Taking Action – Conference 2019

Taking Action: Leading toward Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion through Collaboration, Capacity, and Change

As we travelled BC for the Provincial Roundtables on Heritage meetings, we met with over 400 people who told us heritage has the great ability to bring people together, to share stories, to break down barriers, and to build community. We also heard that heritage must acknowledge the past, recognize truth, and seek reconciliation with First Nations and distinct cultures.

From inspiring collaborations with First Nations peoples to reimagined exhibitions telling new stories, our sector has made many strides toward achieving this vision. But many of the organizations that steward BC’s heritage are not representative of the diverse stories and the peoples who contribute to BC’s history and heritage.

Lasting, comprehensive change will not be realized until we examine our sector biases and organizational systems.

Taking Action builds capacities and resources and helps cultural leaders work toward the diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion that reflect their organizational ideals and the communities they serve.

How it works:

• Sign-up for the workshop through the 2019 conference registration form. There is no additional charge to participate in the Taking Action
• Join us in Nanaimo on Thursday, May 9 for inspiring conversations and thought-provoking ideas.
• Commit to action and join the cohort of heritage leaders that will receive further support and funding.
• Celebrate your organization’s achievements at the 2020 conference and be counted among the cultural leaders who took action.

Who should participate?

• Taking Action is designed for heritage and cultural leaders who are serious about taking action and leading for change.

What is my time commitment?

• You need to participate in the workshop on Thursday, May 9 (and the 2019 conference).
• You will be asked to commit to and work on a self-identified project of organizational diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion with the good intention of achieving your goals.

What types of organizational projects?

• Projects could range from land acknowledgement statements to memorandums of understanding and from HR policy development to collaborative projects (with a goal of building cultural awareness and understanding).

What about the financial support through the Heritage Legacy Fund?

• The workshop is limited to 12 organizations. Your organization will receive up to $1,250.
• Funds may be used for direct project expenses, which could include (but not limited to) meetings, meals, and honorarium for researchers, advisors, workshop leaders, and Elders.

Why is this being offered now?

• Throughout the Provincial Roundtables on Heritage meetings, we heard that the sector needs assistance in developing capacities with increased support, knowledge, and funding. This program is designed to address these capacities, so that organizations are empowered to be the change to which we aspire.
• Taking Action is designed to help all of us learn and develop better practices for leading organizational diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion, so that we, as a sector, can better reflect our ideals and our communities.