Strathmore developing anti-racism campaign

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Strathmore is building upon its anti-racism campaign to make the town a more inclusive place.

The campaign, discussed during the Feb. 3 town council meeting, is being funded through a grant from Canadian Heritage, a department of the federal government. Across Canada, $15 million has been provided for 85 anti-racism projects through the department’s Anti-Racism Action Program.

“Our hope is to deliver recognition and respect for Indigenous history and help increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of racialized peoples by residents of Strathmore, including the effects of current and historical racism,” said Catherine Walsh, the town’s community and social development manager.

Part of the campaign includes an initiative known as “I Say No to Racism” featuring people from Strathmore, Siksika Nation and surrounding communities sharing their perspectives and experiences with racism. These messages will be shown in a short video shared on social media platforms.

The project will support the Town of Strathmore in addressing historical and ongoing racism against the Indigenous community, particularly the Siksika First Nation, said Astokomii Smith, Indigenous liaison, during the meeting.

“Issues of overt racism in Strathmore have led to long-standing tensions between the two communities,” she said.

The campaign seeks to address this issue by engaging both individuals and organizations. Several approaches are being proposed, including cultural programming, education campaigns and anti-racism bylaws by the town.

“This project will support changes in the community to create a more inclusive community where Indigenous people feel safe, are able to secure and retain employment within the town and participate in the community,” said Smith.

Another component is a billboard campaign. 

“This is a visible sign to the commitment that Strathmore is taking to denounce racism – a sign that will be seen by thousands of people and spark difficult conversations that will open the hearts and minds of residents,” she said.

There will also be a web page to educate people on racism by providing statistics, resources and approaches to respond to racism. 

The campaign could lead to broader discussions about racism, said Strathmore town Councillor Denise Peterson.

“One of the things that I’ve heard from persons in the community is that they are really excited about this, and I’ve also heard from persons of colour that they are interested in following up on what you do with the Indigenous community,” she said. “So, I think this is going to lead to something even greater, with an even broader perspective.”