STA Executive Chair:
Amanda Culver
The BCTF is proud of its history as a social justice union. This means that as an organization of professionals, we accept and act on our broad responsibility to be involved in the social development of the communities and the province we live in, and we do this in the interests of the children we teach.
A social justice union advocates for social change that will enhance equity, security and safety, sustainability of communities, participation of citizens in social change, and access to opportunities for personal growth and development.
The social justice initiatives of the Federation focus on poverty, child and youth issues, race relations, gender equity, homophobia and heterosexism, bullying, environmental issues, globalization, and violence prevention. In addition, the Federation has an advisory committee on Aboriginal education.
SOGI Resources
Bite Size SOGI – Made by Kelli Kraft – SOGI Lead in Victoria
If you are looking for a good and easy resource about pronouns, check out this one from Trans Care BC!
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Social Justice Days & Themes
Hello Teachers!
I hope you are doing well and finding ways to take care of yourself as we approach a long-awaited Spring Break. Below, please find March’s Social Justice information, with links to resources.
The BCTF recently shared some educator resources about the war in Ukraine. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network also has this 3-page resource for anyone supporting youth through conversations about war. Michelle Stoney, a Gitxsan artist, has a sunflower colouring page (attached), which some are using to support messages of hope during this time.
Information was circulated to members about March’s Sacred Teaching: Truth. Here are some upcoming dates for more information about events in March. March is Irish Heritage Month. While Women’s History Month happens in October in Canada, many use March to celebrate as it aligns with International Women’s Day.
- March 1: Disability Day of Mourning
- March 8: International Women’s Day
- March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- March 22: World Water Day
- March 31: Transgender Day of Visibility
In solidarity,
Amanda Culver (they/them)
Scholarship Chair
Social Justice Chair
I hope you are doing well and finding ways to take care of yourself. Below, please find February’s Social Justice information, with links to resources.
February’s Sacred Teaching focus is Love. You would have received some related lesson ideas in an email on Jan. 28th titled “Seven Sacred Teachings: February.” For your own learning, UBC is running it’s FREE 6-week MOOC on Reconciliation through Indigenous Education. It is set to begin February 1:
https://pdce.educ.ubc.ca/reconciliation/
February is also full of opportunities to extend social justice teachings. Here are some upcoming dates (with links!) for your information.
- February 1-28: Black History Month
- February 1: Lunar New Year begins
- February 14: Have a Heart Day
- February 10: Moose Hide Campaign (postponed to May 12)
- February 20: UN’s World Day of Social Justice
- February 21-27: Heritage Week
- February 23: Pink Shirt Day
TEACHER ACTIVISM:
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Hi everyone,
Here is an important petition addressed to the Ministry of Education asking them to mandate two days of in-service training on TRC and UNDRIP in the 2021-2022 school year for all K to12 school district staff in public and independent school systems.
| As you may have heard, the bodies of 215 murdered Indigenous youth and children were revealed at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School on the territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc. As settlers we have to dig deep and ask ourselves, what role has education played in the genocide of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island? It is only when we confront and accept the truth, that we can move forward in Reconciliation. We send love and condolences to our Indigenous colleagues, students, and supporters, who have to relive the trauma of colonization on a daily basis. AOEC commits to doing better. In this spirit, please find our open letter to the Ministry of Education, demanding two days of in-service for the 2021/2022 school year to focus on reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples To read our full letter, visit www.aoec.ca. We must read, learn and reckon. We ask that you join our call by signing and amplifying our petition. This demand is for settlers in the K-12 education system, please find our letter of love to our Indigenous colleagues on our website, we commit to doing better for you and our students. |
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| Teacher Activism: What Does it Look Like?Are you wondering what practical teacher activism resembles? Come and learn how educators Monica, Nikitha, Ramona, Trevor and Kenneth are transforming pedagogy and student learning experiences through collaboration, ally-ship, organizing and resource sharing. Remember, best educators don’t limit themselves into their traditional classroom walls! Wednesday, June 23, 20215:00-6:00pmFind the link to register here: https://educ.ubc.ca/news-events/ |
Vancouver Island K-12 Teacher GSA:
Are you a teacher that identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community? If so, we welcome you to join the Vancouver Island K-12 Teacher GSA. This is a safe and private group. All of us are here to learn, grow, and create a supportive environment together. Here, you can ask questions, share stories/resources, have healthy discussions, and feel supported by fellow teachers.https://www.facebook.com/groups/vik12gsa
SOGI EVENTS:
www.arcfoundation.ca | www.SOGIeducation.org
