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
Resources
- erase - Anonymous Reporting Tool for Students
- Safe, caring and inclusive schools - video from the Government of BC
- "A short animated video about the importance of schools fostering inclusive classroom environments where everyone regardless of race, culture, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or ability, is welcome and feels safe."
- Companion Guide for video from the Government of BC
- Anti-Racism resources - Government of BC
- K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan - BC Ministry of Education and Child Care
- Anti-Racism: A Guide for Teachers - BC Ministry of Education and Child Care
- Anti-Racism Lesson Plans and Tool Kits - Safe At Schools
- Anti-Indigenous Racism Resources
- SOGI 123
- Racism Response Guidelines - BC Ministry of Education and Child Care
- Inclusive Calendar Guide - BC Ministry of Education and Child Care
- Speak up at School - Learning For Justice - "This guide is for educators and all adults in schools, and it offers advice for ways to respond to remarks made by students and other adults. It also gives guidance for helping students learn to speak up as well. And modeling the kind of behavior we want from students is one of the most effective ways of teaching."
- Be An Active Witness - Foundry
- Racism in Canada - Elementary lesson plans - BCTF
- Racism in Canada - Secondary lesson plans - BCTF
- Anti-Racism Classroom Resources - BCTF
- Anti-Racism resources - ATA
- Equity and Anti-Racism resources - One Love Consulting (Dr. Lisa Gunderson) - an extensive list of 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
Black History Month
- I am because we are - Black Canadian gr 6 - 9 Learning Resource - Focused Education
- February is Black History Month - Government of Canada - toolkits, videos, information, noteworthy figures
- History of Black History Month - BC Black History Awareness Society
- Influencing the Vision of Canada - BC Black History Awareness Society - digital museum
- Learning Centre - BC Black History Awareness Society - resources, articles, stories for educators
- How did Black History Month come to be? - CBC Kids
Anti Racism Learning
Some open online learning courses on the theme of Anti-Racism
- mytrainingbc - Learning to be Anti-Racist: An Introductory Course
- UBC - Anti-Racism Awareness
Books
- Anti-Racism book list - Focused Education K-12 Evaluated Resource Collection
Videos
- What is racism? - CBC Kids
- British Columbia: An Untold History - Knowledge Network
- Anti-Racism film playlist (Secondary 10-12) - National Film Board
- Anti-Racism video collection - ATA
