BackThe B.C. Ombudsperson has launched an initiative as part of the office’s commitment to building sustainable and ongoing relationships rooted in respect and reciprocity with Indigenous Peoples and communities across British Columbia. Four engagement specialists, known as Ombudsperson Pathfinders, are working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit people to provide information about the Ombudsperson’s role. They are also guiding members of the Indigenous public to find the best avenue to bring concerns forward if they believe they have been treated unfairly by public sector organizations in B.C.
“Government policies and processes have unfairly impacted Indigenous people throughout history and systemic racism has resulted in intergenerational harm,” said Ombudsperson Jay Chalke. “As a result, there is a distrust of public organizations and this can be a barrier to bringing concerns forward. The Pathfinder initiative is one way of trying to help address this challenge.” The Ombudsperson Pathfinders are connecting with Indigenous people and communities and are working across B.C., meeting with community members and leaders, attending community events and holding in-person complaint clinics when requested.
The Office of the Ombudsperson is independent from government and has the authority under B.C. law to investigate more than 1,000 provincial and local public bodies including schools, health authorities, provincial government ministries, local governments and Crown corporations like BC Hydro and ICBC. Where an Ombudsperson investigation finds a person has been treated unfairly by a public body, outcomes can include recommendations for an apology, financial reimbursement, changes in decisions or broad improvements to the administration of public programs that impact many. The Ombudsperson also has a legal mandate to investigation allegations of serious wrongdoing in the workplace from current and former public sector employees.
“We are developing culturally safe and trauma informed approaches that will help us serve Indigenous people including people with intersecting identities better,” said the Ombudsperson’s Indigenous Liaison Officer Jolene Andrew. “Indigenous people might not know our services are for them or don’t feel like they can trust us. Pathfinders are a direct connection to the Ombudsperson’s office which can assist in getting answers to concerns Indigenous people may have about provincial and local public services. This helps ensure they are being treated fairly.”
Source: British Columbia Ombudsperson, Canada
