NEWS RELEASE
REGION OF WATERLOO
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The Region of Waterloo is pleased to announce Paula Whitlow (she/her), as the organizations first Truth and Reconciliation Director. Paula begins her new role with the Region on Aug. 29, 2022.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Director is a critical part of the senior leadership team at the Region of Waterloo,” said Bruce Lauckner (he/him), Region of Waterloo CAO. “In this new role, Paula will work closely with community as we continue to build our Truth and Reconciliation Action Plan, implement anti-racist and anti-oppressive policies and practices in our organization, and advise the Region’s response to the calls to action in the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report. I look forward to working with Paula as we continue to listen, learn, build trust and engage in and advance Truth and Reconciliation in our community.”
The creation of this role follows recommendations from the Region’s Anti-Racism Advisory Working Group to address issues that affect Indigenous communities, and will join the Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team in the CAO’s Office. The Region of Waterloo is grateful to the Indigenous leaders who helped in the creation of this role and the process to hire the first Truth and Reconciliation Director.
From the wolf clan of the Mohawk nation and a resident of the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Paula has lived her entire life within the Haldimand Tract. She has traced her ancestry back to the original Haudenosaunee homelands of Upper New York State prior to the American Revolution.
Paula joins the Region of Waterloo from the Native Women’s Centre in Hamilton, where she served as executive director. She previously served as director of the Woodland Cultural Centre.
“I am delighted to be joining the Region of Waterloo and I look forward to working with everyone,” said Paula Whitlow. “This important work cannot be overstated. I applaud the Region for taking this bold but necessary step. I am anxious to work with the Indigenous community and the many other stakeholders.”
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