This forum was a combined in-person and online event bringing together community organizers and experts in the anti-racism and anti-hate sector. Presenters shared best promising practices, resources, and tools for settlement, language and community service providers to navigate the challenges of combating hate and discrimination. This forum also addressed the challenges that refugee clients face in their communities and how service providers and community stakeholders can address these challenges.
Our presenters brought with them varying perspectives and expertise in this topic area. The following speakers provided short presentations and then took part in a panel discussion:
- Danielle Nazarewich, Community Developer & Diversity Education – Abbotsford Community Services
- Dr. Handel Kashope Wright, Director – Centre for Culture, Identity & Education – University of British Columbia (UBC)
- Krisha Dhaliwal, Associate Lawyer – Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline
- Fathima Nazeer, Coordinator, Refugee Re-settlement Program – BC Muslim Association
- Yousef Nasimi, Diversity Coordinator – Surrey RCMP
We had over 350 registered connections. Many watching in groups with an approx. 700 online viewers from all over British Columbia and other parts of the country. Additionally, we had 65 people attend the forum in-person at Surrey City Hall and then join us afterwards for a short networking session.
Introduction – Tracy Wideman, A/Executive Director, AMSSA & Farah Kotadia, A/Program Director, AMSSA
Presentation: Beyond Complacency Tolerant Multicultural Canada: “The Dark Side” and Strategizing Anti-Racism Responses – Dr. Handel Kashope Wright, Director of Centre for Culture, Identity & Education
Resources
Presentation: BC Muslim Association Social Service Initiative for Syrian Refugees Re-settlement Program- Fathima Nazeer, Coordinator, Refugee Re-settlement Program, BC Muslim Association
Resources
Presentation: BC Islamophobia Legal Assistance Hotline – Krisha Dhaliwal, Associate Lawyer, Larlee Rosenberg Barristers and Solicitors
Resources
Questions and Answers – Session 1
Presentation: Surrey RCMP Diversity Unit Community Engagement – Yosef Nasimi, Diversity Coordinator, Surrey RCMP
Resources
Presentation: Responding to Discrimination and Hate in Abbotsford – Danielle Nazarewich, Program Coordinator, Diversity Education, Abbotsford Community Services
Resources
Questions and Answers – Session 2 & Conclusion
Additional Resources
