May 20th, 2022

In the message we shared on Wednesday, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recognized the need to provide African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) and Muslim communities with mental health resources. We recognise that last weekend’s shooting in Buffalo, NY and the court ruling regarding what occurred at Alpine Public School has exacerbated trauma that already exists in these communities.

We understand that when tragic or traumatic events unfold locally and globally, they have a direct impact on our schools and classrooms. Schools are often places of routine and stability which often have predictable rhythms for staff and students. However, every so often, events and/or incidents occur in various communities locally, nationally, and globally which have impacts on students in our classrooms.

As we continue to work to ensure our system and learning environments are inclusive, we are aware of the harm experienced by some WRDSB students and families because of racism and other forms of discrimination.

Every day you send your child to a WRDSB school, you are entrusting us with helping to build their future – not a trust we take lightly. As a school board, we are committed to creating learning environments that affirm the lived experiences and identities of students and families, especially those most marginalized. Our ongoing commitment as a system is to do better and to create conditions that promote well-being and inclusion.

Resources

  1. Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools.
  2. How to Foster and Maintain Supportive Spaces for Black Youth tip sheet from School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO)
  3. Kind Minds Family Wellness is an organization made up of 15 Black professionals that provide culturally relevant, identity-affirming support to our community. They specialize in Afrocentric/culturally grounded counselling, education, employment and research advocacy.
  4. Muslim Social Services Waterloo Region offers spiritually and culturally sensitive humanitarian and social services to the Muslim and non-Muslim communities of the Waterloo Region.
  5. BIPOC Directory of Therapists – A directory to make your search for a BIPOC therapist easier. Healing in Colour is not able to make any endorsements or guarantees regarding the practitioners listed. You are encouraged to visit their websites and ask them any questions you may have to determine that their services are the right fit for you.
  6. VIDEO: Valuing the Indigenous Approach to Mental Health – Stephen Paquette is an Ojibway from Wikwemikong unceded Territory. A former police officer, social worker, and manager of a drop-in for high risk Indigenous youth, Stephen now supports staff and students at the Halton District School Board, the Oakville Committee for Truth and Reconciliation, and sits on the Board of Governors for Sheridan College.
  7. Hope for Wellness Helpline offers immediate mental health counseling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.

Categories: News