As we mark International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, I encourage all members of the CNC community to join me in building a college and community that continuously welcomes diversity while taking a firm stand against racism and racial discrimination.

The 2023 theme of the International Day focuses on the urgency of combatting racism and racial discrimination, 75 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). March 21^st was chosen because it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.

Racism and racial discrimination can take many forms, with many in the communities we serve facing racism and discrimination every day. We have many people in the CNC community who are actively involved in educational efforts to combat racism and racial discrimination.

The work of and activities by CNC’s Aboriginal Resource Centre staff and Aboriginal advisers are critical to support reconciliation… part of addressing the systemic discrimination and intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools. Members of CNC’s Decolonizing Education committee have worked hard to build an inclusive environment for education, including organizing the event at the Prince George campus starting at 4:00 this afternoon.

I ask everyone in the college community to actively work to combat racism and racial discrimination. That can include learning more about the roots of racism; challenging your own views and understanding; standing up against racism and for individuals who face racism; and advocating for those who have faced systemic racism and racial discrimination.