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In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist. - Angela Davis

As racial issues are finally being talked about worldwide, we must all actively work to dismantle racism. Whether we realize it or not, racism affects everyone.

SD8 is dedicated to building awareness and changing attitudes about racism. 

Here you'll find information and resources about programs, activities and initiatives happening across the district to cultivate an anti-racist mindset and diverse, inclusive environment throughout our schools and workplaces. 

 

SD8 Kootenay Lake - Policy 172: Anti-Racism and Cultural Safety

SD8 Kootenay Lake - AP 4002: Anti-Racism and Cultural Safety

SD8 Kootenay Lake - Safe, Caring and Inclusive Learning

 

The erase Report It tool allows students to anonymously report things they have seen or heard that are concerning. erase stands for 'Expect Respect & A Safe Education'. Find more information and resources from erase.

 

Resources

Cultural Awareness Months

Latin American Heritage Month - October

As proclaimed by Canada, and the Province of British Columbia, October 2025 is Latin American Heritage Month. 

Information from UBC – REDI – Latin American Heritage Month

Information from Canadian Hispanic Latin American Virtual Museum 

National Film Board of Canada – NFB Abroad: Latin America on Screen

National Film Board of Canada – Latin American Heritage Month

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion – Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month Educational Resources

Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion – Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, Brazilian Heritage

2 Peas and a Dog – Latin American Heritage Month Resources for Middle School

The Virtual Learning Commons – Latin American Heritage Month Resources 

Tamil Heritage Month - January

Minister of Canadian Identity & Culture - Statement on Tamil Heritage Month

Tamil Heritage Month - Official Theme: Our Land, Our Roots: Celebrating Tamil Ancestral Spaces and Times

United Nations Association in Canada - Tamil Heritage in Canada

Tamil Heritage Month - Resources

Anti Racism Learning

Some open online learning courses, documents, research and reading on the theme of Anti-Racism

Black Excellence Day

January 15 is Black Excellence Day. It was created by the Ninandotoo Society and takes place on this day to honour Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who was born on this day in 1929. The term Black Excellence came out of the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.

 

What is Black Excellence Day? "As a lead up to Black History Month, Black Excellence Day is a day to rejoice Black history and learn about Black stories, Black Art, and Black people, and a day to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians." (from Black Excellence Day).

 

 

Black History Month

February is Black History Month

February 2025 celebrated and honoured 30 years of Black History Month in Canada. In the USA, 2026 marks 100 years of Black History Month

The theme for Black History Month 2026 is "30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations - From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries."

Black & Indigenous Intersectionality

It is important to acknowledge the existence of Afro-Indigenous Intersectionality.

Black & Queer Intersectionality

 

International Holocaust Remembrance Day - January 27

January 27 is the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It honours the day in 1945 when the Auschwitz-Burkenau concentration camp was liberated.

Books

Podcasts