Siloam Mission CEO resigns and board chair steps down as organization commits to reconciliation

The CEO of Siloam Mission hasresigned from the organizationand the chair of its board stepped down from that positiona month after accusations surfaced that the organization was not meeting the spiritual needs of Indigenous community members.

Siloamhas also committedto a comprehensive Indigenous relations strategyand has hired an independent external consultant to lead the effort.

A group called Not My Siloambegan a social media campaign to press the organization for changes "in order to better support Indigenous people experiencing homelessness," according to a social media post.

Kara Von Riesen resigned as the supervisor of Siloam's Exit Upprogram on Jan. 1, citingbroken commitments made by the organization and thatshe could no longer work under Jim Bell.

Von Riesensays she is saddened forpeople who left or lost their positions at Siloam because of the leadership problems, but the changes could mean a new direction for the Mission.

"I feel more confident in Siloam's future service efficacy. It is too bad that someone departed from their position today, but it is more unfortunate that Indigenous spiritual care was undermined and disregarded for fouryears, and that it had to come to this in order to make the necessary changes," Von RiesensaidThursday.

Bell had been the Mission's chief executive officer forapproximately four years when former employees came forward to criticize his handling of Indigenous ceremonies and access to Indigenous elders, knowledge keepers and advisors.

Bell and the board of directors were formallymade aware of concerns about the level of Siloam's spiritual and cultural careand Bell's leadershipin November.

Siloam's board will now manage the day-to-day operations of the organization until an interim CEO can be found.

New board chair from Winnipeg

Calgary's Dr. Riley Coulter has resigned as chair of the boardthough he will remain on the boardand has been replaced by Winnipegger Garth Manness.

"Our board felt the time was right to transition the chair to a Winnipegger with deep roots in the community.I have immense respect for Garth Manness and believe he will capably build on our Christian foundationwhile developing strong relationships with the Indigenous community," Coulter said in a written statement.

News of the changes weregreeted with enthusiasm fromRobin MacKenzie, who resigned as a member of Siloam'sboard a year ago over concerns with the direction of the organization.

"I am delighted that the Siloamboard has taken the decision to embrace the spirit of reconciliation, to move forward with humility and sincerity to better meet the needs of the Indigenous constituents they serve. I commend Garth Manness and those involved with today's statement," MacKenzie said.

Manness, who is the CEO of Credit Union Central of Manitoba,thanked both men for their service to Siloam, and singled out Bell for his fundraising efforts on behalf of the mission.

"We thank Jim for guiding the initiatives that will better servepeople who are homeless and vulnerable in Winnipeg," Manness said.

"Today, as we commit to walking a collaborative path toward reconciliation and healing, we acknowledge our mistakes and thank so many for helping us learn and grow as individuals and as an organization."

The organization says the consultant it's hired will help Siloam developa formal statement of reconciliationbased on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), move to fulfil Siloam'scommitments to Winnipeg's Indigenous Accord and begin Indigenous training and development, among several other initiatives.

Siloam Mission CEO resigns and board chair steps down as organization commits to reconciliation

4 years ago

Duration 2:12

Mission to launch a comprehensive Indigenous relations strategy in wake of criticism over spiritual care