are:

• Akuah Frempong: As a health-care administrator in Durham Region, Akuah envisions a health-care system that acknowledges and incorporates an individual’s intersectionality for more holistic, accessible and client-centered care.
• Robert Orlando Pule: Born and raised in New Zealand, Orlando is of Samoan and Tongan heritage. Orlando serves as a member of the clergy and is deeply interested in serving the community. 
• Ruvette Coelho: Ruvette is a medical radiation therapist at the Durham Regional Cancer Centre. Passionate about social justice, health care and education, Ruvette has dedicated most of her adult life learning about how to further these causes. 

They are joining existing citizen members:

• Channon Oyeniran
• Gail Wilson-Beier
• Jacqueline Williamson
• Jeany Munawa
• Kevin Vieneer
• Shauna Bookal
• Trynée Hancock

The following individuals were newly appointed as representatives from industry, association and public institutions:

• Susan Byrne, Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle: Vice-President of Bawaajigewin Aboriginal Community Circle and community social service worker with more than 10 years’ experience, Susan enjoys working with diverse groups as a support person and advocate.
• Brianna Nelson, Womxn of Colour Durham Collective (WOCDC): Founder and Executive Director of WOCDC, a grassroots youth-led community organization, Brianna has a mission to build a community that inspires knowledge-sharing, leadership, healing and creativity through amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous and other self-identified women of colour.

They are joining existing representatives from industry, association and public institutions:

• Nikhila Samuel
• Pita-Garth Case

To learn more about all Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce members, visit Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce.

Quotes

“Regional Council is proud to support the important work being accomplished by the Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce. As part of our larger Anti-Racism Framework, this Taskforce contributes to address racism in all its forms. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with the community and fostering a more inclusive and equitable region for everyone.”

- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham

“It is important that the Region of Durham is a place where diversity is embraced and each one of us is valued and included. The Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce creates a strong sense of belonging, helping us to harness individual differences in ways that drive leadership, co-operation, innovation and service excellence.”

- Elaine Baxter-Trahair, Chief Administrative Officer

“The Taskforce represents the diverse communities within Durham Region. Using a formalized and consistent structure, this taskforce allows us to identify and address disparities in the community by providing an open forum for dialogue to discuss concerns and issues facing racialized groups in the region with members that can draw upon their lived and living experiences.”

- Allison Hector-Alexander, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Quick Facts

• The establishment of the Taskforce comes as part of the Region’s commitment to develop and implement an Anti-Racism Framework to ensure a healthy workplace and to address racism within the communities the Region serves.
• Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce Appointments
• Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce Terms of Reference
• April 27, 2022, Durham Regional Council approves the Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce 2022 Workplan

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