The City of Salmon Arm and community partners are collaborating on a strategy to build a culture of belonging for all Shuswap residents.

Earlier this summer, city council approved a grant application for $15,000 through the BC Healthy Communities (BCHC) and its Plan H program to develop the strategy.

The BCHC website explains the program "is to support Indigenous and local governments, including health authorities, to advance policies, programs and strategies aimed at improving health equity and well-being for all."

"Developing an anti-racism strategy entitled 'Embracing Equity and Inclusivity,' with strong community partnerships, appears to match well with the outlined grant criteria," explained planning and community services director Gary Buxton in a report at the June 24 council meeting. 

"We recognize the significance of creating a city where all individuals feel valued, respected and empowered," said Mayor Alan Harrison in a letter accompanying the application. "The proposed Anti-Racism Strategy aligns perfectly with our organizational values and goals by seeking to build relationships across sectors, develop engagement objectives and strategies, research best practices and co-develop an action plan with key partners."

The application was successful and the $15,000 is going towards funding Phase 1 of the Embracing Equity and Diversity initiative, aimed at fostering the development of healthy public policy at the local community level.

"The Plan H grant will help fund the development of a collaborative Anti-Racism strategy among five key community partners: Interior Health, Shuswap Immigrant Services Society, School District 83, Rise-Up Indigenous Wellness and the City of Salmon Arm," reads a media release shared by Jen Gamble with the Shuswap Immigrant Services Society.

Gamble noted the strategy is to be shared with the Shuswap Youth Services Collaborative, a network of 18 organizations working with vulnerable youth, as well as the broader community. She explained the need for the initiative emerged through the Hive, a new after-school program designed to provide social and academic support for local newcomer youth.

"Students, staff, and families representing Indigenous, Black and immigrant populations in the Shuswap have reported experiencing interpersonal and systemic racism," said Gamble. "Studies show that exposure to racial discrimination is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms, particularly in youth. A 2023 report from B.C.'s Human Rights Commissioner confirmed a marked rise in hate-related incidents during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting people across British Columbia."

The strategy initiative will be guided by an advisory group through the Shuswap Immigrant Services Society, made up of residents with "lived and living experience." Gamble said the group will meet bi-monthly to share their experiences and provide guidance on policy development and systemic change.

"Partner organizations will also review their own policies and make recommendations to implement a unified Anti-Racism strategy," said Gamble. "Through this effort, the City of Salmon Arm and its partners aim to build a culture of belonging for all
Shuswap residents, ensuring that every individual feels safe, valued, and supported."

For more information, contact Gamble at 250-804-2726 or by email at exec@sissociety.