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Ashley Nurmela
Ashley Nurmela is an Indigenous woman from Lake Helen, and a proud wife and mother of four beautiful children. She attended Confederation College in the Native and Child Family Services Program as an adult learner, where she was on the honour roll, received the Board of Governors Award, and the Succi OASA Student Leadership award. She works at both the grassroots and administrative levels, developing and coordinating such programs as the Stand Up Speak Up Campaign, and most recently as the FNMI Liaison for the Lakehead District School Board. Ashley is running for city councillor of the McKellar ward in Thunder Bay, ON.
Why did you decide to run for council?
I have lived in Thunder Bay since 1999. This is my home. I decided to run because the personal experience I have across various sectors, such as health, mental health, being a parent and a student, provides me the unique opportunity and understanding to empathize with our community needs. The experience I have professionally allows me to advocate at multiple levels for individuals, groups, businesses and organizations. My voice can go further.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your city any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
When talking about City budget and needs, realistically $1 million is just a drop in the bucket. That being said, many communities have tackled homelessness on less, and that is where my time, energy and money would be spent.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I’ve seen some candidates and councillors using social media to make videos, or posts explaining roles and responsibilities of city council. I feel this is really innovative because it reaches a audience that would otherwise not be engaged with politics and administration. As our population ages, we have a responsibility to continue to educate voters and neighbours. This form of communication creates a platform for a dialogue exchange.
What do you cherish most about your community?
Our diversity. I think our city is extremely diverse and always has been. We are poised for opportunity to continue to celebrate and enhance that. I don’t just refer to our human diversity, but also our rich economic diversity. We can continue to pursue and support innovative ideas bringing jobs and services to our community.
Where can people find you?
Via Email. On Facebook.
October 10 from 7PM-9PM: PUBLIC forum organized by Thunder Bay and District Labour Council