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Edgewater school gets grant funding to tackle racism
The B.C. government last week announced that more than 190 new projects have received support through the BC Multiculturalism Grants program to address racism and discrimination, and build intercultural trust and understanding.
While the majority of the programs are located in the Lower Mainland, one East Kootenay-based program is to receive funds.
Edgewater Elementary School is getting $10,000 for its Anti-Indigenous Racism program Picking Up My Hoops.
This project integrates Hoop Dance for Indigenous students, with anti-indigenous racism instruction for all students and staff in two elementary schools. The project will provide tools for self-reflection on how systemic racism is present in education systems while promoting cultural identity.
Funding for the Multiculturalism Grants Program was increased fourfold to more than $1.2 million in 2020-21 to deliver more anti-racism initiatives. Priority for these recent grants was given to projects addressing anti-Indigenous, anti-Asian and anti-Black racism.
“Racism is pervasive and it reaches into every corner of our province. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made the situation worse,” said Rachna Singh, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “That’s why these grants prioritize projects addressing anti-Indigenous, anti-Asian and anti-Black racism. These grants will not only help organizations across the province to address systemic racism, but also provide learning opportunities to foster better understanding and encourage intercultural conversation in B.C. communities.”
Funding is provided to a range of community-based organizations for projects that build intercultural interaction, trust and understanding, or challenge racism, hate and systemic barriers.
The Vancouver Foundation also received a one-time grant of $200,000 to support IBPOC-led (Indigenous, Black and people of colour) organizations advancing racial justice and equity throughout B.C.
“This funding will help support IBPOC-led non-profits in their efforts to advance racial equity and justice in their communities,” said Niki Sharma, Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits. “This has been a challenging time and the non-profit sector has been working tirelessly over the last year to meet the increased demand for programs and services.”
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