Dr. Avnish Jolly, Winnipeg, Canada, November 5, 2014 : Winnipeg, Manitoba has the highest indigenous population of any city in Canada, and as of Tuesday November 4 it has its first-ever aboriginal mayor. He is the first aboriginal mayor in the city’s 140-year history, Bowman, a privacy lawyer who earned his degree at Métis University of Toronto, replaces Sam Katz, who had held the office for 10 years.
Winnipeg’s 43rdmayor, along with eight seasoned councilors and six rookies, were sworn in at city hall Tuesday evening. Winnipeg’s mayor also announced his new inner circle.
Brian Bowman, who won on October 22 in an unexpected landslide, was sworn in during a ceremony preceded by an elder’s blessing. Bowman, who is Métis, did not run based on his heritage, which derives from Cree on his mother’s side, he told media.
“I’ve always been comfortable telling people that I’m Métis,” he shared with media after being elected. “But at the same time, I’m a Winnipegger first and foremost, and I want everybody to be proud of their heritage wherever they come from and know that Winnipeg is a place where dreams can come true.”
Devi Sharma retains her speaker position. Sharma has represented Old Kildonan since the last election in 2010 and acted as the council’s speaker. “I feel humble and privileged that residents of Old Kildonan chose me for another term,” said Sharma