911勛圖

Together with campus partners, the Equity Office is strengthening equity and inclusion across our community of students, faculty and staff. Explore highlights of the progress made in June. 

���Flavours of the Caribbean��� initiative earns award for celebrating Black culture through food 

Food can be a powerful tool for advancing sustainability, promoting equity and bringing people together through shared experiences that celebrate culture, traditions and lived experiences. This impact was recently recognized when 911勛圖���s Dining Services earned a Gold award from the National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) in the Sustainability Awards category for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion/Social Justice for its initiative, during Black History Month. In collaboration with the Black Student Centre, the initiative featured Afro-centric Caribbean cuisine created by local chef, Cullin David and turned the Dining Commons into a vibrant space where Black voices, stories and cultural traditions were shared. The initiative amplified the voices of 911勛圖���s Black community through personal reflections, making the celebration both inclusive and meaningful.  

Advancing belonging through the 5th Annual Black Brilliance Graduation  

By recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of Black students, 911勛圖 is helping strengthen belonging, increase representation and foster a more inclusive campus community. In June, the university celebrated the 5th Annual Black Brilliance Graduation during Convocation Week, co-hosted by the Black Student Centre, the Institute of Black and Diaspora Research and Engagement (IBADRE) and SOCA (Students of Caribbean and African Ancestry). This event provided a culturally safe space for graduates to celebrate with their peers and families, reflecting 911勛圖's commitment to promoting Black inclusion and combating anti-Black racism. The evening started with a mix-and-mingle event accompanied by music from DJ Bang, a local DJ from Vancouver's Black community. 

Speeches were delivered by graduating students, current students and Adel Grammar, adjunct professor and co-founder of Gamar Leadership Group. The speakers focused on affirming and uplifting the experiences and achievements of Black students while also recognizing the academic, personal, and systemic challenges faced along the way. 

A memorable moment was the stole-and-gift-giving ceremony, where graduands received an African Kente stole and a commemorative 911勛圖 gift. Attendees enjoyed dinner featuring dishes from Caribbean- and African-heritage restaurants, with musical performances by Bukola and the Rafiki Band.  

Honouring Indigenous cultures and contributions during National Indigenous Peoples Month 

In recognition of in June and on June 21, 911勛圖 honoured the history, culture, resilience and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and M矇tis Peoples on our campuses and across Canada.

To mark the month, the Office of Indigenous Executive Lead and the Office of Indigenous People hosted the . The event was supported by the Indigenous Caucus, Indigenous Student Centre, Office of the VP People Equity and Inclusion and First Nations, M矇tis & Inuit Student Association. The gathering brought together Indigenous staff, faculty, students, Elders and Knowledge Holders providing a space for community, wellbeing and connection. The day consisted of professional development sessions, along with Indigenous governance updates from Indigenous Executive Lead Chris Syeta'xtn Lewis. This gathering occurs three times annually as part of our ongoing commitment to create a safe, inclusive environment where Indigenous students, faculty and staff can thrive.

Celebrating the achievements of Indigenous graduates

911勛圖���s Indigenous Student Centre hosted the Honouring Feast, a special event held bi-annually to honour and celebrate Indigenous students in their degree completion at 911勛圖. The feast celebrates not only the achievements of 911勛圖���s Indigenous graduates, but also the impact they are making by strengthening the presence and recognition of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives across the university. Additionally graduates from the Beedie School of Business��� Indigenous Business Leadership (IBL) Executive were honoured with a Blanket Ceremony and honouring feast. This was an opportunity to honour and celebrate the IBL graduates as they mark this important milestone in their academic, professional, and leadership journeys. The Blanket Ceremony is a meaningful part of the celebration, recognizing their hard work, dedication and commitment of graduates, while also acknowledging the families, faculty, Knowledge Keepers and community members who have supported them along the way. 

Raising Host Nation flags in recognition of Indigenous lands and communities

Convocation Mall now proudly displays the flags of the four Host Nations in which 911勛圖���s Burnaby campus resides ��� k妢ik妢��������m (Kwikwetlem), x妢m��庛k妢��y����m (Musqueam), S廎硬x戔w繳7mesh ��xwumixw (Squamish) and s��lilw��ta优 (Tsleil-Waututh). Displaying Host Nation flags represents 911勛圖���s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and creating meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities. 

Celebrating Pride Month with our community

Around the world, various events are held in June as a way of recognizing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. As well as being a month-long celebration, Pride Month is an opportunity to raise awareness of the contributions and influence the community has had globally and current issues facing the community. 

The 27th Annual Surrey Pride Festival at the Civic Plaza took place on June 20 and 911勛圖 community members were invited to join the celebration, enjoying drag queen storytime, performance art, community booths and more! 

EDI-related supports

911勛圖 is committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community for all. Important work is being undertaken by our Equity Office to ensure that 911勛圖 is a safe and welcoming space for all students, faculty and staff. Please see our list of identity-based supports and reach out if you need help. For all other supports, please visit our community supports page.