City of Ottawa issues call for members for new Commemoration Working Group

The City of Ottawa is seeking expressions of interest from individuals interested in joining its Commemoration Working Group, a new advisory body dedicated to advising on and supporting the implementation of the Municipal Commemoration Policy adopted by Ottawa City Council on July 10th, 2024. The Commemoration Working Group will bring together City staff with a diverse group of residents with experience, interest and commitment to local commemorative practice. The Commemoration Working Group will also include representation from the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation. Members will provide advice to the Recreation, Cultural, and Facility Services Department on issues related to: • equity in commemorative practice; • contentious commemoration; • guidance around alternative or creative forms of commemoration; and • commemorative naming. The Commemoration Working Group may also review the City of Ottawa's existing commemorative practices and programs to identify gaps and opportunities, particularly those that can promote equity. Working group members will meet three times a year either in person at a central City of Ottawa facility, online, or in a hybrid format. Working group members are expected to: • have a deep understanding, interest or lived experience of commemoration or a related area like memory studies, architecture community history or accessible design; • be open-minded and exhibit a spirit of generosity at all times; • work collaboratively in a consensus-based decision-making environment; and • be able to challenge, debate and troubleshoot issues respectfully. To apply, interested candidates can email a resume and brief description of why they would like to participate in the Working Group to Yadollah Parmoun. Selected candidates will be contacted by email. Deadline to apply is October 25, 2024.