The City of Guelph has filled its newly created position of intergovernmental advisor, specializing in Indigenous relations.
On Tuesday the City of Guelph confirmed it hired Trevor Bomberry from the Mohawk Nation and is a member of Six Nations of the Grand River.
Michelle Rickard, strategic communications advisor for the City of Guelph said in an email Bomberry's role as intergovernmental advisor, specializing in Indigenous relations, will continue to build, enhance and foster relationships between the City of Guelph and key First Nation and Métis government partners. This role also advances the city’s annual advocacy plan and supports strategic intergovernmental approaches, including policy development and implementation.
Bomberry graduated from McMaster University with honours in sociology and a minor in Indigenous studies. He has eight years of experience working with Six Nations, the Iroquois Caucus and the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations Negotiating Team.
Rickard said Bomberry's impressive background and experience in intergovernmental relations as well as his lived experience, strong connection to Indigenous communities, and understanding of the Indigenous ways of knowing is what stood out during the City’s competitive recruitment process.
The hiring of Bomberry comes after the City of Guelph underwent a lengthy hiring and interview process that started when the position was first advertised back in October.
From the onset, the city was looking for a candidate with deep knowledge of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures with world views and a connection to Indigenous communities.
The hiring stems from a July 19 council meeting where a near-unanimous vote approved the $263,100 cost to hire both a senior advisor, equity, anti-racism and Indigenous initiatives and an intergovernmental advisor, with a focus on Indigenous relations.
In August the city hired Sara Sayyed to fill the senior advisor, equity, anti-racism position.
