In February 2020, 43 Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders met over two days to discuss Indigenous lived experiences with racism, its impacts, and how to combat it in Surrey, BC.
The two days were grounded in Indigenous protocol and culturally safe ways of being and learning together. Although, the topic was difficult and painful, participants were courageous and found strength in the solidarity expressed amidst Symposium participants. The event was one of the first Indigenous-specific symposiums ever held in Surrey. It was an important jumping off point to combat racism towards Indigenous residents.
This report was written by the Skookum Lab Team. Our analysis of findings is informed by an Indigenous social innovation lens to holistically look at the systemic issue of racism. We have summarized key aspects of the event, the Skookum Lab context, the approach, the participants, the learning, and the way forward.
The learnings that we have highlighted from the Symposium are also part of the ongoing writing, teachings, conversations, and art created and led by Indigenous peoples across Canada on antiIndigenous racism. Our learnings are connected to this broader conversation, but also inform the conversation through the particular exploration of perspectives of anti-Indigenous racism in Surrey.
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