Local coalition part of new Alberta Government anti-racism initiatives
A new initiative funded by the Alberta Human Rights Commission called Coalitions Creating Equity (CCE) was launched earlier this year following a series of conversations across Alberta. This initiative coincides with the commitment from the Government of Alberta to take action to combat racism and hate in the province.
The CCE is a two-year pilot project that aims to create local and province-wide networks that will work to create a more equitable Alberta. Provincially, this partnership includes Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, and Wood Buffalo. The Regional Advisory Committee on Inclusion, Diversity, and Equality (RACIDE) will lead the initiative in Wood Buffalo with support from community partners and stakeholders.
“RACIDE is pleased to have Wood Buffalo included in this important provincial initiative,” says Marlene Boyle, RACIDE Chairperson. “It’s about creating a pathway through education for an inclusive community that understands and respects human rights.”
RACIDE will work to create local networks and build an approach to address equity, racism, and human rights while collaborating provincially to prevent discrimination and increase equity throughout Alberta.
“We have many challenges in this community regarding racism and tackling hate including our distance and lack of knowledge of how to approach the human rights commission office,” says Krystell O’Hara, CCE Coordinator. “The CCE initiative will support local residents by providing resources, education, and assistance for those who experience hate crimes or hate incidents, it will also support organizations working towards reducing those incidents and reducing the gap existent for everyone to have the same opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Those interested in learning more or getting involved in the initiative can contact RACIDE at: diversity.woodbuffalo@rmwb.ca
RACIDE is a Council appointed committee created to engage the community in discussion and action around the principles set out in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization commitments. RACIDE members promote, foster and advise on the development of related policies, programs and activities.
