Siloam Mission CEO resigns and board chair steps down as organization commits to reconciliation
Mission to launch a comprehensive Indigenous relations strategy in wake of criticism over spiritual care
The CEO of Siloam Mission has resigned from the organization and the chair of its board stepped down from that position a month after accusations surfaced that the organization was not meeting the spiritual needs of Indigenous community members.
Siloam has also committed to a comprehensive Indigenous relations strategy and has hired an independent external consultant to lead the effort.
A group called Not My Siloam began 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 Up program on Jan. 1, citing broken commitments made by the organization and that she could no longer work under Jim Bell.
Von Riesen says she is saddened for people 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 four years, and that it had to come to this in order to make the necessary changes," Von Riesen said Thursday.
Bell had been the Mission's chief executive officer for approximately 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 formally made aware of concerns about the level of Siloam's spiritual and cultural care — and Bell's leadership — in 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 Riley Coulter has resigned as chair of the board — though he will remain on the board — and has been replaced by Winnipegger Garth Manness.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 foundation while developing strong relationships with the Indigenous community," Coulter said in a written statement.
News of the changes were greeted with enthusiasm from Robin MacKenzie, who resigned as a member of Siloam's board a year ago over concerns with the direction of the organization.
"I am delighted that the Siloam board 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 serve people 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 develop a formal statement of reconciliation based on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission (TRC), move to fulfil Siloam's commitments to Winnipeg's Indigenous Accord and begin Indigenous training and development, among several other initiatives.
