OUR VISION
Great Lakes Networking Society of BC envisions an equitable and resilient society where people of African descent, immigrants, refugees, seniors, youth, LGBTQ, people facing mental health challenges, and people living with disabilities are recognized, supported, respected, and empowered. Through arts, culture, education, and community engagement, we strive for a future where everyone participates fully, express themselves creatively, and realize their full potential.
MISSION Statement
Great Lakes Networking Society of BC is a Black/Driven, and BIPOC-governed grassroots organization with intersectional leadership, dedicated to advancing justice, equity, and inclusion. Through arts, culture, education, sports, and advocacy, we deliver culturally grounded programs and festivals that uplift Black and African voices, strengthen intergenerational knowledge, challenge systemic barriers, and promote healing, belonging, and community connection for underserved and allied communities in Metro Vancouver and beyond.
We empower communities through advocacy, capacity-building/development, and collaborative partnerships that center the lived resilience and experiences of people of African descent and other equity-deserving communities. By providing an enabling environment for African arts, culture, and educational conversations, we create awareness, celebrate Black presence, and promote a fairer, more inclusive society for all.
MANDATE
Great Lakes Networking Society of BC provides culturally grounded programs that promote arts, culture, and heritage while creating meaningful, hands-on work experience and professional development opportunities. Through community outreach, arts and cultural events, festivals, and food services, participants gain transferable skills, mentorship, and professional experience, enhancing employability, confidence, and leadership.
As a Black-led, Black-driven, and BIPOC-governed Arts Activator Organization recognized by the BC Arts Council, we center the lived experiences and resilience of people of African descent while welcoming allies and diverse participants. Our inclusive approach fosters equitable participation, celebrates diverse heritages, amplifies underrepresented voices, and strengthens community connections across Metro Vancouver and beyond. Cont…..
By integrating arts, culture, education, and advocacy, we advance social and economic inclusion, promote creativity, and contribute to a fairer, more vibrant society for all.
We strengthen and promote social justice, community cohesion, and leadership development through public art, youth mentorship, cultural exchange, and hands-on work experience opportunities. Centered on anti- racism, accessibility, and decolonization, we use the arts as a vehicle for equity, healing, and skill development, amplifying the voices of seniors, refugees, newcomers, at-risk youth, LGBTQ individuals, and people affected by mental health and addiction challenges.
Through our programs, participants gain practical skills in community engagement, program coordination, arts and event management, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while building confidence and professional networks that enhance their employability. At its heart, GL-BC sees the arts as a living tool for justice, belonging, and transformation, creating inclusive spaces where every voice matters, every culture thrives, and participants develop real-world skills that prepare them for future employment and civic engagement.
Our initiatives align with the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent and support global development priorities, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), reflecting our commitment to equitable opportunities, social impact, and workforce readiness.
Our Values:
- Community Care and Healing – We believe art, culture, and education are essential pathways to healing, resilience, and collective well-being.
- Justice and Equity We work to dismantle systemic barriers and advance fair access to opportunities, resources, and representation.
- Equality and Inclusion – We promote full participation and belonging for all, with a focus on communities historically excluded or marginalized.
- Diversity – We honour the richness of People of African Descent identities, cultures, and lived experiences across the African diaspora.
- Decolonization – We center Indigenous and Black knowledge systems, challenge colonial structures, and support self-determination.
- Accountability and Accessibility – We are acountable, and strive to remove physical, cultural, economic, and social barriers so everyone can participate with dignity.
OBJECTIVES
1. Advance Arts and Cultural Engagement
Deliver inclusive, community-led arts, music, and cultural programs that reflect and celebrate the heritage, creativity, and lived experiences of Black and diverse communities.
2. Promote Social Justice Through Creative Expression
Use storytelling, performance, and visual arts to raise awareness, challenge inequities, and support anti-racism, decolonization, and human rights.
3. Strengthen Legal Education and Empowerment
Equip underserved communities with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to navigate legal systems, through accessible, multilingual workshops, campaigns, and advocacy initiatives.
4. Promote Community Leadership and Inclusion
Empower youth, seniors, and emerging leaders through mentorship, skills training, and cultural exchange rooted in the arts and community development.
5. Support Education and Intergenerational Learning
Provide creative, culturally grounded learning opportunities that preserve cultural memory, foster mutual understanding, and build bridges across generations.
6. Build Resilient and Equitable Communities
Address systemic barriers through programs that integrate arts with wellness, outreach, trauma-informed supports, and civic engagement- ensuring inclusive, community-led solutions.
7. Advance Racial and Social Equity Through Advocacy
Advocate for equitable policies and amplify Black voices in decision-making spaces by combining grassroots mobilization with innovative and artistic approaches.
8. Promote Cross-Cultural Understanding and Belonging
Enhance social cohesion through exhibitions, performances, and collaborative community events that celebrate diverse identities, traditions, and beliefs.
9. Combat Racism and Discrimination
Deliver trauma-informed supports for individuals facing discrimination and collaborate with local stakeholders to build safer, more inclusive communities.
10. Strengthen Community Resilience through Capacity-Building
Launch training and leadership programs informed by national research and local needs, bridging gaps between marginalized communities, institutions, and systems.
All our objectives align with our mission to use Arts and culture as vehicles for equity, inclusion, education, and community empowerment, especially for Black, Indigenous, underserved populations and interfaith minority communities in Metro Vancouver, provincial, National and beyond.
At Great Lakes Networking Society of BC, we imagine our work as a living tree grounded, growing, and giving life to change. Each part of the this tree reflects a different part of who we are and what we stand for:
Each branch holds one of our objectives, and each root represents a value that supports our work
The tree is a symbol of growth, resilience, and rooted strength.
Just like a tree, our society draws power from the ground up, starting in community, reaching out in many directions, and standing firm through every season.