Anti-Racism Initiatives

Part of South Okanagan Immigrant & Community Services’ (SOICS) mission to build more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable communities is to address racism, discrimination and hate through anti-racism initiatives.

Through the anti-racism Respect Network, SOICS provides support and resources to individuals experiencing racism in our communities by documenting incidents of racism and hate using the online reporting portal, providing educational sessions and resources to community partners and individuals, and engaging the community in meaningful dialogues.

We understand that racism can be difficult to talk about. It is necessary to recognize and address the presence of racism in our communities, to learn about and celebrate the diversity of our region.

BC Anti-Racism Legislation Discussion Series

Join SOICS, online or in person at the SOICS office (340 Ellis St), for the BC Anti-Racism Discussion Series.

You’re invited to share your thoughts and engage in meaningful dialogue about the upcoming anti-racism legislation at one of three one-hour discussions to address systemic racism in government programs and services:

Monday, August 28, 2023
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Hosted Online

Thursday, September 7, 2023
6:00pm – 7:00pm
Hosted Online

Thursday, September 21, 2023
5:00pm – 6:00pm
Hosted In Person at SOICS (340 Ellis St)

To learn more about the topics discussed and confirm your attendance, please visit our BC Anti-Racism Legislation Discussion Series & Demographic Survey event listing.

We will discuss ways to address systemic racism in the BC government’s programs and services including the following initiatives:

Open until Sept. 30, 2023 (10 minutes)

Share their thoughts through the Anti-Racism Legislation Questionnaire about how government can best address systemic racism.

Your anonymous feedback will help inform new legislation that will hold government accountable for addressing systemic racism within its programs and services, and provide supports for those who have been negatively impacted.

Learn more about the Anti-Racism Legislation Questionnaire in this release from the BC Government.

Open until Sept. 29, 2023 (15 minutes)

Everyone living in BC is encouraged to take the BC Demographic Survey to help identify systemic racism in government services.

The information collected will help the BC government deliver stronger, more accessible, and more inclusive programs and services for everyone.

Learn more about the BC Demographic Survey in this release from the BC Government.

In response to the rise of race and gender-based violence in recent years, SOICS released the following statement renewing our commitment to inclusive communities based on mutual respect and full participation of all people.