Winnipeg’s first indigenous mayor faces high expectations and … – CityNews
Jul 3, 2015
Winnipeg’s first indigenous mayor faces high expectations and skeptics
WINNIPEG – Brian Bowman had barely unpacked his sports memorabilia and family photos in the mayor’s office when he was thrust into the national spotlight.
It wasn’t for being the first indigenous mayor of a major Canadian city or for being one of the younger municipal leaders in the country.
Winnipeg had just been called “the most racist in Canada” on the cover of Maclean’s magazine.
The new mayor was faced with a dilemma — defend his hometown or admit it has a problem.
Within a few short hours in January, Bowman collected dozens of community, business and aboriginal leaders to stand behind him as he fought off his emotions and promised to fight racism.
