On June 2, we paused to reflect on how we can do a better job, as individuals and as a theatre company, to stand in solidarity with Indigenous, Black and people of colour in our community. We denounce racism and discrimination and recognize our responsibility to act against injustice. We commit to engaging in the tough conversations necessary to ensure that we embody our core values of inclusivity, diversity, equity and community.
Collaborating with artists to amplify marginalized or historically oppressed voices is some of the most important work that we do. We recognize that we can—and will—improve our commitment to IBPoC stories, artists, and audiences. This is work that remains as necessary and relevant as ever.
We embrace the role that theatre can and must play in healing the ruptures in our world. In theatre, assembled together, we share the emotional experiences of empathy and understanding, as we learn to appreciate new and important voices and viewpoints. We all have a role to play in addressing injustice and racism in our world. To help support one another in this role, we’ve been sharing some of the resources we’ve found helpful, inspiring, compelling, and motivating:
Local Resources
Secwépemc People, Land, and Laws, by Marianne Ignace and Ronald E. Ignace.
BC Resources
COVID-19 is no excuse for hate: UBCIC demands stronger stand against racism, by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC)
Anti-Racism FAQs, Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network
BC Anti-Racism Research
Canadian Resources
Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
Resources for Ending Anti-Black Racism, by the Canadian Women's Foundation
The Truth About Stories: A Native Narrative, by Thomas King, a CBC Massey Lecture
The Skin We’re In – Documentary: Journalist Desmond Cole explores what it is to be Black in 21st century Canada. Do Black Lives Matter here?
National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality, by Bob Joseph
Becoming an Active Agent of Reconciliation, a voice of youth on the Indigenous-led Native Land Digital site
Black Organizations And Anti-Racist Groups Canadians Can Support Now, Huffington Post
Resources for Parents and Youth
How to talk to your children about protests and racism - By Sandee LaMotte, CNN
We Matter: A place to help Indigenous youth get through hard times, whether you need support yourself or want to support someone you know.
31 children's books to support conversations around race and racism - By EmbraceRace
Resources from the United States
Trevor Noah On George Floyd, Amy Cooper & Racism In Society - with reference to Canadian Malcolm Gladwell
A Resource Guide For Anti-Racism + Being An Educated Ally For BIPOC
The BIPOC Project