Siloam Mission in Winnipeg continues to cultivate colonialism

Indigenous people make up 75-80% of the community to which Siloam Mission offers services. Despite it's high ratio of native clients, CEO Jim Bell does not support reconciliation and thinks it is a political agenda he does not have to address. Yet, interestingly enough, Siloam Mission signed on to the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord, which was essentially a commitment for reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Several employees have left, citing that Jim Bell and the board are only telling the public what they want to hear on mission statements, while not actually supporting Indigenous culture and spiritual practices that do not align with their Christian values. For the homelessness of Winnipeg, it is imperative they don't just see themselves as clients, and that they have access to elders, knowledge keepers and spiritual ceremonies in order to heal. 

                Solutions have to be Indigenous led, not colonial fed!!!

We, the concerned citizens, ask that Jim Bell, former football player, be asked to resign for fostering a detrimental attitude toward the healing and reconciliation of Indigenous people. As well, we ask that more visibility of Aboriginal employees be present in your organization.