(Photo credit: Province of B.C./Flickr)

By Pete McIntyre

engagement sessions

Vernon society seeks input on anti-racism legislation

Sep 7, 2023 | 2:00 PM

A Vernon society is looking for feedback on what Indigenous, Black and other people of colour would like to see in anti-racism legislation in British Columbia.

The province is asking the public to help develop legislation that will hold the B.C. government accountable for addressing systemic racism within its programs and services, and provide supports to those who have been negatively impacted.

Vernon and District Immigrant and Community Services Society (VDICSS) will hold two community engagement sessions, both on October 4, 2023, at 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Okanagan Regional Library.

The meetings will look to identify barriers and inequalities experienced by Indigenous, Black and other people of colour in the community and to guide discussions on the most effective strategies for the government to address these challenges.

The sessions are only open to a very specific audience of Indigenous, Black and other people of colour.

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“Racial inequities in our society have been left unaddressed for too long,” Amelia Sirianni, executive director at VDICSS, said. “These engagement sessions will provide us with an opportunity to identify and address the inequities and move us closer toward corrective action.”

Sirianni said the sessions will focus on how the B.C. government can better support the people who are impacted, what areas should be prioritized and what kind of programs the government should support to prevent further community harm.

Refreshments will be provided, and a $50 honorarium will be provided for participation.

To ensure anonymity, no pre-registration is required.

For more information, contact Amy Timleck at amy.timleck@vdicss.org.