Strategy for Achieving Racial Equity

Over a 2-year period, 9 North Shore organizations collaborated to develop a racial equity strategy that made sense in our community. We developed the strategy based on our diverse experiences and knowledge, research, and best practices. The Community Garden Model is based on 8 essential factors that focus on collaboration and a practical approach to achieving racial equity.

North Vancouver City Library – Indigenous Cultural Safety Plan

In this video, North Vancouver City Library shares the creation and purpose of its Indigenous Cultural Safety Plan, a key resource for ensuring that staff can work effectively with Indigenous community members and partners. The plan is designed to foster a welcoming environment where Indigenous individuals feel a sense of belonging, while providing staff with the tools and knowledge to engage respectfully and meaningfully with Indigenous communities.

MONOVA – New Voices Volunteer Program

The New Voices Volunteer Program is 16-week initiative that brings together newcomers from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, share their unique stories, and discuss their new home, North Vancouver, in their perspectives. Through group discussions and a photography exhibition, participants develop new skills, including language proficiency and leadership, while gaining a deeper understanding of their role within the community. The program fosters a sense of belonging by creating meaningful connections, empowering newcomers to take an active role in the museum, and providing opportunities to express themselves in a supportive environment.

Parkgate Society – Social Prescribing Program

The Social Prescribing program focuses on improving racialized seniors’ overall health by fostering social connections and physical activity. Aimed at preventing isolation, the program pairs seniors with a community friend who helps them navigate new systems like transit and healthcare while attending activities together, such as art or walking groups. This initiative ensures that seniors, whether newcomers or long-term residents, can re-engage with their community, build meaningful friendships, and enhance their well-being. The program promotes inclusivity and equitable access to services, empowering seniors to stay connected and healthy.

The Presentation House – The Canoe Project

The Canoe Project aims to foster reconciliation by connecting people with the land and each other. Through arts, storytelling, and shared knowledge, the project brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, including immigrants, to create meaningful cultural connections. By incorporating Indigenous knowledge, the project invites everyone to be part of the larger narrative of the land, offering a welcoming space to share stories.

Vancouver Coastal Health – Anti-Racism Education

Vancouver Coastal Health’s Anti-Racism Education program aims to address racism within the healthcare system by educating staff on how to provide more inclusive and culturally safe care. This program fosters a commitment in the organizational culture, encouraging healthcare providers to challenge their own biases and ensure that patients receive equitable, respectful, and accessible care.

Silver Harbour Seniors Activity Centre – English Conversation Circles

Silver Harbour Seniors Activity Centre, in collaboration with Impact North Shore, runs English Conversation Circles that provide both English learning and socializing opportunities for racialized immigrant seniors. Through the English conversation circles, seniors not only improve their language skills but also build community connections, making them feel more integrated and supported in their community.