Foundation Youth Engagement with The Other People at Sutherland Secondary School, North Vancouver

The Foundation for a Path Forward successfully hosted a Youth Engagement event in North Vancouver, bringing together students, parents, and educators for an essential conversation about racism, discrimination, and the importance of fostering inclusive communities. Held at Sutherland Secondary School, the session was organized in collaboration with the North Vancouver District Parents Advisory Council (DPAC) and spearheaded by Vicky Sra, who has been a strong advocate for increasing awareness among parents about the realities of racism in their children's lives.

The event was designed to challenge the misconception that racism is not an issue in North Vancouver or that it is often dismissed as unintentional. Attendees, including students, parents, SD 44 staff, school administrators, and members of the school board, heard firsthand accounts from speakers about the personal impact of racism, discrimination, and bias. These stories highlighted how exclusionary experiences—sometimes dismissed as harmless—can have lasting effects on an individual's sense of belonging, mental health, and overall well-being.

One of the core objectives of the session was to move beyond abstract discussions and focus on the lived experiences of racialized individuals. Rather than framing the conversation around politics, the session emphasized how racism manifests in everyday interactions and how it affects those who experience it. Speakers shared their personal journeys, detailing the emotions and challenges they faced and what could have made them feel more supported and safe. The discussion also explored the role of education in combating discrimination, urging parents and educators to take a more proactive stance in addressing both implicit and explicit biases.

The presence of school district representatives and administrators underscored the significance of these discussions in shaping policy and school culture. A recurring theme throughout the evening was the need for schools and communities to take bias, perceived racism, and discrimination seriously. The session made a strong case for ongoing education and awareness-building efforts to ensure that individuals cannot continue to hide behind ignorance or dismiss harmful behavior as unintended.

The Foundation for a Path Forward was proud to facilitate this important and timely dialogue. The event reinforced the urgent need to equip parents, educators, and students with the tools to recognize and confront racism in all its forms. As the evening came to a close, there was a shared sense of commitment to continue these conversations beyond the event, fostering an environment where discrimination is actively challenged and inclusion becomes the standard.