At Seven Oaks School Division, we envision a learning community where every student, educator, and staff member are valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to anti-racism guides us to actively challenge and dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination, inequity, and exclusion. We strive to create an environment where diversity is celebrated, voices of marginalized communities are amplified, and all students are provided with the tools and support to achieve their full potential towards Mino-Bimaadiziwin, the Good Life and contribute meaningfully to each other.

Anti-racism education is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing process that requires commitment to learning, unlearning, and reflection. Anti-racist education remains responsive to evolving understandings and needs.  It is committed to ensuring that every student receives an education that is truthful, free from bias, liberating, and offered in a supportive, compassionate environment.  

Anti-racist education requires that the curriculum reflects diverse perspectives, accurately represents historical and cultural narratives, and challenges stereotypes. This reform also ensures that all students see themselves positively represented in their learning materials and the people they engage with daily.

In SOSD, central to our antiracism education are reconciliation efforts with Indigenous comunities.  Anti-racism education does not overshadow Indigenous peoples experience of colonization and its ongoing impact.

“Together, Canadians must do more than just talk about reconciliation; we must learn how to practise reconciliation in our everyday lives-within ourselves and our families, and in our communities, governments, places of worship, school and workplaces. To do so constructively Canadians must remain committed to the ongoing work of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships.”

The late, Honourable Murray Sinclair, Mazina Giizhik-iban

Anti-racism and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples are deeply interconnected as both seek to address and dismantle the systemic injustices rooted in colonialism and racial discrimination. Anti-racism supports reconciliation by promoting awareness of historical and ongoing injustices and encouraging all Canadians to take a stand against systemic racism that marginalizes Indigenous people today. The work of anti-racism is based on rebuilding relationships that have been broken.