Social Planning Council of the North Okanagan
3105 33 street V1T 9p7 Vernon, BC, Canada

Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. The 2021 theme for Black History Month is: "The Future is Now".

#DidYouKnow: The Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, is responsible for Canada’s recognition of February as #BlackHistoryMonth. Learn more about Augustine and her career of service and advocacy: https://bit.ly/3bwc7Bq

The provincial government has announced that construction has started on Phase 2 of Albert Place, located at 3610 - 25th Ave. The project will be operated by CM...HA Vernon and provide 29 affordable rental homes for families and seniors. CMHA already operates another provincially funded 18-unit building on site, which is close to transit, grocery stores, a senior centre and a child care facility. See more

Our latest Multicultural Community Champion has a long history of giving to others -- read Tom's story in the Vernon Morning Star who we send a BIG thanks to for running these each month! #multiculturalism https://www.vernonmorningstar.com//community-champion-tom/

Tips to protect yourself from increasingly creative ways fraudsters are trying to trick people. Vernon RCMP have already received more than 30 fraud reports so far in 2021 - Vernon News https://www.castanet.net//Vernon-RCMP-have-received-more-t

Affordable housing near the airport gets OK from Vernon council. A public hearing will be the next step.

The Social Planning Council is partnering with the Okanagan Regional Library, Restorative Justice Society - North Okanagan, and two local Indigenous educators to host a free online webinar and two smaller on-line Talking Circles for people who want to delve more deeply into allyship. Continue reading for Registration information. Ally Workshop - Webinar + Talking Circles Adults | Registration Required 1. Webinar: Oct. 27th 11:30-1:30pm... 2. Talking Circle 1: Nov. 3 11:30-1:30pm 3. Talking Circle 2: Nov. 10 11:30-1:30pm This series will consist of a webinar about how to become an ally (Oct. 27) and then will be followed up with two talking circles (either Nov. 3 & 10) for participants who wish to take a deeper look at their privilege and becoming an ally. The Talking Circles are available to participants of the webinar on Oct. 27th and limited to one talking circle per person. To be an ally requires humility, skill, courage and an acknowledgement of your privilege. The webinar on October 27th will introduce you to what you need to become an ally and take action against oppression. If you are ready to take a look inward at yourself and make positive contributions to your community, register for this webinar and one of the talking circles. Talking Circles require separate registration. This event is suitable for adults who already accept the following truths: a) racism exists b) it manifests in different ways c) its existence is independent of hate d) we live in a racialized society, and e) we all are shaped and impacted by it in different ways Facilitators: Laura Hockman, BSW, RSW M.A. is Gitxsan woman from a Gitanmmaax, in Northern BC. She is the Executive Director of Independent Living Vernon, a disability resource centre. Margaret Clark, an Okanagan/Irish woman. She is the Executive Director of Restorative Justice society North Okanagan, a non-court alternative service to address the impact of wrong-doing. To register, visit the Vernon ORL Library Registration page at https://bit.ly/3iGnHK3

Very interesting article.

Introducing our Multicultural Community Champion for October! https://www.vernonmorningstar.com//community-champion-ren/

Hot off the Press --- Read and subscribe to our Monthly newsletter -- In this edition Anti-Racism, Multicultural & Immigration News and Resources, links to videos, and information about an upcoming free webinar on How to be an Ally. Subscribe and Read today! https://mailchi.mp/9f216da3/multicultural-connectionoct2020

We are saddened and disappointed to learn about the distribution of racist material at Vernon schools. As an immigrant serving agency tasked with helping new Ca...nadians and immigrants to find their way and adjust to the Canadian way of living, it is highly disturbing to see such inappropriate and hurtful behaviour. Particularly on a day like today, which is meant to remember the injustices committed to Indigenous children through the residential school system. Our agency stands in solidarity with our Indigenous neighbours and condemn this racist behaviour to the fullest. At the same time, we are encouraged to see the outrage and public condemnation of this action by so many organizations and citizens. Together, we can defeat and fight such actions by making it known publicly there is no room in Vernon for hatred or racism!

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is saddened to learn of racist material being circulated at local schools today, particularly on Orange Shirt Day when w...e acknowledge the impact residential schools have had on our indigenous friends and neighbours. In fact, Chamber staff wore orange today to remember that all children matter. We also want to point out that schools and school grounds must be considered a safe environment for all students, families and staff. We know Greater Vernon to be a caring, open and compassionate community, and we are confident these actions do not represent the majority of residents. That said, we must all reflect on what has occurred today and be clear that such actions are not acceptable. Racism will not be tolerated in workplaces, schools, sports fields or anywhere. Our community, our economy and our lives are enriched by the diversity that exists. We are stronger together. See more

Today, hundreds of notes linked to a white supremacist website were found near some Vernon schools. Many thanks to the Vernon parents who discovered these notes and quickly disposed of them. This is particularly disturbing and upsetting, as today is Orange Shirt day, which commemorates the residential school experience, witnesses and honours the healing journey of Indigenous survivors and their families, and symbolizes commitment to the ongoing process of Truth and Reconciliation. We stand in solidarity with Indigenous people and are deeply sorry that this has happened today in Vernon. To parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, please talk with your children about racism and what it means to be anti-racist. Here is just one resource to help get you started. The library also has many resources and supports.

Click below to download the latest pdf version of the Vernon Survival Guide!

Take in a free online keynote lecture on Monday, September 21 on Systemic Racism and Anti-Racism in Teacher Education. In this keynote lecture, Dr. Cranston will address how amid the current period of racial reckoning, those involved in teacher preparation, pre-service and in-service education, need to confront and (re)consider how higher education has conceptualized systemic racism.