Anti-Racism Education
Racism is a reality in Saskatoon. Anti-racism education is essential in order to identify racism and effectively work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and inequality.
What is Racism?
Racism is a global issue, not unique to Saskatoon. Racism is influenced by a range of historical, social, political and economic factors. It takes different forms in different contexts. An understanding of the nature of racism is essential in order to recognize and counter it successfully.
Racism comes from a false set of beliefs that one’s own group is superior and has the right to dominate other groups. Domination gives one group privilege, and the other group experiences discrimination. This false belief system is created and sustained by society at a great cost. Racism cannot exist if we don’t support it.
- Racism is a set of beliefs and ideas that asserts the superiority of one group over another.
- Stereotypes are generalizations of a group of people based on the actions or characteristics of a few members of that group.
- Prejudice is a “pre-judgment” of a person or group in a negative light formed on the basis of stereotypes and usually made without adequate evidence or information.
- Discrimination is the denial of equal treatment or opportunity. Discrimination results from people action on stereotypes and prejudices that they hold to be true.
Racism is a Fact
The large majority of Indigenous Peoples in Saskatoon agree with the statement "I think others behave in an unfair/negative way towards Indigenous people." Nine in 10 strongly (51%) or somewhat (39%) agree with this statement; only nine percent disagree. (Source: Urban Aboriginal Peoples Study: Saskatoon Report. Toronto: Environics Institute, 2011. p. 40)
In a sampling of over 3,000 Canadians, 47% of respondents admitted they were strongly, moderately or slightly racist. (Source: Fieras, Augie. Unequal Relations: An Introduction to Race, Ethnic, and Aboriginal Dynamics in Canada. 7th ed. Toronto: Pearson Canada, 2012. p. 94)
Indigenous people are three times more likely to be the victim of violent crimes than non-Indigenous people. (Source: "Violence Against Aboriginal Women." Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, 2008. Accessed October 1, 2014)
In a Canadian study, those with English sounding names received interview requests 40% more often than applicants with Chinese, Indian or Pakistani names. (Source: Cao, Liqun. "Visible Minorities and Confidence in the Police." Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice 53, no.1 (2011): p.4)
About the 'I am the Bridge' Anti-Racism Campaign
When the City of Saskatoon was determining how to approach the topic of racism, it was noted that talking about it is essential to understanding and confronting the misconceptions people may have.
The 'I am the bridge' theme was selected in recognition that we each have a personal responsibility to address racism when we see it.
2017 Video: Resident Testimonials
In 2016-2017, the City of Saskatoon invited residents to submit videos sharing their perspective on racism. These testimonials formed the first 'I am the Bridge' video, released in 2017. Billboards with thought-provoking quotes were also unveiled as part of this campaign with the aim of sparking dialogue within the community and inspiring residents to be a bridge in ending racism.
2023 Video: Saskatchewan Athletes
On Oct. 7, 2023, the City launched a new anti-racism video in partnership with the City of Regina at the Saskatchewan Roughriders home game at Mosaic Stadium.
The video is a collaboration between a number of Saskatchewan sports organizations and athletes including the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Saskatchewan Rattlers Basketball Team, Saskatoon Blades Hockey Team, USask Huskies, Fighting Sioux Lacrosse Team, Standing Buffalo Saskatchewan Lacrosse Association, and athletes Michael Linklater and Carol Lafayette-Boyd.
“Using the powerful influence of athletes, we’re seeking to shed light on racism in a way that’s inspiring, positive, and empowering,” says City of Saskatoon Mayor Charlie Clark. “We’re hoping this video will inspire people to speak up when they hear something wrong. Racism can only exist if we allow it to.”
It was noted that the City of Saskatoon’s 2022-25 Strategic Plan states that it’s a Council priority to advance work that contributes to the elimination of individual and systemic discrimination. And that, in support of this, the City of Saskatoon has a responsibility to share anti-racism messages to raise the collective awareness about the presence of racism and discrimination and to encourage each of us to be a bridge.
How to Be a Bridge
Speak Up. Don’t encourage racist behaviour by laughing along or being complacent, this makes you just as responsible.
Be Inclusive. Being as inclusive as possible will open you up to new people and places. You will have a deeper understanding of different cultures and the opportunity to gain more friends.
Educate yourself and others. Racism must be openly discussed in order to debunk the myths and misconceptions people may have. A great way to get people talking about racism is to set up an anti-racism forum or information session at your school or workplace.
Reflect on an individual level. Everyone sees the world through their own “lens”. This lens is shaped with many things- existing ideas, family, place of worship or schooling, to name a few. You must ask yourself, “How has my understanding of ‘x’ been shaped by my own personal lens? How might other people interpret ‘x’?”
Anti-Racism Resources
Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racial Discrimination
Saskatchewan Human Rights Code
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action
United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
A fiery speaker and prolific author, Tim Wise candidly deconstructs race and privilege. With passion and humour, he challenges his audiences to acknowledge privilege and dismantle racism in their organizations and everyday lives.
Video 1: Tim Wise on the Legacy of Institutionalized Racial and Ethnic Discrimation
Video 2: Tim Wise on Equitable Multiculturism
Video 3: Tim Wise on Dominant Cultural Norms vs. Universal Norms
Video 4: Tim Wise on Interrogation of the Lens with which We View Social Reality
Video 5: Tim Wise on Guilt vs. Ignorance
Video 6: Tim Wise on Being White, Not Knowing Any Better and Recognizing Privilege
Video 7: Tim Wise on Passive Formulation of Racism, Patriarchy and other Forms of Supremacy