ABBOTSFORD

33094 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 2A9 Ph: (604) 850-7338, Fax (604) 854-1165, e-mail: kds@canadiansikhheritage.ca www.canadiansikhheritage.ca

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Kflsf dIvfn sosfietI dy mwK syvfdfr nfl sMprk kr skdy ho s: rijMdr isMG gryvfl muwK syvfdfr, 778-245-1673 liamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives. “I am grateful to all of the nominees for their efforts this year, and all of the organizations, individuals and volunteers throughout B.C. who are strengthening our communities with their voices, passion and advocacy.” implementing the K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan to equip students, teachers and parents with the resources to identify and respond to racism and discrimination; to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 ceremony is the first in-person event since 2019.

Aria Law is a 15-year-old student from Burnaby who won the Emerging Leader Award for her work to address hate targeted at racialized seniors in her neighbourhood. By selling bao buns with anti-racism messages through social media, she was able to help local seniors and young people find a common ground. As part of her award, Law will receive a $5,000

In total, five award recipients were honoured across three categories and six people were recognized with honourable mentions.

“I am so inspired by these community leaders who are using outside-thebox approaches to address racism in their communities. Whether through food or an appreciation for the great outdoors, this year’s recipients are finding unique ways to create systemic change by challenging the status quo,” said Mable Elmore, Par-

Since launching in 2008, the B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Awards have recognized more than 50 individuals and organizations.

Other government actions that are making B.C. a safer and more inclusive place for everyone include: providing funding to support several anti-racism initiatives, such as the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network, and Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grants Program; re-establishing the B.C. Human Rights Commission; implementing the Anti-Racism Data Act to help government identify inequities in programs and services, and pave the way to a more equitable province; and working to introduce a new, broader anti-racism act in 2024.

This year, government will release research priorities under the AntiRacism Data Act. Developed in partnership with Indigenous governing entities and the Anti-Racism Data Committee, these priorities will ensure that data collection is focused on the areas that matter most to those affected by systemic racism.