The Documentary Organization of Canada (DOC) has expanded its board of directors with new members and created new at-large director roles in a move it says cements its commitment to equity and inclusion.

The new board members are: Min Sook Lee, Ontario representative; Don Young, Alberta representative; and Daniela Mujica, Quebec representative.

Those appointed to three newly created at-large director roles include: Prajwala Dixit of Newfoundland and Labrador; Shirley Cheechoo of Ontario; and Nadine Valcin of Ontario.

Meanwhile, Amar Lohana of Ontario has been appointed to the executive team as at-large treasurer; Jay Thomson and Doreen Manuel are filling existing at-large director seats; and Ariella Pahlke, DOC Atlantic Canada representative, is now secretary of the board.

Quebec representative Ina Fichman was recently re-elected as national board chair for the DOC, which has over 1,000 members from the Canadian documentary industry across six chapters from coast to coast.

Baljit Sangra, a B.C., Yukon and Northwest Territories representative, is vice-chair.

The board also includes Jessica Hallenbeck, a B.C., Yukon and Northwest Territories representative; Peter Findlay, an Ontario representative; and Vonnie Von Helmolt, a Manitoba representative.

Fichman said in a statement that the new appointments represent DOC’s goals laid out in the 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. DOC has more than 1,000 members across its six chapters: B.C., Yukon and Northwest Territories; Alberta; Manitoba; Ontario; Quebec; and Atlantic Canada.

“Our aim was to have a national board consisting of 50% Indigenous, Black and people of colour by May 2023 and I am delighted that we have already hit that goal,” said Fichman.

“Inclusion is key for longevity and health of any organization, and we are dedicated to fulfilling our role as leaders within the industry,” added Sangra.

“These new appointments are just the beginning for DOC and we will continue to prioritize equity to ensure people with disabilities, members outside of urban centres, women, and LGBTQ2IA2S+ people are properly represented.”