Build strategic partnerships to support the development and delivery of sector-specific anti-racism training in essential areas such as health, law, education, engineering, and government services.

First Light launching Experiential Learning Program

After 10 years of delivering Cultural Diversity Training to over 10,000 participants, First Light identified a need to develop new programming that delves deeper into the rich cultures, histories, and current realities of Indigenous Peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador. The result is Threads of Knowledge. This 40-hour experiential learning program is designed to host participants at the Learning Lodge in the Lunar Inn. The program’s relational approach is carefully designed to promote allyship, partnership, and change-making.

Organizations in key areas have consistently accessed First Light’s Cultural Diversity Training

End Sexual Violence NL, Newfoundland Power, and End Homelessness St. John’s have consistently booked First Light’s Cultural Diversity Training for their staff. Thrive, YWCA, and Easter Seals have also all made significant efforts to train those working for or volunteering with their organizations. The City of St. John’s offers First Light’s Cultural Diversity Training to employees annually. There have also been First Light Cultural Diversity training sessions at Memorial University’s School of Social Work, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, Sexual and Gender Advocacy Resource Centre, and Career Development Office.

Indigenous community members advocate for Indigenous-specific antiracism training in key service areas

Indigenous community members who contributed to this year’s Reconciliation Report are calling for those working in key service delivery areas to receive Indigenous-specific antiracism training. The main areas in need of training at this time include social workers, individuals who do assessments of children or families (e.g., those evaluating a need for inclusion workers in daycares, public health nurses); foster families, especially where an Indigenous child will be placed with a non-Indigenous family; and healthcare workers, particularly those working in emergency departments. Indigenous people frequently face discrimination in these contexts, and appropriate training is essential for building momentum for systemic change..

For professional associations:

• Prioritize building foundational knowledge among professionals working in essential areas by providing adequate training on the histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples in Newfoundland and Labrador.

For employers:

• Implement policies mandating that all new hires complete foundational training on Indigenous histories, cultures, and sector-specific content as part of the onboarding process.
• Implement policies mandating that all new hires complete foundational training on Indigenous histories, cultures, and sector-specific content as part of the onboarding process.