Ethnocultural equity leader: Isis Minerva Officer

Isis Minerva Officer

Section 51- SG56A (C, CS, & Misc)

Born in Jamaica, Officer came to Canada in 1965 to work as a nurse at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Her life was not only dedicated to physically saving lives, but also working diligently to improve race relations in Ottawa and helping those in need.

Officer began her long career with the Ottawa Police in the early 1990’s when she volunteered with the Ottawa-Carleton Area Police and Community Council. Through the Council, she became a key stakeholder in the Partnership in Action initiative. She also served as a member on the Ottawa Police Service’s Race Relations Advisory Committee.

Officer worked as a police race relations mediator with the Jamaican community and multicultural liaison officer. She went to schools in the community to promote diversity and help immigrants adjust to Canadian life. She repeatedly assisted and attended community dialogues, problem-solving sessions, and training development for the police service.

Officer was a co-founder of the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association, an organization that works to develop a social and political voice for Jamaicans in Canada.

For her efforts, she received a number of awards including the Award for Excellence from the Canadian Centre for Police Race Relations and the Order of Distinction which is one of Jamaica’s highest honours.

In her honour, the Ottawa Police Service created The Isis Officer Ethnocultural Equity Award. It is presented annually to two schools, one elementary and one secondary, which demonstrate outstanding effort in the area of ethnocultural equity within the school, the Board and/or the community. The recipient schools must demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting equity and ethnocultural harmony through inclusive learning environments that promote fairness of access and treatment for all students.

Officer’s efforts in the community weren’t only political. She worked with Meals on Wheels and volunteered with the elderly and disabled, driving them to appointments and providing comfort and support. Throughout her life, she financially supported her family and friends back home in Jamaica.

Officer passed away after a long battle with cancer on December 18, 2000 at the age of 75.