Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce

Durham Region Anti-Racism Taskforce (Taskforce) is part of the Region's commitment to develop and implement an Anti-Racism Framework to ensure a healthy workplace and to address racism within the communities the Region serves. The Taskforce includes racialized community members with lived experiences; representatives from industries, associations and public institutions; Regional Councillors; Regional staff; and the CAO of Durham Region. The mandate of the Taskforce is to act in an advisory role to Regional Council, through the Finance and Administration Committee, on issues related to racism—structural, systemic and interpersonal. The work of the Taskforce will be guided by Council approved Terms of Reference.

Creating strong neighbourhoods, vibrant and diverse communities

Trynée and Gail at the Region's
Emancipation Day Event

Councillor Lee and PG at the Region's Black History Month Event

Akuah and Kevin at the Region's
Emancipation Day Event

Meet the members

Shauna Bookal Shauna is a recognized leader in community relations committed to providing advice and expertise that support coaches and athletes. Passionate about creating inclusive programming, Shauna continues to inspire, motivate and encourage positive change.	Pita-Garth Case Pita-Garth is a dedicated community advocate with a passion and vision for strengthening communities by addressing barriers faced by diverse groups. With a creative mind, Pita-Garth is always open and willing to try new things by meeting people where they are at to receive different perspectives.	Ruvette Coelho Ruvette is a medical radiation therapist at the Durham Regional Cancer Centre. Passionate about social justice, health care and education, Ruvette has dedicated most of her adult life learning about how to further these causes.
Akuah Frempong As a healthcare administrator in Durham, Akuah envisions a healthcare system that acknowledges and incorporates an individual’s intersectionality for more holistic, accessible and client-centred care. Akuah is looking forward to working with the DRART team and connecting with the Durham community to develop policies and programming with the goal of making Durham Region more inclusive for all.	Trynée Hancock Trynée is an active community member with a passion for volunteerism and community engagement. Bringing a distinct perspective and experience to the community, Trynée is looking forward to celebrating and advocating for the representation of the rich diversity within Durham Region.	Jeany Munawa Committed to removing barriers, Jeany works to provide accommodations to foster safe and health workplaces. Jeany is frequently engaged in community building and strives to achieve positive outcomes for all.
Brianna Nelson Brianna’s main focuses are mental health, youth engagement, research, and community development. Along with a commitment to social justice and amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous and other self-identified womxn of colour, Brianna brings extensive experience in building systems where knowledge-sharing, leadership, healing and creativity are prioritized.	Channon Oyeniran Interested in Black History and eradicating racism against the Black community from an early age, Channon’s keen interest and passion in these areas, helped her realize she must do all she could to educate others and raise awareness of the rich history of Black people.	Nikhila Samuel An advocate of anti-racism education, Nikki has a keen interest in the topics of diversity, equity and inclusion in educational institutions. Nikki brings more than 10 years of experience working in community development and post-secondary settings; training, advocating and developing culturally appropriate programming and services for marginalized youth and adult learners.
Kevin Vieneer A resident of Durham Region since 2013, Kevin has several professional development articles published in the areas of leadership, diversity, equity and inclusion.	Jackie Williamson Jackie is a faculty member in the nursing program at Durham College and belongs to various committees and panels addressing racial barriers, violence, oppression, and mental health and addictions.	Gail Wilson-Beier Personal life stories prompted Gail’s desire for social justice and addressing systemic barriers. Gail’s lived experiences are applied to her work on marginalization, identity and diversity.