B.C. First Nations Anti-Racism Research and Development Project

It has been over 10 years since the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and yet First Nations and Indigenous peoples throughout B.C. and Canada continue to face ongoing racism in all areas of society. Racist narratives in the public sphere have been increasing in recent years, particularly in B.C., the birthplace of the Orange Shirt movement and the home of the – now nationally and internationally familiar – Kamloops Indian Residential school. These growing racist narratives are deeply harmful to First Nations people and hinder the work of cultural revitalization that is so crucial after over 150 years of cultural genocide.

While research and resources for anti-racism exist in the broader sphere, very few of these address the specific context of racism against First Nations and its impact on cultural revitalization. The purpose of this project is to create practical and meaningful tools to support First Nations to navigate their experiences of racism and to respond effectively to racist narratives. These tools will elevate First Nations voices in the dialogue of anti-racism. In particular, this project will ensure that B.C. First Nations have the resources needed to respond to this growing trend of residential school denialism and the devaluing of Indigenous cultures and languages.

The FPCC Learning Centre is seeking a qualified consultant or a consulting company to conduct research on how racism, including residential school denialism, impacts First Nations cultural revitalization and to identify effective responses that reduce harm and prevent continued racism. This research will be turned into a set of tools that directly equip B.C. First Nations to learn about racism and to respond effectively. Those tools will include a condensed guide, two short-form educational videos, and an informational web page.