Geographical Names Board of Canada Appoints a New Indigenous Advisor

 link

Minister Wilkinson announced the appointment of Rob Houle as First Nations Indigenous Advisor to the Geographical Names Board of Canada.

As a member of Swan River First Nation, Rob Houle of Kamloops, British Columbia, has been appointed as the new First Nations Indigenous Advisor to the GNBC for a two-year term ending in March 2024. 

He will serve as a full voting member of the GNBC and will actively contribute to the Board’s discussions and activities by:

• Participating in working groups to address specific themes and projects related to geographical naming practices;

• Providing culturally appropriate advice, perspectives and insight on historical, geographical, cultural and linguistic matters to aid the Board in developing enhanced policies;

• Improving collaboration and ongoing relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities;

• Assisting in the development of guidelines, principles and procedures regarding Indigenous place names and naming conventions; and

• Promoting and representing the work of the GNBC.

Mr. Houle will be stepping into this new role, replacing Ava Hill, who served as the first person to hold the position of Indigenous Advisor to the GNBC between March 2021 and March 2022. The GNBC welcomes nominations for Inuit and Métis advisors.