The Stemete7uw’i Friendship Centre in 100 Mile House is hosting an anti-racism workshop on May 9, from 1 to 4 p.m., that offers something for everyone in the community.
Whether you believe you are racist or not, many folks today don’t even realize it when they are doing, saying or writing anything offensive or demeaning, says workshop co-facilitator, Margaret-Anne Enders.
These are frequently made in what can seem like a small way – a look, a word, a visible reaction or a multitude of other behaviours that often exhibit racism, she explains.
“[These workshop elements] were designed to help people just lift out of their present state of awareness, and into a deeper level of [understanding] about what happens … and how racism exists in our society and how it is perpetuated.
“Even though most of us don’t want racism and would say that we are not racists, many of us, just because of the society that we’ve been brought up in, still have some racist tendencies or might have racists thoughts or we might support systems that are oppressive to other people.”
Most people don’t really know about this problem, or how to recognize it when it does happen, she explains.
“This is a chance to look at what is it that is happening in our community, and what is the experience of First Nations people or other people of colour.
“For myself, as a white person, I don’t experience racism myself, personally, but I’ve learned to recognize it more, but it’s not something most white people ever [do experience].”
Enders says listening to those who have experienced racism directly, often on a daily basis, is illuminating and it is not only important to identify this, but also to feel secure in being able to ask questions about it.
“Sometimes people fear asking a question because they don’t want to be labelled as racist, so sometimes stereotypes or misinformation get perpetuated because people don’t have a safe place to [discuss] it.”
Most white people are quite “humbled” when they realize what racists behaviours or comments they have been making, often just related to their own experiences and priviliged position in life has led them into, she says.
Enders believes many people today live in a “very comfortable” myth where they think if everyone in our society tries the same amount, then everybody will be successful in the same amount.
Some of the enlightening aspects of racism covered in the free workshop will be an exploration of definitions and language, the impacts of racism in today’s society, exploring solutions and some experimental exercises and activities, she adds.
The anti-racism event is co-facilitated by First Nations Elder Mary Thomas, a longtime facilitator of many programs and workshops in the Cariboo.
Enders says there was a lot of learning and eye-opening through the exercises at a recent workshop held in Williams Lake, and they are hoping for a better turnout in the South Cariboo.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to turn out to learn something important they may not even realize is happening, and how to avoid and help prevent hurting others in their community, and beyond.
The Stemete7uw’i Friendship Centre is located in the annex at St. Timothy’s Anglican Church on Blackstock Road and Horse Lake Road.
