Questions raised about Calgary councillor's commitment to reconciliation

After videos emerged last fall that appeared to show him mocking Indigenous people, Coun. Dan McLean committed to his colleagues that he'd make things right.

But a city committee has raised doubts about that commitment.

McLean said last October he had no recollection of the videos but he issued an apology for "mistakes in the past."

He agreed to step away from his council committee and board responsibilities and that he would sit with a circle of elders to "learn to grow, change and be better."

McLean also committed to making a report to council at a future public meeting about a path to restitution, which would be endorsed by the elders.

One meeting

On Wednesday, the city's Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC) presented its annual report to council.

The report revealed that CAUAC members attended the first meeting of the elders' circle, along with McLean and Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

But the report notes that was the only meeting held.

"While the following planned sessions did not commence as planned, CAUAC wishes to express its desire for and openness to seek future relationship building opportunities with Cllr. McLean," stated the report.

The vice chair of CAUAC, Krista Ouellette, told council the committee was not calling out anyone.

"We're not here to comment. We're not here to raise judgment on individual reconciliation journeys. We are here to move our city's collective journey towards reconciliation," said Ouellette.

'Life changing'

McLean said he did attend that first meeting. He said it was "deeply emotional, spiritual and a life changing experience" and that he's committed to meeting with them again.

"My journey to truth and reconciliation isn't over."

McLean said he has taken numerous actions beyond attending the elders' circle.

He attended the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women's vigil and march,taken Indigenous history courses at the University of Calgary and earlier this month, he attended the National Coalition of Chiefs summit at Tsuut'ina Nation.

When asked for his thoughts on the reference to him in CAUAC's report, McLean said: "I think they were surprised. They weren't expecting that either because they weren't informed. But like I say, I'll be meeting with them again in the near future. Good people."

McLean refused to answer any more questions from reporters and walked away.

Not mayor's process

Mayor Gondek said she's not sure what's happened with the process since she joined McLean at the first meeting of the elders.

"After that (meeting), there was supposed to be more to come. I don't know what that more to come is. I have not been involved in anything since then," said Gondek.

"It is not my process."

The mayor said this is a first for city council, in having one of its members be assisted by a circle of elders. So she's advising patience.

"When chiefs and elders tell me that their goal is ultimately to ensure that the person takes accountability and responsibility and we can move forward in a good way, then I rely on them for advice on how we get there."

Other members of city council were asked for their comments on the situation but they declined.