Restoring Dignity: A Roadmap for Human Rights and Mutual Aid in Edmonton

Summary Report

On March 11, 2026, the JHC team presented their latest research, Restoring Dignity, at City Hall, sharing findings on the impact of hate and opposition on mutual aid workers, “By mutual aid, we mean individuals who engage in often unpaid or underfunded community-based work to support vulnerable populations in meeting basic needs (such as food, shelter, healthcare, and safety) and seeking justice in the face of systemic inequities. This includes direct service provision, advocacy, harm reduction, and solidarity-driven grassroots organizing that prioritizes community care, reciprocity, and collective well-being.” The session brought together mutual aid workers, community members, city councillors, and municipal staff, creating space for reflection, discussion, and collective learning.

Following the presentation, participants engaged in dialogue around four key themes that emerged from the report:

  • Bylaw, Public Space & Municipal Enforcement

  • Governance, Policy Levers & Coordination

  • Policing, Outreach & De-escalation

  • Risk, Accountability & Public Trust

These themes guided meaningful conversations about the challenges facing mutual aid efforts, as well as opportunities for more supportive and coordinated responses across systems. Participants selected a theme to focus on, while JHC staff and volunteers facilitated discussions and documented key insights.

Bylaw, Public Space & Municipal Enforcement
Discussions under this theme shed light on the challenges of coordinating between mutual aid workers and government staff, particularly in navigating public space and enforcement processes.

Governance, Policy Levers & Coordination
Conversations highlighted the need for greater transparency in funding decisions and a more centralized approach to coordination. Participants noted that Community Liaisons within the City of Edmonton could serve as key connectors, helping streamline communication between mutual aid workers and municipal partners.

Policing, Outreach & De-escalation
Participants discussed concerns about unequal protection among community members, uncertainty around police roles and responsibilities, and fears that interactions with police could escalate situations. Geography was also identified as a factor influencing how individuals are treated.

Risk, Accountability & Public Trust
This theme raised questions about political liability, particularly in the context of elections, as well as broader issues of community mistrust. Participants also pointed to the role of social media and its tendency toward sensationalism in shaping public perception and trust.

Overall, the session underscored both the complexity of challenges facing mutual aid workers and the importance of continued dialogue across sectors. While participants identified gaps in coordination, transparency, and trust, they also pointed to tangible opportunities for improvement, particularly through stronger communication, clearer roles, and more collaborative approaches. The insights shared at City Hall reinforce the need for ongoing engagement between mutual aid networks, municipal systems, and community members to build more responsive, equitable, and supportive environments for this work.

See the summary report here.

AdminHuman Rights, Mutual Aid, Edmonton