Definitions – 

We acknowledge acknowledge that there are many variations of these definitions, but in the context of this engagement process, these are the definitions used to frame the questions that follow.  Race – is a term used to classify people into groups based principally on physical traits (phenotypes) such as skin colour.   Racial categories are not based on science or biology but on differences that society has created (i.e., “socially constructed”, with significant consequences for people’s lives.  Racial categories may vary over time and place and can overlap with ethnic, cultural, or religious groupings.  The ideology of race has become embedded in our identities, institutions and culture and is used as a basis for discrimination and domination. It can even be difficult for those in support of racial justice to start sincere, authentic conversations about race.  At the macro level of racism, we look beyond the individuals to the broader dynamics, including institutional and structural racism.  Internalized racism, describes the private racial beliefs held by and within individuals. The way we absorb social messages about race and adopt them as personal beliefs, biases and prejudices are all within the realm of internalized racism.  For the People of African descent, Indigenous and people of color, internalized oppression involve believing in negative messages about oneself or one’s racial group. For white people, internalized privilege can involve feeling a sense of superiority and entitlement or holding negative beliefs about Black/People of African descent, Indigenous and people of color.   Interpersonal racism is how our private beliefs about race become public when we interact with others. When we act upon our prejudices or unconscious bias, whether intentionally, visibly, verbally, or not, we engage in interpersonal racism. Interpersonal racism also can be willful and overt, taking the form of bigotry, hate speech or racial violence.  Institutional racism is racial inequity within institutions and systems of power, such as places of employment, government agencies and social services. It can take the form of unfair policies and practices, discriminatory treatment and inequitable opportunities and outcomes. 

A school system that concentrates Indigenous, Black/People of African descent and people of  color in the most overcrowded and under-resourced schools with the least qualified teachers compared to the educational opportunities of white students is an example of institutional racism.  Structural racism (or structural racialization) is the racial bias across institutions and society.  It describes the cumulative and compounding effects of an array of factors that systematically privilege white people and disadvantage people of color including Black/People of African descent and Indigenous groups.  Most often the word “racism” is understood as a conscious belief, “racialization” may be a better way to describe a process that does not require intentionality.  ‘Racialization’ connotes a process rather than a static event. It underscores the fluid and dynamic nature of race ‘Structural racialization’ is a set of processes that may generate disparities or depress life outcomes without any racist actors.”  Systemic racialization describes a dynamic system that produces and replicates racial ideologies, identities, and inequities. Systemic racialization is the well-institutionalized pattern of discrimination that cuts across major political, economic, and social organizations in a society.  Public attention to racism is generally focused on the symptoms (such as a racist slur or the adultification of Black women and girls by an individual or group) rather than the system of racial inequity. (Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality. 2019. Listening To Black Women and Girls. https://www.aecf.org/resources/listening-to-black-women-and-girls) 

Racial Privilege and Racial Oppression – Like two sides of the same coin, racial privilege describes race-based advantages and preferential treatment based on skin color, while racial oppression refers to race-based disadvantages, discrimination and exploitation based on skin color. Racialization – “The concept of racialization refers to the processes by which a group of people is defined by their “race.” Processes of racialization begin by attributing racial meaning to people’s identity and, in particular, as they relate to social structures and institutional systems, such as justice, housing, employment, and education. In societies in which “White” people have economic, political, and social power, processes of racialization have emerged from the creation of a hierarchy in social structures and systems based on “race.” Equity is defined as “the state, quality or ideal of being just, impartial and fair.” The concept of equity is synonymous with fairness and justice.  Systemic equity is a complex combination of interrelated elements consciously designed to create, support and sustain social justice. It is a dynamic process that reinforces and replicates equitable ideas, power, resources, strategies, conditions, habits and outcomes.  For example, communities with a sizable portion of incarcerated residents are economically burdened and, consequently, lack resources to support families appropriately.  Racial equity is the systemic fair treatment of all people. It results in equitable opportunities and outcomes for everyone. It contrasts with formal equality where people are treated the same without regard for racial differences. Racial equity is a process (such as meaningfully engaging with Indigenous, Black/People of African descent, and racialized clients regarding policies, directives, practices and procedures that affect them) and an outcome (such as equitable treatment of Indigenous, Black/People of African descent, and racialized clients in a program or service).   

Inclusion is the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure. More than simply diversity and numerical representation, inclusion involves authentic and empowered participation and a true sense of belonging.  Systemic Racism – Routine and societal systems, structures and institutions such as requirements, policies, legislation and practices that perpetuate and maintain avoidable and unfair inequalities across racial groups, including the use of profiling and stereotyping (In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C’s. Health Care).   Language sensitivity is defined as the use of respectful, supportive, and caring words with consideration for a person or group anytime but with specific attention when having difficult conversations.  Trauma informed means to recognize the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) / trauma among all people Recognize that many behaviours and symptoms are the result of traumatic experiences, recognize that being treated with respect and kindness, and being empowered with choices is key in helping people recover from traumatic experience. Compassionate – Feeling or showing sympathy /sadness for the suffering/bad luck of others wanting to help them. Safety – Marginalized- is the process of relegating or confining to a lower or outer limit or edge, as of social standing. Hence, marginalization is the social process of becoming or being made marginal (especially as a group within a larger society): “the marginalization of the underclass” or “of literature.” 

ACHA JUKI PROJECT –  Acha Juki Initiative- it started in 2017, after we organized our 2nd a successful Vigil event on Jul 10, 2016, that saw more than 500 people gathered at the Vancouver Art Gallery – Sunday afternoon to show solidarity that included group speakers from Black Lives Matter. The vigil came as a result of the deaths of two black men, Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, in the USA at the hands of police officers.  Castile was shot in front of his four-year-old daughter and his girlfriend during a routine traffic stop. 

Racism, in all forms, is abhorrent and unacceptable. In this era when racism, xenophobia, antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise across Canada, and globally, it is important that all young people, from all backgrounds, learn and practice non-discrimination, be taught early about equality, respect and tolerance.  Education is the best tool to tackle Racism, Discrimination, helping build inclusive societies.  Our Government must provide the appropriate financial resources to schools, civil society organizations and even individual citizens who are doing so much in the community in all forms on Anti-Racism to be able to promote equality and non-discrimination.  Teachers must be trained to work with all children on sensitive matters about race, culture, diversity, all other issues and or needs of pupils from different backgrounds, including issues relating to human rights and racial discrimination.  Children from all backgrounds must have equal access to quality education and fully integrated into the school system.  

Community – Teaching racism is the core concept for our initiative, it recognizes that racism is something that is learned and therefore can be unlearned. It acknowledges the unique expertise community members are able to address the challenge and inspire others to do the same.  Teaching racism empowers and lift the limits that society has placed on young people.   Racism is recognize as a societal issue, acknowledged to affect many groups of people, has significant relevance, impacting vulnerable community members especially the Indigenous, Black, Asians, and interfaith communities.  We would like to make our events informed by best practice, be strengths-based, future-focused and optimistic .  Hoping to receive grants to organize meaningful Anti-Racism events which demonstrate and uphold the values, in our communities.   We will develop programs that approach uncomfortable conversations around racism through the lens of a growth mindset, creating ways to acknowledge and begin to address racism within communities, increasing the visibility of, and inherent importance of, cultural competency as a vital part of the our skills set.    Our Anti-Racism events will align with our vision of leadership strategy, professionalism which builds principled and inspirational leadership; a culturally capable, competent and connected activities.  Combating Racism and Discrimination through Education.  The Acha Juki program will reflect the commitment of providing social justice tools for combating bias and hate crimes in all its forms.  Acha Chuki is dedicated to providing the necessary educational training to combat hate in our communities and the nation, actively seeking partnerships and collaboration among various organizations with similar concerns to address bias and hate behaviors.