Indigenous leader intends to run for mayor in Edmonton

An Indigenous elder EDMONTON declared her intention to run for mayor of the city Wednesday.

Taz Bouchier said she is the first Indigenous woman to seek the job.

People of every race and culture need to be represented on council, she said.

Her announcement at Beaver Hills House Park was preceded by a smudge and prayer, as well as a wolf song by Chris Swan, who is from Treaty 2 territory.

“I have lived in Edmonton for 53 years and I can honestly say in those 53 years I have not seen my voice or heard my voice represented on council,” Bouchier said.

She has worked in justice, corrections and community development for 30 years.

Bouchier ran for the Ward 6 seat in 2013 and was planning on running in the ward again, but people from across the city asked her to run for mayor, she said.

“Lately, what I’ve been seeing happen is not mindful of the people or listening to the people,” she said.

One example is lack of accessibility around transit centres under construction, she said.

She said Mayor Don Iveson is a “wonderful young man,” but said she almost has more years of experience working than the years he has been alive.

“It’s not for me that I run, but for the generations that come after me,” she added.

She said there is a need to address addiction, homelessness and mental health in the city.

“I’m running to win,” Bouchier said.

Business analyst Fahad Mughal is running for mayor for the first time.

Naked Cyber Cafe owner Bob Ligertwood is also running. He previously ran for mayor in 2007 and 2010.

Iveson declared his intention to seek re-election July 26.

Nomination day is Sept. 18, when a person’s candidacy becomes official. Voters go to the polls Oct. 16.