OPPI Committed to the Inclusion of More Diverse Voices by Hiring New Director of Reconciliation &Social Justice

The Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) is excited to welcome Miranda Jimmy into the newly-created role of Director of Reconciliation & Social Justice.
 
“The planning profession is being called to acknowledge the importance of Black, Indigenous, and other diverse perspectives and lived experiences,” says Susan Wiggins, OPPI Executive Director. “We recognize this responsibility and commit to taking action by adding a new staff member to our team.”
 
As Director of Reconciliation & Social Justice, Miranda will embody OPPI’s commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the planning profession and broader community. Miranda will be primarily responsible for implementing the approved recommendations from two OPPI task force reports:

 

• The 2019 Indigenous Planning Perspectives Task Force (IPPTF) report, which establishes context and outlines recommendations for moving forward respectfully and in collaboration with Indigenous People, communities, and planners.

 

• The 2021 Anti-Black Racism in Planning Task Force (ABRP TF) report, which removes systemic barriers to inclusion and increases representation of Black community members in the planning profession.

 

In addition, Miranda will guide OPPI on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, policies, and initiatives to align with OPPI’s three-year strategic plan.
 
“OPPI has an opportunity to help foster positive relations with, and respect for, equity-deserving groups to reduce systemic racism and barriers to inclusion,” says Paul Lowes, Registered Professional Planner and OPPI Council President. “Together, we can ensure that the core principle of our profession – planning in the public interest – is upheld.”
 
Miranda is a passionate Edmontonian and member of Thunderchild First Nation, working remotely for OPPI. She is a community connector and fierce defender of truth. Miranda is committed to the spirit and intent of the treaty relationship and finds ways each day to demonstrate to others what this looks like. Miranda’s professional life has focused on contributing to her community in a variety of ways. She has training in arts and cultural management, conflict resolution and negotiation, and communications. Miranda has made a career working with many different non-profit organizations, Nations, governments, and private businesses, and has worked directly with many Registered Professional Planners on a variety of projects related to diversity and inclusion.
 
“In taking on this new role, I hope to build allyship that will create a movement of active inclusion and strengthen relationships across difference,” says Miranda. “With my ancestors behind me, I know my actions will lead to positive change for generations to come.”