Edition E.2020.1
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement
We acknowledge that our work takes place on the unceded homelands of the Musqueam, Skxwú7mesh, Tsleil-Waututh, Kwikwetlem, Katzie, Semiahmoo, Qayqayt, and Tsawwassen Nations. Unceded means that these lands were never surrendered, transferred or relinquished in any way and, as such, they remain sovereign Indigenous lands over which the Canadian and British Columbian governments have no legal or moral authority to govern. We re-express our commitment to reconciliation as it is our moral responsibility as settlers to these lands to ensure that our meetings and actions are congruent with indigenous values and interests as we walk down the path of reconciliation together.
Why is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion important for Embark?
Our commitment to DEI 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, and more sustainable communities.
How are we approaching DEI?
Twice per semester, a team of Embark board, staff, coordinators, and volunteers get together to discuss DEI. The group has created an internal Best Practices Guide that lays out in detail many of our cultures, practices, and behaviors complying with DEI, 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 are proud to have made organizational commitments to prioritize DEI, 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.
What are our aspirations for the future?
We aspire 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 inclusive.
This statement is a living document, as we recognize our understanding of DEI 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.
Published
April 4th, 2020
Edition – E.2020.1
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