Year

#

Activity

Description

2021

1

Creation of a SPOKE Committee

The New Westminster Spokes Committee consists of representatives from the Municipality, Indigenous organizations, Fraser Health, settlement agencies, a seniors’ centre, Ministry of Child and Family Development, social service agencies, WorkBC, the school district, the public library, and the local college.

Missing from the table are faith groups and law enforcement authority representation.

The New Westminster Police Department became involved in the Spokes environmental scan activity and a representative has shown interest in attending meetings. The City Supervisor of Community Planning

2021

2

Environmental scan

Power Point Community Needs Assessment project and presentation to WINS

2021

3

Revising the LIP Protocol Response to Hate Crimes

Provided to Spokes committee for input and modifications to update and make more effective

2022

4

An examination of racism and discrimination and its impact on individuals and on the community.

This project built on the community needs assessment which looked at how community, government and education agencies in New Westminster are addressing racism through anti-racism work.For this activity, individuals and representatives of cultural, faith-based and IBPOC communities in New Westminster were invited to participate in cultural cafes, interviews and/or to answer a survey asking about their lived experiences of racism and discrimination. Their words were documented by a consultant Urban/Social/Community Planner and Diversity, Anti-Racism and Gender Specialist (Jasmindra Jawanda). The results and key findings in the final document, Rising Up! An Anti-Racism Report, were presented to the Spoke Committee and to a number of local networks.

2022

5

An Indigenous Anti-Racism Training Series for Spoke and other community members.

Spoke members asked to learn more about First Nations, colonialism, systemic racism, Indigenous history, and how individuals and organizations can contribute to reconciliation. It started with education. A three-part training series by Sk’elep Reconciliation in March and April explored land acknowledgments, worldviews, power, privilege, and responsible allyship in practice. The cost was shared with LIP funding (IRCC). Of 30 participants, a third were from the broader community. From start to finish this session was a success. Participants left with a better understanding of what it is like to live as an Indigenous person, and of the history and policies that took away lands, children, and ways of being, and resulted in a multitude of challenges, barriers and issues that Indigenous people still have to face

2022

6

The New Westminster protocol response to discrimination and hate was updated.

“How to Respond to Prejudice and Hate: New Westminster Guidelines for Responding to Hate Crimes and Critical Incidents Motivated by Bias, Prejudice and Hate” originally created by the Local Immigration Partnership was updated with information from the Resilience BC Anti-Racism Network protocol. 

2023

7

Translation of protocol

Pages from the English and Chinese (Simplified) versions of the community protocol, including Steps to take to respond to hate crimes or incidents motivated by hate and Services and Supports, were translated into Amharic, Arabic, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, Chinese (Traditional – for Cantonese speakers), Filipino (Tagalog), Korean and Portuguese.

2023

8

Truth and Reconciliation Day

The New Westminster Spoke was invited by Spirit of the Children Society to host a table at their 2022 Truth and Reconciliation Day event, and is invited to participate again in 2023. During the event, the Spoke was given a shout-out by the emcee, an Indigenous Cultural Liaison Advisor and a member of the New Westminster Spoke table.As well as promoting the Spoke Committee and Community Protocol, there were give-aways of colourful pencils to use in a poem activity to promote self-esteem and pride in family and self.

2023

9

Community Dialogues

A Community Dialogue was held in March 2023, with 45 participants sharing conversations about what it is like to be an immigrant in Canada. An Indigenous Elder facilitated the event. A panel of three immigrants talked to the group, then the entire audience shared their own stories and how they came to be in this place.There was food made by immigrants, art displays by immigrant artists, and time for networking between participants, panellists and artisans. Participants were either amazed to hear these stories of immigration and the barriers faced, or found similarities with their own story. It was an opportunity to include newcomers’ needs within community conversation and planning processes. The second Community Dialogue was held in late June, honouring the Indigenous experience. It was held in the evening to give an opportunity for those unable to attend daytime events to participate. The evening event included a panel of Indigenous People, including the daughter of Chief Larrabee of Qayqayt First Nation, on whose traditional and unceded territory New Westminster was built. These dialogues are aimed at drawing people together and increasing understanding through the power of stories, art, and shared food.

2023

10

From Hate to Hope.

Participated in BC’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (BCOHRC)’s consultation process for the Inquiry into Hate in the Covid -19 Pandemic final report “From Hate to Hope”. The questions considered and resulting recommendations from the final report helped support the anti-racism work the New Westminster Spoke is undertaking.

2023

11

Elimination of Racial Discrimination event

was held in Burnaby in March 2023, a collaboration amongst a number of Lower Mainland communities with Spoke tables and/or Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs). The event included panellists with lived experience of discrimination, a Theatre of the Oppressed, and a youth panel. New Westminster facilitated an Employment Barriers breakout session which was attended mostly by newcomers searching for employment, with a few long-term residents. Participants included a librarian, a social planner, a craftsman of hand-made carpets, a lawyer, and an investigative journalist. The immediate reaction when talking about seeking employment was of emotion. There were tears of frustration. More training for front-line workers including cultural relativism, empathy, and understanding was identified as a real need. Particular comments included: I was offered entry to Canada based on my skills, but once I was here I wasn’t allowed to use them. The prime recommendation was to advocate for credential recognition and credit for education and work experience outside Canada.

2023

12

Created an anti-racism bookmark

to give away at the community events attended, for example, National Indigenous Day, Community Dialogues, New to New West Day, and Community Bike Day.

2023

13

Connect, Empower & Create Changes .

Connect, Empower & Create Changes provides a safe place to share thoughts and experiences and to work together to build confidence, raise awareness, and create change. Meeting dates included

2024

14

Community Protocol to respond to hate crimes and critical incidents

How to respond to prejudice and hate: New Westminster guidelines for responding to hate crimes and critical incidents motivated by bias, prejudice and hate was created through the Local Immigration Partnership in 2020, and has been updated and translated annually through the Spoke Committee. Information about using 911 and steps to take to respond to hate crimes or incidents was translated into French this fiscal year. (Attached.)

2024

15

IBPOC support group

IBPOC Support Group meetings were held at the community Welcome Centre from November 2023 to the end of June 2024. Somi Park, the Community Navigator, facilitated the meetings.

2024

16

Truth & Reconciliation Day.

The Spoke Committee was invited by a local Indigenous organization to hold a table at their Truth and Reconciliation Day Ceremony, with a focus on children. Treats and books provided by Literacy Now were given to all the children who attended. Youth from the Youth Hub, a Host Agency program, distributed the books and interacted with the children.

2024

17

Anti-racism health tool kit

·         Ernie Cardinal, a member of the New Westminster Spoke Committee from Spirit of the Children Society (SOTCS), shared with the committee an overview of wrongs of the past, and still ongoing, in the health care system.SOTCS had previously held “Lunches with Ernie” information sessions at 14 health clinics to provide information about colonialization and discrimination. Other clinics in the area did not have the time (a familiar phrase to him), and the sessions were cancelled. 

Due to this discussion, Spoke decided to create an anti-racism toolkit for health clinics.

After outreach to potential partners, the Executive Director and Executive Administrator from the Fraser North West Division of Family Practice (FNWDFP) who oversee 55 health clinics in the area, indicated they would like to collaborate on the toolkit.

The toolkit is aimed at front line workers first, then doctors.

Spoke funds covered the cost of printing and of some of the books suggested by Ernie Cardinal. FNWDFP covered the cost of other books, design and artwork, and boxes for the toolkits. They will distribute the toolkits to all 55 of their clinics, and resume “Lunch with Ernie” sessions.

The Indigenous Anti-Racism Toolkit consists of:

1.    Information on decolonization

2.    Ernie’s picks (book list-print out)

3.    Print out/sign for clinic wall (with an Indigenous art border) (Attached.)

4.    Information about land acknowledgements

5. In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in B.C. health care report

6. First Nations 101; Five little Indians; and 21 things you did not know about the Indian Act.

2025

18

Coordinate New Westminster Spoke

The Spoke Committee, coordinated through the Local Immigration Partnership (LIP), brought together 22 members from diverse organizations to address racism in New Westminster. It held three full committee meetings and several smaller working group sessions focused on anti-racism toolkits. The committee served as a hub for collaboration, resource sharing, and strategic planning to support anti-racism initiatives across the community.

2025

19

Truth and Reconciliation Day (Did not take place)

Although the event was initially planned, the team lost the contact it had with the organizers. Instead, efforts were redirected toward meaningful engagement through the development and distribution of reconciliation-focused educational materials, ensuring the spirit of the day was still honored.

2025

20

National Indigenous Day (Did not take place)

This event was not attanded or supported by SPOKES due to a change in staff involved in the coordination. However, the team pivoted to focus on distributing culturally relevant toolkits at the New to New Westminster event, maintaining a commitment to Indigenous visibility and education.

2025

21

Health & Reconciliation Toolkit

These toolkits were created to address systemic racism in healthcare and promote reconciliation. The Health Toolkit was developed in collaboration with an Indigenous consultant and the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice. The Reconciliation Toolkit included educational materials such as the book 21 Things You Didn’t Know About the Indian Act, and activity cards. Both were distributed at community events and clinics.

2025

22

Protocol Review & Distribution

The Community Protocol Response to Hate: No further revisions were made this year. The English version of the protocol was uploaded to the WINS LIP New Westminster webpage to ensure continued accessibility.

2025

23

IBPOC Gatherings – Connections

Did not happen.

2025

24

Addressing Racism: Gathering with the Cultural Café Anti-Racism Support Group

This initiative funded by United Way, included a supportive environment for open dialogue for participants about racism. The WINS LIP coordinator delivered two presentation to explain the principles of anti-racism, introduce the Community Protocol Response to Hate, and engage participants in a discussion about systemic racism. One of the sessions was held on March 20th, to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination , that was celebrated by providing a celebratory meal,  reinforcing the importance of collective reflection and action against racial injustice.

2025

25

Ethical Storytelling Session

The Ethical Storytelling Session, held on March 26, 2025, at the New Westminster Public Library, was a community workshop designed to build capacity among service providers and community workers in ethical storytelling practices. The session included interactive activities, such as “Through the Lens” and “A Very Personal Story,” to explore how narratives can either empower or harm marginalized individuals. Participants learned about informed consent, cultural competence, power dynamics, and client-led storytelling. The session was co-developed with individuals with lived experience and supported by LIP and Spoke funding

2025

26

Truth and Understanding Kit

Inspired by the Health Toolkit, this kit extended the message of reconciliation and education. It included culturally significant items and learning tools to help community members better understand Indigenous histories and perspectives.

2025

27

New to New West Intercultural Festival and Information Fair

The New to New West Resource Festival 2025 was a multicultural, community-building event aimed at welcoming newcomers and promoting anti-racism education. The New Westminster Spoke Committee participated by distributing Indigenous Health and Reconciliation Toolkits, engaging attendees in conversations about systemic racism, and connecting with over 30 community organizations. The event featured cultural performances, games, and food from diverse communities, creating a space for intercultural exchange and learning.

2025

28

In Person workshop on focused on the intersection of ADHD, trauma, and racialized experiences.

The Spoke Committee is organizing Dr. Prahar presentation that explores how systemic racism, cultural stigma, and underdiagnosis affect the mental health and educational outcomes of racialized individuals living with ADHD.

**This initiative complements broader anti-racism efforts and is informed by parallel programming such as the UBC Learning Circle’s Indigenous-focused session titled ‘ADHD and Indigenous Strength: Understanding, Adapting, Thriving’ with K’odi Taylor. While distinct in focus, both events share a commitment to uplifting marginalized voices and promoting culturally grounded mental health education.**

Future to plan activities

2026-2028

29

Internal Learning – “Start From Home” Series

Goal: Strengthen the knowledge and confidence of staff and partner organizations to address racism and support reconciliation.  

COMPONENTS:

Host 3 learning sessions:

·         Fall (Oct 2025): Addressing ADHD and Racial Disparities in Mental Health for Racialized Communities

·         Winter (Jan 2026): Applying GBA+ in Local Work

·         Spring (April 2026): Decolonizing Language and Communication in Community Services

Share open-access learning materials and curated reading/viewing lists after each session

2026-2029

30

Community Listening and Voices

GOAL: Create space for residents to share their stories, experiences, and ideas about inclusion, identity, and community.

COMPONENTS:

·         Community Conversations (Nov 2025 & Mar 2026): “What does belonging mean to you?”

·         Reflection Wall (Feb–May 2026): Install at New Westminster Public Library or Douglas College.

·         

2026-2030

31

Mapping Activity

Use printed maps and digital tools to gather input on inclusive/exclusive spaces.

2026-2031

32

Acts of Reconciliation

Goal: Build respectful, ongoing relationships with Indigenous individuals and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration over time.

Suggested Activities:.

Winter 2026: Circles for Reconciliation – Explore participation in or hosting of reconciliation circles that bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants for guided dialogue and relationship-building. More info at circlesforreconciliation.ca

Ongoing: Continue building trust and relationships with Indigenous individuals through:

Invitations to co-create future initiatives

Honoraria-supported storytelling or cultural sharing sessions

Exploring opportunities for future partnerships with Indigenous-led organizations, as relationships deepen

2026-2032

33

Celebrate Local Leadership

Goal: Recognize and amplify the contributions of people advancing equity and anti-racism in New Westminster.

Suggested Activities:

·         New to New West event: Multicultural games and snacks

·        Community Inclusion Badge: Launch in April 2026.

·         Spotlight Stories (May–2026): Short videos or social media reels featuring local leaders (New to New West event).

2026-2033

34

Community Initiative: Hack the Hate Challenge

Timeline: February – May 2026

Goal: Encourage youth and or equity-deserving residents to develop creative, community-based solutions to combat racism.

Activities:

·         Open call for ideas (Feb)

·         New to New West – Badges for innovation, impact, and relevance

·         Letters of support for winning teams (from City, Library, or Purpose Society) teams implement their ideas (who else has capacity to fund?)