Anti-Racism Education

Mawe Wicihitowin Conference

Prepared by

Becky Sasakamoose Kuffner

City of Saskatoon

2015

Understanding Racism

• The assumptions when talking about racism in Canada: Learning to think differently about Racism

• The social construction of racism and other forms of oppression. • Moving from Multiculturalism and Diversity: Why it is necessary for

the elimination of racial discrimination.

• The City of Saskatoon : growing forward • Practicing everyday anti-racism

• Conclusions/Questions?

3 Assumptions

The Social Construction of Race and other forms of oppression

Understanding racism requires that we understand it is not just about recognizing simple differences but the value that is placed on these differences.

Racism and other forms of oppression (patriarchy,

homophobia, ableism, classism etc) is a legacy we have inherited.

Understanding Racism as a legacy we have inherited

Guilt vs. Responsibility

Our Canadian Legacy

1876 Canada passes the Indian Act. • The Indian Act, as a policy of cultural genocide, is specifically

designed to eradicate Indigenous culture and expropriate land and resources for profit and settlement. 64

• Strengthens the 1869 Gradual Enfranchisement Act’s provisions instituting elected rather than traditional band councils.

• Prohibits Indigenous women from running for Band council or voting on land surrenders.

• The Indian Act defines, dislocates, disenfranchises, removes political sovereignty, coercively assimilates and culturally impedes Indigenous People.

Residential Schools

“Kill the Indian in the child”

The 60s Scoop

The legacy of racism and other forms of oppression are systemically built into mainstream dominant institutions to

ensure the success of the racialized white settler population of a Colonized Canada

.

Why Anti-Racism?

• “Heroes and holidays” or “ Food, fun and festivals” It only exposes students to superficial differences.

• It promotes stereotypes and isolates racialized students because their racial group is not part of everyday curriculum, but rather portrayed in a specific, isolated way (Bolgatz, 2005).

• Within the multicultural approach, white culture is often not viewed as being "different", so white students are encouraged to perceive themselves as the norm.

• The multicultural approach does not take into account the implications of race and culture on students' lived experience. This leaves students unable to articulate a sense of something being wrong, and/or not feeling safe to talk about their experiences at a deeper level.

Embedded inequities produce unequal opportunities for health and wellness, educational success, income security, civic participation, child welfare, youth and criminal justice.

“The total social benefit of bridging the Aboriginal education gap in Saskatchewan, measured in 2011 dollars, is $90.0 Billion, or $90,000 per person in Saskatchewan.”

“The potash industry is universally understood to be critical to the economy of our province. However, the total production of potash in Saskatchewan back to the start of the industry is…four-fifths of $90.0 Billion.” ~Bridging the Aboriginal Gap in Saskatchewan –Eric Howe

http://www.nwtopportunities.com/sites/default/files/educationemployment.pdf

The City of Saskatoon: Growing Forward

• The Municipality as a Guardian of the Public Interest

• The Municipality as an Organization in the Fulfillment of Human Rights

• The Municipality as a Community Sharing Responsibility for Respecting and Promoting Human Rights and Diversity

2015- Major Initiatives

• Anti-Racism Community Education Forum II

• Understanding Racism sessions included in Corporate Training Calendar

• Anti Racism Public Education Strategy Implementation and Communication plan

2016 Major Initiatives

• Introducing “Anti-Racism” Component to leadership competencies

• Public Education Campaign “ I AM THE BRIDGE”

• Continuous (mandatory) internal staff training in Anti/Understanding-Racism

Everyday Anti-Racism

-Inform yourself

-Stand up against racism

-Reflect

-Listen

-Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Thank You!