International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) has been a focus for the past several years for the Workers of Colour Multicultural Mentorship Committee and Young Workers Committee because we see racism, we experience racism, and we want desperately to end racism. The prejudices fueled by racial discrimination happen on a personal level, but also in a systemic way.
Today, racialized and religious minority peoples are disproportionately affected by:
- Poverty
- A lack of access to quality healthcare
- Poor housing
- A lack of access to quality education
- An over-representation in the criminal justice system
What can you do to stop racism?
- Learn about the history of racism and xenophobia in Canada.
- Speak out when you see racism. Call out discriminatory behaviour.
- Stand in solidarity with those that are being targeted. Ask them how they’d like to be supported.
- Support racialized and Indigenous peoples by listening to them and amplify their voices.
- Support organizations and initiatives that work towards racial equality.
- Encourage anti-racism in your workplace, schools, and communities. Challenge systemic and structural racism.
- SEIU-West also provides a Cultural Diversity and Inclusion two-day course. Apply when it’s offered in the weekly emails. (sign up for emails here)
- Join us when we attend community events where we hand out stop racism buttons and stickers and have those important conversations.
- Share this poster.
- Attend Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan IDERD events across Saskatchewan.
Racial discrimination: Treating people differently because of their race, ethnic origin, colour of skin, language or religion.
Systemic racism: racism built into structures and institutions of society. Some laws and policies are responsible for creating a climate where prejudice is tolerated or perpetuated.
We all have unconscious biases (social stereotype about groups of people that we form outside our awareness, stemming from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing. This can cause beliefs and views about other people that might not be right or reasonable,) so when you think something, ask yourself: Do I know this, or do I assume this?
Together, let's stop racism!
Additional Resources:
- History of Racism in Canada - Anti-Racism Learning Toolkit - Library and Academic Services at RRC Polytech
- Anti-Racism Educator Jane Elliott: ‘There’s Only One Race. The Human Race' | NBC BLK | NBC News (youtube.com)
- The Newcomers (Producer/Director Theresa Kliem).mp4 on Vimeo
- Unconscious Bias Training | Office of Diversity and Outreach UCSF
- SEIU-West First Nations Metis Inuit Committee page with further resources
- Anti-racism resources - Canada.ca