Nova Scotia is taking further steps to ensure a welcoming and inclusive sporting environment for racialized Nova Scotians as part of the inaugural Anti-Racism Week in Sport and Recreation, November 14-18.
“There must be zero tolerance for racial abuse or stigma of any kind in sport and recreation in Nova Scotia,” said Pat Dunn, Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage and Minister Manager of the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. “Although we have made progress, we still have a lot of work to do. We are working with our partners to launch new tools to make all participants in sport and recreation feel safe, welcome and included.
During the week, the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic will launch Learn – Listen – Act, a series of anti-racism online modules to help educate athletes, coaches, recreation staff, volunteers, parents and guardians. Other events across the province include sessions on Recreation Nova Scotia’s Anti-Racism Charter, athletes sharing their experiences with racism and a closing roundtable on Nov. 18.
The week is a partnership between the province, Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic, Sport Nova Scotia, Recreation Nova Scotia, Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey.
The full list of events and resources is available at: https://www.showuptospeakup.ca/
Quotation:
I commend the province for bringing attention to an issue that has denied marginalized groups in our province the opportunity to experience and enjoy all that sport has to offer for far too long. This week is an important first step towards raising awareness and educating all Nova Scotians, but especially those associated with the sport sector, about how we can be better together and use our shared experiences to create spaces where the sport will be enjoyed by anyone who wants to participate.
Mark Smith, sports director, Sport Nova Scotia
Change happens when we make a conscious effort to make things better. The goal of creating an anti-racism statement for recreation facilities is to create a culture that does not tolerate racism and discrimination and takes steps to change stereotypical beliefs and behaviors.
Jennie Greencorn, Executive Director, Nova Scotia Recreation Facilities Association
I am very proud to have participated in the first Week Against Racism in Sport and Recreation. I believe we all have a role in creating inclusive spaces where everyone can show up and be themselves. I believe that the anti-racism e-modules for parents and athletes that we have created at the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic will be a fantastic resource that all Nova Scotians can use to better understand the role they play in eradicating racism from an environment where we just want everyone to be able to show up and play.
Andre Paris, Head of Coaching – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and mentoring, Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic
Hobbies are a part of every aspect of life – starting at a young age, discovering our passions and trying new things, and following us as we get older. The Charter against Racism in Leisure is just a first step in driving change to ensure that people of all ages have an equal opportunity to feel valued and respected in leisure. Our charter signatories reflect everyone at all stages of life and will drive the future of change towards eliminating discrimination in leisure.
Marc Seguin, Executive Director, Recreation Nova Scotia
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