Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Removing 'chief' from job title sign of respect

THERE are no more "chiefs" in the province's Conservation Department.

Fred Meier, deputy minister of Conservation, said Monday the removal of the word "chief" from department job titles was done out of respect for First Nations.

"From time to time over the years we would hear about these titles being used not on a regular basis, no formal complaints or anything like that, but our department is a department that works a lot with aboriginal communities about hunting and fishing issues," Meier said. "I think this from our perspective is a sign of respect. The term 'chief' means a lot to aboriginal communities."

Meier said nine positions for the chief Natural Resources officer will now be called regional field supervisors and three positions of chief of park operations will be changed to regional park operations supervisors.

He said the change of job titles to remove "chief" has taken place since the mid-1990s -- for example chief of big game switched to big game manager -- and the most recent are the last positions to change.

"This doesn't mean that we don't hold these people in as high regard as we had previously," Meier said. "We do. These are senior officers inside of our ranks. They'll continue to be senior officers. They'll continue to have the authority they had before."

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 10, 2012 B2

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Homicide unit investigating Roblin Boulevard incident

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Marc Gallant/Winnipeg Free Press. Gardening Column- Assiniboine Park English Garden. July 19, 2002.
  • A baby Red Panda in her area at the Zoo. International Red Panda Day is Saturday September 15th and the Assiniboine Park Zoo will be celebrating in a big way! The Zoo is home to three red pandas - Rufus, Rouge and their cub who was born on June 30 of this year. The female cub has yet to be named and the Assiniboine Park Zoo is asking the community to help. September 14, 2012  BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Should Victoria Day be renamed to honour aboriginals?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google