Cynthia McCutcheon
Cynthia McCutcheon is running for Councillor in Ward 2 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Cynthia McCutcheon (she/her) is an Anishinaabe Kwe whose noosiwins are Gimiwon Kwe (Rain Woman), given to her by her granny, and Ogichidaa Kwe (Warrior Woman), adopted during her cancer journey. A health promoter with a Master of Public Health, Cynthia is also a community volunteer, business owner, foster parent, and cancer survivor. She has served and supported local organizations, Indigenous communities, seniors, accessibility initiatives, arts and culture, youth, and community wellness. Baawaating/Sault Ste. Marie is where Cynthia has built her family, home, and community, and she is running to bring her perspective to municipal decision-making while advocating for community well-being, accountability, transparency, and strong leadership.
Why are you running for this position?
86% of the Indigenous population live within a municipality, yet we have no representation. I have spent half of my life in Baawaating/Sault Ste. Marie. I have established relationships within this community - working for Maamwesying for the last 13 years. I am running for those that don’t have a voice. I am running to keep the city accountable to its citizens, provide transparency and strong leadership.
What do you love most about your community?
Baawaating/Sault Ste. Marie was traditionally a meeting place for tribes all across Turtle Island. I love the diverse population that has made this city their home. I love the community involvement - Rotaryfest, Illuminate the Season, Downtown Street Parties, parades, festivals and events, etc. I am also drawn to the Great Lakes, parks, beaches & green spaces. It is truly, a beautiful place to live.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing your municipality right now?
My priority focus is to improve the lives of the marginalized; our unhoused relatives, neighbours and family members. Providing free, timely & culturally appropriate services for those living below the poverty line including healthcare services (particularly mental health), subsidized supportive housing and ongoing addiction treatment. Substance abuse is a complicated issue affecting many. This has impacted businesses, property values, community members and tourism. Organizations mandated to help these individuals are working in silos, impeding their ability to effectively implement solutions. Knowledge sharing and collaboration will improve their collective ability to reduce and eliminate the plague of hardship that our community is struggling with.
If elected, what is one thing you would like to accomplish during your term?
My number one priority is our unhoused relatives because everyone deserves a place to live. The municipal government cannot solve these issues alone, but it can listen, bring people together and make the best use of the tools & partnerships available. City Council can lobby provincial & federal governments for mental health, addictions & housing. Through local policy: land use planning & zoning, service management through District Social Services Administration Board and public infrastructure (hygiene stations, bathrooms, water fountains).
What is one thing you would like to see your municipality do differently?
I have been hearing some themes, while out canvassing and talking to community members.
Communication - community members do not get responses from city council. Meet people where they’re at. Not everyone is accessible via social media, SooToday, etc. I will listen to the needs of community members.
Transparency - open houses & First Nations consultation prior to approving industry.
Transit - review annually &/or as needed. 5 years is too long for changes to be made.
What does good local government look like to you?
A good local government listens to its citizens.
It does not pay for outside consultants when we have a research institute locally, that conducts community based research.
Upon entering council chambers, city council members leave their privilege at the door.
The right answer is always the right relationship - putting people and relationships first.
Open, transparent, accessible communication.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
$1 million, unfortunately, is not enough for a Dunn House - Canada’s first social medicine supportive housing in Toronto, Ontario. I would use the $1 million to leverage other governmental & nonprofit funding to get our own Dunn House, or something similar. Another example is the Biidaaban Men’s Healing Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, ON which provides transitional housing, holistic programming, cultural resources & aftercare planning. We have local models that work that need to be scaled to get people off the street.
How do you approach working with people who disagree with you?
As an Anishinaabe Kwe, I follow the 7 Grandfather Teachings - wisdom, love, bravery, respect, humility, truth and honesty. I am governed by community.
I engage in active listening, meaning that I listen, absorb and digest before responding or acting.
I pride myself on my emotional intelligence, specifically, empathy & sympathy.
I have taken the Athena Indigenous Leadership Training Program, as well as several communication style trainings. I am aware of my weaknesses & strengths and how to work better with others.
What does having more women in local leadership change?
I take this question a step further by adding Indigenous women. We (Indigenous people) deserve a spot at every table. Prior to colonization, we were a matriarchal society. Matriarchy places children at the centre, surrounded by Elders and seniors, with adults on the outside circle. No one is above another. We are all equal. It would place our most vulnerable populations at the centre.
More women in local leadership roles will bring better decision making and will prioritize community needs. It will allow role modelling & mentorship, thereby creating a positive feedback cycle.
Financially speaking & business-wise, it will create more profitably, sensible risk management & enhanced productivity.
What is something about you that you would like voters to know that they might not learn from your campaign platform?
My great granny was recognized by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada as being the first female chief. She has a township named after her in Algoma District. I have taken the Athena Leadership Training Program. My grandpops is first cousins with Norval Morriseau. I would never turn down a cupcake. I walk the talk. Authenticity is important to me. If I could, I would adopt all the animals in the humane society and I would adopt all the babies and children in care.
Where can people find you?
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590363869792
Website: 2026itstime.com/
