Many students of colour feel shamed for their “coloured features”, whether that be a bigger or longer nose, differently shaped eyes, darker skin, or varying body shapes. Many students are not aware of the correlation between the parts of themselves they’ve grown to hate and the parts of themselves that look the least white. What if there was space made to talk about the many Asian, Black, Latin (etc.) features that are in fact… beautiful! …Just in the same way that these racist judgments were formed, they can be dismantled, through education and conversation. These subconscious ideas we hold about ourselves or others were not our own to begin with. They were crafted and formulated in a thought out and preconceived way, meant to keep us segregated from each other and ourselves. There is room for healing here. There is room for repair and regrowth of new ideas on what is beautiful. 

When working as a teacher or school staff it can often feel overwhelming and confusing to figure out how to be the most empowered ally. This blog look at some essential information that should be in your “toolbox”, guiding you to deal with racist incidents to the best of your ability. We often hear from teachers that they are at a loss of where to begin and how to deal with uncomfortable, racist incidents. Many students also express the effects of their teachers' avoidance of dealing with incidents in class and how that negatively impacts them. This often comes back to teachers and staff feeling unequipped to deal with a situation, and so simply not addressing it at all for fear of messing up. This is why some guidance is necessary.  

Acknowledging the existence of racism is the first step towards dismantling it. However, the road to becoming an ally can seem overwhelming. With a multitude of perspectives and resources available, it's easy to feel lost or unsure about where to begin. The key is to recognize that the journey is ongoing, and that each step forward (no matter how small it may seem) contributes to the greater goal of creating an inclusive and equitable society.

With a commitment to education and community-building, the team at CREAN has organized a series of adult and youth-led workshops and discussions related to anti-racism in BC schools.

In early spring 2023, findings from the first Anti-Racism in the Education System project (ARIE) survey with high school students were shared. The survey is part of the broader ARIE project goals: gaining an understanding of the experiences of racialized students in BC schools, and refining and enhancing anti-racism policies and initiatives, while providing support for racialized youth in schools.