Anti-Racism Initiatives
Despite high levels of education and professional experiences, racialized newcomers in New Brunswick (NB) face higher unemployment rates and lower levels of income and are less likely to be represented at decision-making tables. These factors contribute to low levels of inclusion and high levels of out-migration from the Province of New Brunswick. A combination of systemic exclusion, overt or covert racism, and unconscious bias contribute to these issues. This undermines newcomers’ sense of belonging to the communities and affects immigrants abilities to build long-term careers within New Brunswick and contribute meaningfully through Board participation. In response, NBMC has developed an anti-racism training and toolkit to better equip organizations in addressing these pervasive issues. The training provided practical strategies for recognizing and confronting unconscious biases—those often unnoticed attitudes that can influence decisions and interactions. By bringing these biases into the light, the program helped individuals and organizations begin challenging the status quo.
Outcomes
NBMC delivered over 20 anti-racism trainings in the past 2 years and a half. Among the audiences we had employees from various departments within the Government of New Brunswick through the Mosaik program of Finance and Treasury Board. NBMC also conducted two training sessions with 140 employees from Horizon.
Additionally, we provided training sessions to municipal employees in the cities of Moncton, Edmundston, Shippagan, and Miramichi. Furthermore, we conducted six community-wide training sessions in collaboration with the Nigerian Canadian Assocation of NB and the NB Africain Association in the cities of Saint John, Fredericton, and Moncton. Over 400 participants have attended these training sessions.
In addition to the training, participants receive a toolkit to take home for further exercises. The Anti-Racism Toolkit for the workplace was developed in collaboration with Jodie Glean-Mitchell, an award-winning anti-racism educator. Throughout her career, Jodie has focused on creating educational programs in the realms of anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Toronto. These materials have also been adapted to a francophone audience with the help of students from the University of Moncton and other useful ressources available in Quebec.
Bystander Toolkit for Youth and Educators
NBMC successfully developed a comprehensive Bystander Toolkit for Youth and Educators. This initiative aims to equip teenagers, Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS), and teachers with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively intervene in and support victims of racism.
Anti-Racism Initiatives and Trainings Key Components of the Bystander Toolkit: Recognizing Signs of Racism: The toolkit provides guidance on identifying various forms of racism, including subtle microaggressions, stereotypes, discriminatory behavior, and systemic injustices. This component aims to increase awareness and sensitivity to the different manifestations of racism. Empowerment and Motivation: By emphasizing the critical role of active bystanders in combating racism, the toolkit aims to inspire and motivate individuals. It highlights the positive impact that bystander intervention can have on both victims and the broader community, encouraging proactive and supportive actions.
This innovative toolkit was developed in collaboration with Engaging Matters and Dr. Manju Varma, the former Commissioner on Systemic Racism. Through this initiative, NBMC continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for youth and educators, promoting active participation in the fight against racism, and empowering individuals to make a positive impact in their communities.
