Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, & Inclusion at Embark Sustainability

Acknowledgements

​Embark Sustainability’s work takes place across the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛw̓əm (Kwikwetlem), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo, and Tsawwassen Nations.

As we continue to face compounding crises that have exacerbated continued injustices, we cannot work on sustainability without an intersectional lens. Enhancing our local food systems and combating climate change, also means to address the growing social and economic inequities rooted in racism, capitalism and colonialism. It is important to acknowledge that, while the mainstream environmental movement has centred white voices, Black, Indigenous, and other communities of colour are the ones who are disproportionately impacted and displaced by environmental degradation.

At Embark Sustainability, we recognize we have a responsibility as a student organization serving a diverse student population to be actively anti-racist and work toward dismantling the systems of oppression that contribute to anti-Blackness, anti-Indigeneity and white supremacy.

Why is Justice, Equity, Decolonization, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDDI) important for Embark Sustainability?

Our commitment to JEDDI comes from our understanding of sustainability as a system that accommodates the well being of all present and future communities. We believe that the establishment of an inclusionary environment is fundamental to our mission of engaging all SFU students on sustainability on and off-campus. We believe that it is necessary to include the knowledge and experiences of historically marginalized groups in our work to build stronger, more sustainable communities.

How are we approaching JEDDI?

As of Spring 2021 our JEDDI working group became a formal Board Committee, which included the development of a JEDDI Officer role on the Embark Sustainability Board of Directors. This committee will continue the work of the former working group, such as the ongoing development of an internal Best Practices Guide that lays out in detail many of our cultures, practices, and behaviours complying with JEDDI, and shedding light on areas which we could improve. It is important to notice that the guide, as our efforts to build safe, diverse and inclusionary environments, is continuously being reflected upon and revised as we gain more knowledge with our work.

We have made organizational commitments to prioritize JEDDI, such as incorporating a reflective land acknowledgment at the beginning of every gathering, creating new policies, practicing fair/unbiased hiring methods, and collaborating with other groups and individuals to broaden the scope of our work. JEDDI has also been centred in the development of Embark Sustainability’s next strategic plan, to be released this summer.

What are our aspirations for the future? 

Embark Sustainability aspires to create a space for all types of people to gather and learn about sustainability from diverse perspectives and knowledge in a way that is equitable. This statement is a living document. We recognize our understanding of JEDDI will continue to evolve over time and that the words shared here may require changing. We welcome feedback and the support of others in this process.