Community anti-racism action strategy: Weaving a shared path forward for an anti-racist Calgary
Abstract
The Community Anti-Racism Action Strategy is a comprehensive report developed by the City of Calgary to inform its Anti-Racism Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. The report outlines recommendations for shifting the city as an overall system, including actions that focus on underlying policies, structures, and procedures. It is an invitation to create positive relationships, live in reciprocity, and take action towards a future that includes all of us. The report is committed to creating a Calgary where Indigenous, Black and diverse Racialized communities feel safe, welcome, included and are treated with dignity. It incorporates Indigenous teachings and perspectives into its anti-racism framework and provides guidance for individuals and communities to actively participate in anti-racism efforts in Calgary.
Notes
Community organizations:
ActionDignity
Habitus Consulting Collective
Future research / gaps identified:
Conduct a comprehensive review of City policies and practices to identify systemic barriers to equity and inclusion.
Collect disaggregated data on the experiences of Indigenous, Black, and diverse racialized communities in Calgary across various sectors, including employment, housing, education, healthcare, and public safety.
Conduct research on the impact of racism on mental health outcomes for Indigenous, Black, and diverse racialized communities in Calgary.
Engage with youth from these communities to better understand their experiences with racism and how it affects their sense of belonging in Calgary.
Conduct research on the experiences of newcomers to Canada who are Indigenous or from Black or diverse racialized communities to better understand their unique needs and challenges.
Key populations: all Calgarians
Key recommendations:
1) Develop an anti-racism framework that is grounded in Indigenous teachings and perspectives.
2) Increase representation of Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized communities in leadership positions within the City of Calgary.
3) Implement anti-racism training for all City staff and elected officials.
4) Increase investment in programs and services that support Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized communities.
5) Address systemic barriers to employment, housing, education, healthcare, and other services faced by these communities.
6) Foster partnerships with community organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to the needs of Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized communities.
Integration timeline: newcomers not defined
Key findings:
Gaps in services and programs that contribute to systemic barriers to employment, housing, education, healthcare, and other services
Challenges to accessing existing services and programs, including language barriers, lack of cultural competency among service providers, and discrimination.
Safety concerns & racism
Importance of representation in leadership positions within the City of Calgary. Having more Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized people in positions of power would help ensure that their voices are heard.
Need for increased investment in programs and services that support Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized communities.
Location: Calgary, AB
Open access: Yes