We invite all Indigenous Employees & BC Employers, Managers, & HR to join our upcoming workshop to share your experiences navigating workplace policies. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

This research initiative emerged in response to concerns raised during a community forum in April of 2024, where more than 30 community members shared their experiences of facing barriers to cultural leave in the workplace.

Together, we’ll explore how workplaces can better support Indigenous employees, including the importance of recognizing and allowing time off for cultural holidays and practices. 

The event will take place virtually on August 18th, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM PST

You will receive more details and a link to join once you RSVP.

Prior to the session, please fill out the following survey for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon Giftcards: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5JPH92Q

RSVP by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1543047359189?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions, please email jasper@creansociety.org

We invite all Indigenous Employees & BC Employers, Managers, & HR to join our upcoming workshop to share your experiences navigating workplace policies. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

This research initiative emerged in response to concerns raised during a community forum in April of 2024, where more than 30 community members shared their experiences of facing barriers to cultural leave in the workplace.

Together, we’ll explore how workplaces can better support Indigenous employees, including the importance of recognizing and allowing time off for cultural holidays and practices. 

The event will take place virtually on August 13th, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM PST

You will receive more details and a link to join once you RSVP.

Prior to the session, please fill out the following survey for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon Giftcards: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5JPH92Q

RSVP by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1543045483579?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions, please email jasper@creansociety.org

We invite all Indigenous Employees & BC Employers, Managers, & HR to join our upcoming workshop to share your experiences navigating workplace policies. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

This research initiative emerged in response to concerns raised during a community forum in April of 2024, where more than 30 community members shared their experiences of facing barriers to cultural leave in the workplace.

Together, we’ll explore how workplaces can better support Indigenous employees, including the importance of recognizing and allowing time off for cultural holidays and practices. 

The event will take place virtually on August 11th, from 10 - 11:30 AM PST

You will receive more details and a link to join once you RSVP.

Prior to the session, please fill out the following survey for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon Giftcards: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5JPH92Q

RSVP by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1543043216799?aff=oddtdtcreator 

If you have any questions, please email jasper@creansociety.org

We invite all employers, managers, & HR professionals in British Columbia to join one upcoming free dinner and workshop to share your experiences navigating workplace policies. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

Together, we’ll explore how workplaces can better support Indigenous employees, including the importance of recognizing and allowing time off for cultural holidays and practices. Your perspectives will help inform policymakers and municipal inclusion goals, to build greater Indigenous representation, retention, and leadership opportunities in workplaces.

The session will be held at on August 7, from 6:30-8:00 PM at The Dock, in downtown Victoria: 722 Cormorant Street Victoria, BC V8W 1P8

To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/employer-dinner-chat-about-workplace-cultural-safety-50-100-honorarium-tickets-1520624572029?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please fill out our survey prior to attending the group for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon Giftcards!: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LW9YDV9

If you have any questions, please email suad@creansociety.org

We invite all Indigenous Employees in British Columbia to join our upcoming workshop to share your experiences navigating workplace policies. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

This research initiative emerged in response to concerns raised during a community forum in April of 2024, where more than 30 community members shared their experiences of facing barriers to cultural leave in the workplace.

Together, we’ll explore how workplaces can better support Indigenous employees, including the importance of recognizing and allowing time off for cultural holidays and practices. The learning circle will be led by an Indigenous consulting group.

The event will take place virtually on August 6th, from 10:00-11:30AM

You will receive more details and a link to join once you RSVP.

Prior to the session, please fill out the following survey for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon Giftcards: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5JPH92Q

To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/community-conversations-for-indigenous-employees-50-100-honorarium-tickets-1493544444639?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions, please email suad@creansociety.org

We invite all Indigenous Employees in British Columbia to join our upcoming workshop to share your experiences navigating workplace policies. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

This research initiative emerged in response to concerns raised during a community forum in April of 2024, where more than 30 community members shared their experiences of facing barriers to cultural leave in the workplace.

Together, we’ll explore how workplaces can better support Indigenous employees, including the importance of recognizing and allowing time off for cultural holidays and practices. The learning circle will be led by an Indigenous consulting group.

The event will take place virtually on August 5th, from 6:00-7:30PM

You will receive more details and a link to join once you RSVP.

Prior to the session, please fill out the following survey for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon Giftcards: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5JPH92Q

To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/community-conversations-for-indigenous-employees-50-100-honorarium-tickets-1493543812749?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions, please email suad@creansociety.org

We are inviting Indigenous Employees and all BC Employers, Managers, & HR professionals to our Annual General Meeting, where we will have an important discussion about workplace cultural safety. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

What is cultural safety? Cultural safety involves creating an environment where individuals feel safe and respected, regardless of their cultural background. Workplaces that are culturally unsafe for Indigenous people can limit income earning potential, make it harder to climb the corporate ladder, make employees feel devalued, and affect the Canadian economy in the long-term.

Are you an employee interested in sharing positive or negative workplace experiences? Are you an employer curious about how to make your workplace more culturally safe? Join us on July 31 at 6pm at the Dock (722 Cormorant Street) for this important conversation. A light dinner will be provided.

To RSVP, please visit: here

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

Please join Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network (CREAN) staff and Board for our Annual General Meeting, which will feature a thought-provoking discussion on Indigenous cultural safety and the impacts in every workplace.

What is cultural safety? Cultural safety involves creating an environment where individuals feel safe and respected, regardless of their cultural background. Workplaces that are culturally unsafe for Indigenous people can limit income earning potential, make it harder to climb the corporate ladder, make employees feel devalued, and affect the Canadian economy in the long-term.

Are you an employee interested in sharing positive or negative workplace experiences? Are you an employer curious about how to make your workplace more culturally safe? Join us on July 31 at 6pm at the Dock (722 Cormorant Street) for this important conversation. A light dinner will be provided.

RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/indigenous-cultural-safety-in-the-workplace-tickets-1511006012659?aff=oddtdtcreator

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

We invite all employers, managers, & HR professionals in British Columbia to join our upcoming workshop to share your experiences navigating workplace policies. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

Together, we’ll explore how workplaces can better support Indigenous employees, including the importance of recognizing and allowing time off for cultural holidays and practices. Your perspectives will help inform policymakers and municipal inclusion goals, to build greater Indigenous representation, retention, and leadership opportunities in workplaces.

The event will take place virtually on July 24, from 10:00-11:30 AM

You will receive more details and a link to join once you RSVP. To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/community-conversations-for-employers-indigenous-workplace-practices-tickets-1478967534709?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Please fill out our survey prior to attending the group for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon Giftcards!: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LW9YDV9

If you have any questions, please email suad@creansociety.org

We invite all Indigenous Employees in British Columbia to join our upcoming workshop to share your experiences navigating workplace policies. To reward you for your time and insights, there will be a $50-100 honorarium for attendees!

This research initiative emerged in response to concerns raised during a community forum in April of 2024, where more than 30 community members shared their experiences of facing barriers to cultural leave in the workplace.

Together, we’ll explore how workplaces can better support Indigenous employees, including the importance of recognizing and allowing time off for cultural holidays and practices. The learning circle will be led by an Indigenous consulting group.

The event will take place virtually on July 16, from 6:30-8:00PM

You will receive more details and a link to join once you RSVP. To RSVP, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/community-conversations-for-indigenous-employees-tickets-1478955107539?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Prior to the session, please fill out the following survey for a chance to win 1 of 4 $50 Amazon Giftcards: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5JPH92Q

If you have any questions, please email suad@creansociety.org

Previously known to many as “Odeon Alley” for the next door Odeon Theatre, the walkway was renamed Millie’s Lane in honour of Millie Hawkes. Millie Hawkes was a beloved and longtime operator of Manton Shoe Repair, a shop that opened onto the lane.

Join us for a one-night community showcase commemorating Canadian Multiculturalism Day (June 27) that brings together young talents from diverse cultural backgrounds ✨

Enjoy live music, free food (for the first 80 attendees), speakers, vendors and local businesses throughout the evening.

The Pop Up Celebration is taking place on June 27th, from 5:30-7:30 PM, at 764 Millie’s Lane (between Yates & Johnson street).

RSVP here!

For more information please contact: hello@creansociety.org or 250-721-9611.

This event is sponsored by the Government of Canada.

Join CREAN and partners for a free one-night block party honoring the achievements of youth of African descent in Victoria! Attendees will experience live music, free food (for the first 100 attendees), and interactive displays. This is an opportunity to connect with City of Victoria’s IDPAD (International Decade for People of African Descent) grant recipients, IDPAD committee, community leaders, and local organizations committed to equity and social change.

This event highlights the impact of the City of Victoria's IDPAD grant program, featuring inspiring youth-led projects, storytelling, performances, and interactive booths.

As a commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable community for all, this event will feature keynote presentations from community leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and youth advocates. The event will also highlight the importance of disaggregated data and intersectionality in addressing systemic inequities.

Date: Friday, April 11

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Location: 764 Millie’s Lane (between Yates & Johnson Street)

Whether you're a past grant recipient, a supporter of community-driven initiatives, or simply interested in learning more, this event welcomes everyone! Come for the inspiration, stay for the connections, and celebrate the future of an inclusive Victoria.

This event is funded by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and will commemorate World Equality Day (April 17).

Don’t miss this chance to uplift youth voices and celebrate impactful change!

For more information please contact: natalie@creansociety.org.

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

Join CREAN to find out why Victoria has Canada’s oldest Chinatown, once the country’s largest. Discover the symbolic architecture, history, secret societies, and hidden tunnels. Learn about the discriminatory laws that once oppressed the Chinese and about the long but successful struggle to repeal them.

This tour will be led by:

John Adams: John has been collecting and telling Victoria’s stories for many years. He is widely recognized as Victoria’s foremost authority on the city’s dark past and haunted present. John is currently writing a book about the history of Victoria’s Chinatown.

Get Tickets Here

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Chinatown History Walking Tour

Meet at the Bright Pearl sculpture (579 Fisgard St) across the Gate of Harmonious Interest.

Sunday, March 23, 2025

1:00pm - 1:45pm

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Accessibility:

Email all accessibility requests to hello@creansociety.org, or call 250-721-9611.

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This tour is part of CREAN’s Cracks in the Concrete Conference, March 21-23, 2025. The Conference is a weekend of collaboration, creativity, curiosity, networking, and interactive discussions. Through hosting the Cracks in the Concrete Conference, CREAN hopes to spark interest in under-researched topics, strengthen research and education networks, and provide information to community members in an inclusive and accessible manner. Visit www.creansociety.ca/conference for more information.

Contact:

250-721-9611

hello@creansociety.org

www.creansociety.ca/conference

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

Join CREAN as we explore the dynamic connection between disability advocacy and human rights.

Panelists will draw on personal experiences and advocacy efforts to explore how race, gender, socioeconomic status, and other factors intersect with disability, creating layered challenges for people with disabilities.

Attendees will leave with practical insights on how to build a more inclusive, equitable society for people with disabilities, and how to connect it with broader human rights causes.

This venue is wheelchair accessible.

This panel will be led by:

Hannah Brown: Hannah (they/them) has a passion for inclusion and accessibility, specifically how we can improve access universally for all folks. Hannah is highly involved at UVic and has held several positions on campus and has made many connections across the university that enable them to support their fellow disabled students.

Michael Moore: Michael Moore (they/them) is a Lived Experience Consultant specializing in accessibility and inclusion. They collaborate with organizations like AccessNow, Trans Canada Trails, and the City of Victoria to improve public accessibility and have contributed to projects like Blind Square and Good Maps alongside valued colleagues.

Jamal Ramirez

RSVP Here

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Equity in Action: Connecting Disability & Human Rights

Saturday, March 22, 2025

4:00 pm

Victoria City Hall(1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC)

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Accessibility:

Email all accessibility requests to hello@creansociety.org, or call 250-721-9611.

Victoria City Hall is wheelchair accessible.

An ASL interpreter is confirmed, but please email us by Friday, March 7 if you'll be needing this service so we can pre-arrange seating, etc.

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This conversation is part of CREAN’s Cracks in the Concrete Conference, March 21-23, 2025. The Conference is a weekend of collaboration, creativity, curiosity, networking, and interactive discussions. Through hosting the Cracks in the Concrete Conference, CREAN hopes to spark interest in under-researched topics, strengthen research and education networks, and provide information to community members in an inclusive and accessible manner. Visit www.creansociety.ca/conference for more information.

Contact:

250-721-9611

hello@creansociety.org

www.creansociety.ca/conference

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

This panel will center the voices and experiences of people living with invisible disabilities, shedding light on the unique challenges they face in navigating a world that often dismisses their realities.

Panelists will discuss how disabilities are compounded by racial discrimination, cultural misunderstandings, and systemic barriers.

Through powerful personal narratives and expert perspectives, this session aims to challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage more inclusive, generative conversations around disability.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how intersectionality shapes the experiences of people of color with invisible disabilities and learn actionable ways to create more supportive, compassionate communities.

This venue is wheelchair accessible.

This panel will be led by:

Isaiah Christophe: Isaiah is an athlete who has represented Canada at the International level and is the Canadian National Track and Field Champion in the 2019 100, 200 and 400m, the 2022 in the 100m, and 200m, and the 2023 in the 100m and 400m in the wheelchair T54 class.

Sandra Hough: Sandra is the chair of the Welcoming City Advisory Committee and the vice chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee for Victoria.

RSVP Here

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Beyond First Impressions: Amplifying the Voices of People of Colour with Disabilities

Saturday, March 22, 2025

2:30pm

Victoria City Hall(1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC)

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Accessibility:

Email all accessibility requests to hello@creansociety.org, or call 250-721-9611.

Victoria City Hall is wheelchair accessible.

An ASL interpreter is confirmed, but please email us by Friday, March 7 if you'll be needing this service so we can pre-arrange seating, etc.

-----------

This conversation is part of CREAN’s Cracks in the Concrete Conference, March 21-23, 2025. The Conference is a weekend of collaboration, creativity, curiosity, networking, and interactive discussions. Through hosting the Cracks in the Concrete Conference, CREAN hopes to spark interest in under-researched topics, strengthen research and education networks, and provide information to community members in an inclusive and accessible manner. Visit www.creansociety.ca/conference for more information.

Contact:

250-721-9611

hello@creansociety.org

www.creansociety.ca/conference

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

Join CREAN to explore the often-overlooked challenges faced by individuals with invisible disabilities, with a focus on the intersectionality of race, identity, and disability. Through personal stories and expert insights, panelists will examine how societal biases and misconceptions impact the lived experiences of people of color with invisible disabilities.

The discussion will also highlight the importance of compassion and empathy in breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and creating more inclusive spaces.

Attendees will leave with a deeper awareness of the nuanced realities of invisible disabilities and the power of compassion in building a more equitable world.

The venue is wheelchair accessible.

This panel will be led by:

Alix Morle: Alix is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer from Trinidad and Tobago, now based in Vancouver, BC.

Devyani Tewari: Devyani is an Indian doctoral candidate whose teaching and research are centered on the rights of marginalized individuals, such as isabled and racialized women in the context of family law and health law at the domestic and international level.

Diana Viafara: Diana is an international student studying Business Administration with a deep passion for mental health and gender studies.

RSVP Here

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The Realities of Living With Invisible Disabilities

Saturday, March 22, 2025

1:00pm

Victoria City Hall(1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC)

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Accessibility:

Email all accessibility requests to hello@creansociety.org, or call 250-721-9611.

Victoria City Hall is wheelchair accessible.

An ASL interpreter is confirmed, but please email us by Friday, March 7 if you'll be needing this service so we can pre-arrange seating, etc.

-----------

This conversation is part of CREAN’s Cracks in the Concrete Conference, March 21-23, 2025. The Conference is a weekend of collaboration, creativity, curiosity, networking, and interactive discussions. Through hosting the Cracks in the Concrete Conference, CREAN hopes to spark interest in under-researched topics, strengthen research and education networks, and provide information to community members in an inclusive and accessible manner. Visit www.creansociety.ca/conference for more information.

Contact:

250-721-9611

hello@creansociety.org

www.creansociety.ca/conference

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

Able: An Immersive Art Experience is a community-centred exhibition that engages all the senses. This inclusive art event weaves together a rich tapestry of sounds, textures, vibrations, and scents to create an immersive experience that transcends traditional visual art. Designed to celebrate accessibility and creativity, "Able" invites attendees to explore art through a multi-sensory journey while engaging directly with the artists behind the work.

The evening will also feature powerful musical performances, weaving auditory artistry into the immersive experience. Guests can enjoy delicious food, connect with fellow attendees, and revisit the exhibits during dedicated engagement sessions at the beginning and end of the event.

Perfect for all audiences, this unique celebration of art and accessibility is a two-hour journey designed to highlight the beauty of diverse perspectives and creative expression. 

This venue is wheelchair accessible.

Artists:

Alix Morle: Alix is a multi-disciplinary artist and designer from Trinidad and Tobago, now based in Vancouver, BC.

Ingrid Mesquita: Ingrid uses various disciplines including painting, textiles and woodworking. Her work layers realistic representation and symbolic components to explore human hybridity, transformation and identity.

Jumoke Brown: Jumoke (Ju-mo-kay) Brown is a local artist who grew up in Victoria, BC. His Afro-Caribbean heritage, Rastafari culture and connection to Africa steeps heavily into his Jewelry designs and original artworks. Committed to sustainability, all possible materials are traditionally made and ethically sourced.

Performers:

Eva Haas: Eva Haas is Victoria’s Youth Poet Laureate for 2023 to 2025. This honorary position celebrates the contributions of literature and poetry in the capital city.

Anne Martina: Anne Martina is a singer-songwriter from Surrey, but based here in Victoria. She writes pop music largely centered around themes of love, loss, and growing up.

Get tickets here

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Able: An Immersive Art Experience

Friday, March 21, 2025

5:30 - 7:30 pm

Victoria City Hall Antechamber (1 Centennial Square, Victoria, BC)

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Accessibility:

Email all accessibility requests to hello@creansociety.org, or call 250-721-9611.

Victoria City Hall is wheelchair accessible.

An ASL interpreter is confirmed, but please email us by Friday, March 7 if you'll be needing this service so we can pre-arrange seating, etc.

-----------

This conversation is part of CREAN’s Cracks in the Concrete Conference, March 21-23, 2025. The Conference is a weekend of collaboration, creativity, curiosity, networking, and interactive discussions. Through hosting the Cracks in the Concrete Conference, CREAN hopes to spark interest in under-researched topics, strengthen research and education networks, and provide information to community members in an inclusive and accessible manner. Visit www.creansociety.ca/conference for more information.

Contact:

250-721-9611

hello@creansociety.org

www.creansociety.ca/conference

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

Join CREAN, a BIPOC-youth-led organization based in Victoria, for a transformative workshop addressing racism and systemic barriers in British Columbia's education system. This initiative is part of the Anti-Racism in the Education System (ARIE) project, which seeks to dismantle the barriers preventing marginalized students—particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)—from fully benefiting from their education.

Date: February 20, 2025

Time: 5:30 - 7:00 pm

RSVP here!

Through this interactive workshop, students, parents, and teachers will come together to share experiences, insights, and strategies for addressing racism in schools. The event will create a safe and supportive space to foster understanding and build stronger connections between these key stakeholders.

Workshop Highlights:

• Welcome and Overview: Introduction to CREAN's work and the ARIE project.

• Research Findings: Presentation of CREAN’s 2021-2024 research on the experiences of racialized youth in B.C. public schools.

• Student Voices: Hear directly from students as they share their stories and perspectives on racism and exclusion.

• Interactive Discussion: A facilitated Q&A session where participants explore different scenarios and approaches to addressing racism in schools. Parents, teachers, and students will collaboratively discuss their roles and perspectives in fostering an inclusive environment.

• Action-Oriented Advocacy: Parents and teachers will learn practical strategies to advocate for racialized youth, while students will be supported in sharing their stories and insights

This workshop aims to bridge communication gaps between students, parents, and teachers, empowering all participants to become agents of change in creating safe, equitable, and inclusive educational spaces.

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81099716267

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

* Virtual Event (Held over Zoom)

Participants will walk away with new awareness and knowledge to better support racialized students, develop culturally inclusive pedagogy and develop an anti-racist praxis.

This workshop will be co-facilitated by Coastal Research, Education, & Advocacy Network (CREAN) staff composed of experienced researchers and youth with lived experience. Workshop content will build on lived experiences and data that CREAN has gathered from the Anti-Racism in Education (ARIE) project that began in 2018. It will also include information on how to support IBPOC students and how teachers can develop an anti-racist toolbox. 

Activities and discussion focus on exploring anti-racism and safer spaces for racialized students in schools. CREAN’s ARIE project results will be highlighted; the study shows a need for better understanding of racialized students’ experiences, and the timely delivery of culturally safe anti-racism training with students and teachers. This workshop aims to respond to these community-based insights and explore anti-racism and how educators can implement anti-racism initiatives. 

The workshop serves as an opportunity for educators and staff to discuss experiences of race, racism, and discrimination in schools, discuss existing efforts to combat racism, and focus on how educators and staff can further anti-racism initiatives, including developing tools for dealing with racist incidents and helping create safer spaces for racialized students.

This workshop is funded by the Government of Canada.

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.

Previously known to many simply as “Odeon Alley” for the next door Odeon Theatre, the walkway was renamed Millie’s Lane in honour of Millie Hawkes. Millie Hawkes was a beloved and longtime operator of Manton Shoe Repair, a shop that opened onto the lane.

Join us for a one-night community showcase that brings together young talents from diverse cultural backgrounds ✨ Enjoy live music, food, speakers, vendors and local businesses throughout the evening.

The Pop Up Celebration is taking place on September 27th, from 5:30-7:30 PM, at 764 Millie’s Lane (between Yates & Johnson street).

For more information please contact: natalie@creansociety.org

RSVP here.

For racialized students, racism is an incessant experience – from hearing seemingly small microaggressions, to witnessing overt acts of discrimination. We know that the spectrum of racial trauma shapes the lives of racialized students within the school structure, but it also has the power to shape their life trajectories as well.

The ARIE project in British Columbia is a collaborative effort spanning from 2018 to 2024. Our mission has been to investigate racism in public high schools, propose anti-racism initiatives, and advocate for better educational outcomes for racialized students.

Half of the students we surveyed in 2023 reported feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at school due to factors such as race, ethnicity, English speaking ability, status in Canada, or cultural background. Racialized students were less likely to report racist incidents when they occurred, with 33% of surveyed students uncertain about the existence of racism-related policies at their school.

We invite you to join us for an important focus group dedicated to addressing the experiences of racialized students and their families within our school system. Scheduled for September 5 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at 709 Douglas Street, this focus group aims to provide a safe and supportive space for parents to share their stories and insights. Through this focus group, we will also highlight the ways in which families navigate and resist these challenges.

Your input is crucial in helping us create meaningful change and will inform future policies and practices aimed at combating racism in schools.

Join us for an impactful evening dedicated to amplifying the voices of individuals with vision loss as we shape the future of provincial accessibility standards. Our 90-minute workshop, scheduled for July 23 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Ambrosia Banquet Hall (638 Fisgard St, across from Centennial Square Parkade), aims to address the longstanding underrepresentation of the vision loss community in public consultations.

This workshop is a vital opportunity to gather meaningful feedback on key areas such as meaningful employment, service access, and creating a supportive environment. Participants will be able to share their lived experiences to inform and enhance accessibility standards across the province.

Attendees will be provided with a light meal. Join us and ensure that the vision loss community's perspectives are heard and integrated into future accessibility policies.

This workshop is a collaboration between CREAN, the City of Victoria, and James Bay Community Project Low Vision Group

Please join Coastal Research, Education, and Advocacy Network (CREAN) staff and Board for our Annual General Meeting, which will feature a thought-provoking discussion on Indigenous cultural safety and the impacts in every workplace.

What is cultural safety? Cultural safety involves creating an environment where individuals feel safe and respected, regardless of their cultural background. Workplaces that are culturally unsafe for Indigenous people can limit income earning potential, make it harder to climb the corporate ladder, make employees feel devalued, and affect the Canadian economy in the long-term.

Are you an employee interested in sharing positive or negative workplace experiences? Are you an employer curious about how to make your workplace more culturally safe? Join us on April 16 at 6pm at 709 Douglas St. for a conversation. A light dinner will be provided.

We respectfully acknowledge that this event takes place on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen (Chekonein, Chilcowitch, Swengwhung, Kosampsom, Whyomilth, Teechamitsa, Kakyaakan, Songhees, Esquimalt) and W̱SÁNEĆ (SȾÁUTW/Tsawout, W̱JOȽEȽP/Tsartlip, BOḰEĆEN/Pauquachin, WSIḴEM/Tseycum) Peoples.