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Alberta's Ethnocultural Grant Program
In November 2024, HSPA hosted an impactful event supported by Alberta’s Ethnocultural Grant Program. The event aimed to foster inclusive, diverse, and welcoming multicultural communities by raising awareness about racism and promoting intercultural understanding by showcasing the experiences of cultural minorities in combating discrimination.
This event aligned with the program’s goals to celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and create more inclusive environments within Alberta’s workplaces and communities by engaging community members and supporting education on cultural diversity and inclusion.
Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program
The event’s objectives included:
HSPA hosted a pivotal multiculturalism and anti-racism event during Black History Month 2024 as part of its Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program. The event aimed to foster understanding and recognition of racism and discrimination in Canadian society. Through an educational workshop, interactive discussions, and expert presentations, participants gained more profound insights into the challenges faced by Black Canadians, the systemic roots of discrimination, and real-life narratives highlighting ongoing issues.
- Increasing awareness of Canada’s cultural diversity.
- Raising awareness of cultural, ethnic, and religious issues affecting full societal participation.
- Building community capacity to address racism and discrimination.
- Empowering youth and providing community engagement opportunities.
- Working towards the elimination of discrimination, racism, and prejudice.
Key outcomes included:
- Attendees developed a nuanced understanding of how racism affects individuals and communities, increasing awareness and sensitivity.
- The workshop empowered Black Canadians with knowledge on self-advocacy, legal rights, and building support networks.
- Active participation during breakout sessions allowed attendees to share experiences and brainstorm solutions to combat racism.
- The event strengthened multiculturalism and unity, highlighting the richness of Canada’s diverse cultural backgrounds and breaking down prejudices.
This event successfully promoted dialogue, unity, and action towards creating a more equitable and inclusive society.
Participants from various cultural backgrounds were introduced to cultural symbolisms and performances that highlighted different worldviews, particularly in the context of excelling as minority workers in employment settings. The event not only provided valuable insights into overcoming barriers faced by minority groups but also encouraged learning, appreciation, and respect for cultural diversity.
Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) Capacity Building Grant
The Human Services Professionals Association (HSPA) received a one-time grant aimed at enhancing the organization’s effectiveness by focusing on capacity building initiatives.
The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) Capacity Building Grant is a federally funded initiative to build the capacity of Black-led and Black-serving not-for-profit organizations in Canada.
This funding initiative will help HSPA identify and address the association’s specific needs to streamline operations, improve service delivery, foster innovation, and promote a lasting impact in its efforts to address in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grant
This project is funded by the Government of Alberta and aims to leverage the Alberta Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Grant Program, focusing on enhancing cultural understanding, fostering cross-cultural awareness, and addressing racism within the community. By implementing targeted initiatives, the project seeks to educate and engage Albertans in efforts to combat racism and promote a more inclusive society. According to the Alberta government, supporting community organizations empowers them to have a voice in determining solutions through community-led anti-racism and cross-cultural awareness initiatives.
Anti-Racism Action Program
This project was funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage and carried out by the Human Services Professionals Association (HSPA) in Alberta for two years between September 2021 and March 2023. This project aimed to examine the issue of Fair Representation of Racial Minorities in Alberta Higher Education Institutions, and more specifically sought to address the under-representation of racialized individuals in leadership positions in these institutions. The project utilized qualitative data, workshops, and consultations. Results from this project were analyzed and then presented at various workshops, and policy recommendations were developed.
Anti-Racism Community Engagement Grant
The purpose of this singular grant was to enable not for profit organizations in Alberta to “host and carry out engagement sessions and ensure the needs and concerns of people in communities impacted by racism are heard” (Government of Alberta, 2022).
Organizations or Communities taking the lead in engagement sessions will assist the government in gathering perspectives from a broader range of individuals across the province.
Amplify Voices: Provide a platform for individuals and communities impacted by racism to voice their needs and concerns.
Enhance Awareness: Raise awareness about the experiences of marginalized communities affected by racism, fostering empathy and understanding.
Facilitate Dialogue: Encourage open and constructive dialogue between affected communities and relevant stakeholders to address racism-related issues.
Promote Collaboration: Foster collaboration between non-profit organizations, governmental bodies, and communities to collectively combat racism.
Inform Policy and Action: Utilize gathered insights to shape policies and actions that effectively address the unique challenges faced by affected communities.
Empower Communities: Empower impacted communities by ensuring their active involvement in decision-making processes, ultimately driving meaningful change.
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