March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Content warning: This post discusses and describes the Canadian Residential School System and the Chinese Exclusion Act. Please take care when reading.
What is the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination?
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is recognized each year on March 21st to call attention to the ongoing injustices and discrimination faced each day by Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, and religious minority communities. The purpose of this day is to recognize that while we have come a long way, the work to end discrimination is nowhere near complete. This day marks the start of a week dedicated to standing in solidarity with those struggling against racism and racial discrimination.
History of International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination
March 21st marks the day that police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire on a group of peaceful protestors protesting apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. These laws required Black citizens of South Africa to carry a document similar to a passport to segregate the population as well as track and monitor their movements. If a person did not have the correct permissions to be in a certain area, they were arrested. Though the apartheid system has since been dismantled, this tragic event sparked the need for a time designated to recognizing and fighting racial discrimination. In 1979, the United Nations General Assembly used the day of this event to mark the beginning of a week dedicated to recognizing and standing in solidarity with those struggling against racial discrimination, known as the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Racial Discrimination in Canada
Canada’s colonial past has shaped the discrimination and marginalization present in this country, which continues to remain a significant and dangerous problem. Higher poverty rates, poor quality healthcare, poor or lack of housing, lack of access to quality education, and higher rates of incarceration are all ways that discrimination impacts racialized communities in Canada. While many racist laws and practices have been eliminated, systemic racism continues to normalize these disproportionate impacts and reinforces biases towards racialized groups.
In Canada, Indigenous communities face intergenerational impacts of colonialism. Between the 1800s and 1996, Indian Residential Schools were opened and run by the Government of Canada and various religious organizations to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children to Canadian society. This resulted in cultural erasure and the death of thousands of the children who were taken from their families and forced to attend. Other historical policies such as the Chinese Head Tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act discriminated against Chinese Canadians by forcing Chinese immigrants to pay a tax in order to immigrate to Canada, then completely banning Chinese immigration. Chinese immigrants also faced discrimination through segregation policies that disallowed them to swim in the same pools or sit in the same area of the theater as white Canadians. These policies separated families and had lasting intergenerational impacts on Chinese Canadians.
UBC Resources
The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC addresses the impacts of Residential Schools and provides a space where survivors, their families, and other Indigenous community members can access their records and engage with academic collaborators around issues of information work.
UBC’s Equity and Inclusion Office has introduced the Strategic Equity & Anti-Racism (StEAR) Framework to help guide the university’s roadmap to change. The framework sets out a number of objectives and strategic actions to be implemented over the next few years to guide strategic, curricular, compositional, and interactional change. The StEAR framework also provides a Governance Model to support implementation and accountability.
In 2020, UBC began the implementation of the Indigenous Strategic Plan, taking a leading role in the advancement of Indigenous people’s human rights. This plan consists of a set of 43 actions the university will take based on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and has been created in collaboration with community groups and Indigenous partners.
UBC Library
Dere, W. G. W. (2019). Being Chinese in Canada: The struggle for identity, redress and belonging (1st ed.). Douglas & McIntyre. [Available at UBC Library]
DiAngelo, R. (2018). White fragility: Why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism (1st ed.). Beacon Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Elliott, A., & Xwi7xwa Collection. (2019). A mind spread out on the ground. Doubleday Canada. [Available at UBC Library]
Methot, S. (2019). Legacy: Trauma, story and indigenous healing. ECW Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Morrison, T. (2017). The origin of others (1st ed.). Harvard University Press. https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674982628 [Available at UBC Library]
Web Sources Consulted:
February 26th is Pink Shirt Day
Pink Shirt Day is a day to recognize and raise awareness of bullying, a major problem in schools, workplaces, and online. It began in 2007 in Nova Scotia, when a group of teenagers organized a protest to wear pink in solidarity with a boy who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. The initiative has grown each year and is now recognized across the globe.
What is Bullying? Why is it so important to talk about?
While bullying is prevalent in younger age groups, it doesn’t always stop when you reach adulthood. Bullying continues to be a major problem in schools, online, workplaces, and at home, and can cause lasting mental health impacts such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Bullying often starts with a power imbalance, and takes place when someone with power acts aggressively towards the person being victimized. In addition to the mental health impacts associated with bullying, physical violence and trauma are also common occurrences. The four types of bullying are: physical bullying, verbal bullying, social/relational bullying, and cyberbullying.
Bullying can also turn into harassment when it is based on discrimination. This occurs when someone is bullied based on characteristics such as race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, family status, mental or physical disability, etc.
What Does Bullying Look Like in the Workplace?
You may think that bullying only happens to school-age children. However, bullying can be common in workplaces and often doesn’t gain as much attention as bullying in schools. Workplace bullying can have severe long-term impacts on self-esteem, physical health, cognitive function, and emotional health (Lutgen-Sandvik et al., 2007). Because adult bullying is somewhat different than bullying in school-age children, there are a few key defining features that set it apart. Adult workplace bullying has four key components: intensity, repetition, duration, and power disparity (Lutgen-Sandvik et al., 2007). Based on these components, bullying is defined as “at least two negative acts, weekly or more often, for six or more months in situations where targets find it difficult to defend against and stop abuse” (Lutgen-Sandvik et al., 2007).
UBC Resources
UBC’s VPFO Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee is hosting their 9th annual Pink Shirt Day virtually and in-person on Wednesday, February 25th from 10:30-11:30am at the Jack Poole Hall in the Alumni Centre. This year’s theme is “Kindness Comes Full Circle” to remind us that small acts of care can be just as meaningful as big ones. There will also be activities later in the day as well as on Saturday, February 28th. Click here for more details on the times and locations of each event.
UBC offers Confidential Counselling Services and Extended Health Benefits to help you address your specific needs. In-person, telephone, or online appointments are available to suit your needs.
The UBC Bookstore will be selling Pink Shirt Day T-Shirts with $3.00 from every pink shirt sale donated to the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund. The Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund supports people and families who continue to be impacted by Residential Schools and intergenerational trauma.
UBC Library Materials
Professional Resources on Bullying:
Jacobson, R. B. (2013;2012;). Rethinking school bullying: Dominance, identity and school culture (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203069646 [Available at UBC Library]
Lutgen-Sandvik, P., Tracy, S. J., & Alberts, J. K. (2007). Burned by bullying in the american workplace: Prevalence, perception, degree and impact. Journal of Management Studies, 44(6), 837-862. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2007.00715.x [Available at UBC Library]
Swartz, L., & Canadian Children’s Book Centre Collection. (2013). Bully-go-round: A handbook of literacy and arts strategies for promoting bully awareness in the classroom. Pembroke. [Available at UBC Library]
Anti-Bullying Picture Books for Children:
Gray Smith, M., Neidhardt, N., Walters, M. (., & Xwi7xwa Collection. (2020). When we are kind: Nihá’ádaahwiinít’ı̨́́įgo. Orca Book Publishers. [Available at UBC Library]
Kerascoët. (2018). I walk with vanessa: A story about a simple act of kindness (First ed.). Schwartz & Wade Books. [Available at UBC Library]
Neal, K. J. (2017;2015;). Words and your heart (First US ed.). Feiwel and Friends. [Available at UBC Library]
Sources Consulted
EDI Scholars-in-Residence Event — “Tea and Learn: Meaningful Reconciliation” with Dana-Lyn Mackenzie
February is Black History Month
Each February, Black History Month is celebrated in Canada to honor the contributions of Black people and their communities from who fought for civil rights and social justice in the past to today’s changemakers and emerging leaders. While labeled Black History Month, it is equally important that we recognize the continuous contributions of Black communities as well as future possibilities.
To celebrate this tradition, this year’s theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” While this year claims to be the 30th anniversary of Black History Month, the tradition goes even further back as the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) petitioned to have February proclaimed as Black History Month in the late 70’s. The first Black History Month recognized by all of Canada, however, did not occur until 1996, thus marking the “official” beginning of this celebration across Canada.
The History of Black Communities in Canada
Not many are aware of the history and role of Black people and their communities within Canada. You can learn more about significant events in Black history in Canada here.
To learn more about the notable figures who have shaped Canada as we now know it, you can read the biographies of a few individuals here. Some notable, historical Black Canadians include: Viola Desmond, a businesswoman from Halifax who practiced civil disobedience and is the first Black person and Canadian woman to appear on a Canadian banknote; Willie O’Ree, a hockey player from New Brunswick and the first black player in the National Hockey League; Lincoln Alexander, the first Black member of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Community Resources
The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) is a historical society that aims to bring understanding and awareness to the historical significance of Black Canadians. They aim to advance education through the research, documentation, and dissemination of the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians presently and throughout history. They also offer education and assistance for Black people in British Columbia who face social and economic barriers. Through their online Learning Centre, you can articles, reports, and videos pertaining to Black communities in British Columbia over time. The BCBHAS will be hosting a number of events throughout February:
- Saturday, Feb 7th from 1-4pm: History and Heritage Day at the Royal BC Museum (FREE)
- Saturday, Feb 14th from 2-4pm: BCBHAS Appreciation Tea, a Tribute to our Elders and Mentors at the Baumann Centre
- Sunday, Feb 15th from 2-4pm: Ebony Roots: Celebrate Music and Words at the KWENCH Work and Culture Club
- Sunday, Feb 22nd from 2-3pm: Ross Bay Cemetery Tour, a guided tour of Black pioneers/descendants graves
- Friday, Feb 27th from 7-9pm: Keynote Speaker Junie Desil at the Baumann Centre
UBC Events & Resources
On Thursday, February 5th from 7-8:30pm, the Museum of Anthropology will be hosting Black Futures, Ananse Tales: Diasporic Storytelling in Motion. This event will be a night of immersive storytelling by the Akofena Afro-Theatre Society using theatre, music, dance, and oral narrative to explore stories.
UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science will be hosting the Black Excellence in STEM Speaker Series throughout February to celebrate the contributions of Black leaders in STEM. This series has four hybrid sessions located within the Civil and Mechanical Engineering Building on UBC campus. Click the link to find out more about each session:
- Tuesday, Feb 3rd from 5:30-7pm: How to Build Cool Things, Break the Rules, and Stay Audacious with Coralie Tcheune
- Tuesday, Feb 10th from 5:30-7pm: Swimming to UBC Like a Fish with Dr. Rashid Sumaila
- Monday, Feb 23rd from 5:30-7pm: How Learning Works: Living Sober in a Time of Excess with Dr. Kemi Ola
- Thursday, Feb 26th from 5:30-7pm: Microbiome of ‘Success’: Cultivating Resilience from Roots to Ecosystems with Dr. Zelalem Taye
Throughout February, the Ladner Clock Tower and University Commons will be lit up in red, yellow, and green lights to represent Pan-Africanism and raise awareness of Black History Month in a public space.
UBC Library Materials:
To read more from Black Canadian authors about the way Black communities have shaped this country, check out these books available through the UBC Library.
Carter, M. (2025). In the light of dawn: The history and legacy of a black Canadian community. University of Regina Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Clarke, G.E. (Ed.). (2017). Locating home: The first African-Canadian novel and verse collections. Tightrope Books. [Available at UBC Library]
Cole, D., & ProQuest (Firm). (2020). The skin we’re in: A year of black resistance and power (1st ed.). Doubleday Canada. [Available at UBC Library]
Reynolds, G. (2016). Viola Desmond’s Canada: A history of blacks and racial segregation in the promised land. Fernwood Publishing. [Available at UBC Library]
Smith Diaz, R. (2025). Searching for Serafim: The life and legacy of Serafim “Joe” Fortes (1st ed.). Arsenal Pulp Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Web Sources Consulted:
Government of Canada. (2026). February is black history month [Campaigns]. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html
Government of Canada. (2021). About Black History Month. Government of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/about.html
December 18th: International Migrants Day
What is International Migrants Day?
International Migrants Day is a day to recognize the contributions of migrants around the world. It also calls to attention the environment in which migration occurs, such as conflicts and displacement, climate-related disaster, economic pressures, and more that may drive people from their homes in search of safety and opportunity. December 18th was chosen as it was the day that the International Convention on the Protection of Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families was signed. This is a United Nations treaty that governs the protection of migrant workers and their families by aiming to guarantee equal treatment and the same working conditions for migrants as nationals.
Historically, Canada has been viewed as a safe and welcoming place for immigrants. However, changing policies may be increasing barriers and feelings of safety. The stories of migrants are often filled with resilience and perseverance as they may face many challenges in the process of starting a life in a new country. Exploitation of migrant workers is a common issue that this day recognizes, and work can often be precarious, uncertain, or even dangerous.
Migrant workers play an important role in our communities, and it is vital we confront the ongoing mistreatment of these community members. Our economy largely depends on the labor of migrant workers, and their work and humanity is often unrecognized and exploited. International Migrants Day serves to recognize the positive impact migrant populations have on society, from boosting economic growth to filling skill gaps and driving innovation and development, as well as recognizing the challenges they face as often undervalued members of our society.
Resources at UBC:
UBC is ranked as the most international school in North America, with students from 147 different countries. UBC’s International Student Guide can help support students who are newcomers to Canada. International students can also connect with Advisors , Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), to answer questions about permits, working, health care, or transitioning to life in Canada.
Resources in Vancouver:
The Vancouver Public Library is an excellent and free resource for newcomers. Many branches offer ESL Conversation practice to meet new friends and practice English conversation skills with other learners. Drop-In Resume Clinics are also often available for those looking for support and tips on writing a Canadian style resume and Ask a Career Counsellor drop-ins can help with career planning, writing resumes, preparing for job interviews, and more.
VPL also hosts AC Legal Services with free, confidential appointments to help anyone complete legal paperwork. For those who must take the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), there are free workshops to help with the Writing and Speaking portions of the exam.
Check out the VPL Events page to see other events that may support newcomers to BC.
UBC Library Materials:
Allahdua, G., Dunsworth, E., & ProQuest (Firm). (2023). Harvesting freedom: The life of a migrant worker in Canada (1st ed.). Between the Lines. [Available at UBC Library]
Atak, I., Simeon, J. C., Scholars Portal Books: Canadian University Presses 2018, & Canada Commons: Books & Documents. (2018). In Atak I., Simeon J. C.(Eds.), The criminalization of migration: Context and consequences (1st ed.). McGill-Queen’s University Press. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780773555631 [Available at UBC Library]
Molnar, P., & ProQuest (Firm). (2024). The walls have eyes: Surviving migration in the age of artificial intelligence (1st ed.). The New Press. [Available at UBC Library]
Nayeri, D. (2019). The ungrateful refugee: What immigrants never tell you. Catapult. [Available at UBC Library]
Shah, S., & ProQuest (Firm). (2020). The next great migration: The beauty and terror of life on the move (1st ed.). Bloomsbury Publishing USA. [Available at UBC Library]
Web sources consulted:
United Nations. (2024). Celebrating the contributions and opportunities of migration. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/migrants-day
Vancouver Public Library. (2025, June 20). No Place for Refugees: Is Canada Becoming Less Welcoming? Vancouver Public Library. https://vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/6834f38e4f2cd1c0cc874bde