Definitions 

We acknowledge that there are many variations of these definitions, but in the  context of this engagement process, these are the definitions used to frame the questions that  follow. 

Race 

 Race is a term used to classify people into groups based principally on physical traits (phenotypes)  such as skin colour. Racial categories are not based on science or biology but on differences that  society has created (i.e., “socially constructed”), with significant consequences for people’s lives.  Racial categories may vary over time and place and can overlap with ethnic, cultural, or religious  groupings (Government of Ontario. 2019. Data Standards for the Identification and Monitoring of  Systemic Racism. https://www.ontario.ca/document/data-standards-identification-and 

monitoring-systemic-racism). 

 The ideology of race has become embedded in our identities, institutions and culture and is used  as a basis for discrimination and domination. It can even be difficult for those in support of racial  justice to start sincere, authentic conversations about race (The Anne E. Casey Foundation. 2015.  It’s Time To Talk: How To Start Conversations About Racial Inequities.  https://www.aecf.org/resources/its-time-to-talk-how-to-start-conversations-about-racial 

inequities). 

Racism 

The concept of racism is widely thought of as simply personal prejudice, but in fact, it is a complex  system (The Annie E. Casey Foundation. 2018. Understanding the Basics.  https://www.aecf.org/resources/understanding-the-basics ) of racial hierarchies and inequities. At  the micro level of racism, or individual level, are internalized and interpersonal racism. At the  macro level of racism, we look beyond the individuals to the broader dynamics, including  institutional and structural racism.

Internalized Racism 

Internalized racism describes the private racial beliefs held by and within individuals. The way we  absorb social messages about race and adopt them as personal beliefs, biases and prejudices are  all within the realm of internalized racism. 

For Black/People of African descent, Indigenous and people of color, internalized oppression can  involve believing in negative messages about oneself or one’s racial group. For white people,  internalized privilege can involve feeling a sense of superiority and entitlement or holding  negative beliefs about Black/People of African descent and people of color. 

Interpersonal Racism 

 Interpersonal racism is how our private beliefs about race become public when we interact with  others. When we act upon our prejudices or unconscious bias — whether intentionally, visibly,  verbally, or not — we engage in interpersonal racism. Interpersonal racism also can be willful and  overt, taking the form of bigotry, hate speech or racial violence.

Institutional Racism 

Institutional racism is racial inequity within institutions and systems of power, such as places of  employment, government agencies and social services. It can take the form of unfair policies and  practices, discriminatory treatment and inequitable opportunities and outcomes. 

A school system that concentrates Indigenous, Black/People of African descent and people of  color in the most overcrowded and under-resourced schools with the least qualified teachers  compared to the educational opportunities of white students is an example of institutional racism. 

Structural Racism 

Structural racism (or structural racialization) is the racial bias across institutions and society. It  describes the cumulative and compounding effects of an array of factors that systematically  privilege white people and disadvantage people of color including Black/People of African  descent and Indigenous groups. 

Since the word “racism” often is understood as a conscious belief, “racialization” may be a better  way to describe a process that does not require intentionality. Race equity expert John A. Powell  writes: 

“‘Racialization’ connotes a process rather than a static event. It underscores the fluid and dynamic  nature of race ‘Structural racialization’ is a set of processes that may generate disparities or  depress life outcomes without any racist actors.” 

Systemic Racialization 

 Systemic racialization describes a dynamic system that produces and replicates racial ideologies,  identities, and inequities. Systemic racialization is the well-institutionalized pattern of  discrimination that cuts across major political, economic, and social organizations in a society.

Public attention to racism is generally focused on the symptoms (such as a racist slur or  the adultification of Black women and girls by an individual or group) rather than the system of  racial inequity. (Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality. 2019. Listening To Black Women  and Girls. https://www.aecf.org/resources/listening-to-black-women-and-girls ) 

Racial Privilege and Racial Oppression 

 Like two sides of the same coin, racial privilege describes race-based advantages and preferential  treatment based on skin color, while racial oppression refers to race-based disadvantages,  discrimination and exploitation based on skin color. 

Race-based Data 

 Race-based data is often used as a short-hand to mean different things: racial background, ethnic  origin, ancestry, or other social identity markers, such as religion or place of birth. It may be used  to racialize an individual or group as “other” or “foreign” and subject them to differential adverse  treatment. Ontario’s Anti-Racism Data Standards defines race-based data to include information  about race, ethnic origin, Indigenous identity, and religion (Phan, M. 2021. Maytree. Race-based  data in the criminal justice system. https://maytree.com/publications/race-based-data-in-the 

criminal-justice-system/ ). 

Racialization  

 "The concept of racialization refers to the processes by which a group of people is defined by their  “race.” Processes of racialization begin by attributing racial meaning to people's identity and, in  particular, as they relate to social structures and institutional systems, such as justice, housing,  employment, and education. In societies in which “White” people have economic, political, and  social power, processes of racialization have emerged from the creation of a hierarchy in social  structures and systems based on “race.” The visible effects of processes of racialization are the  racial inequalities embedded within social structures and systems."(The University of Winnipeg.  2021. Race, Racialization and Racism.  https://libguides.uwinnipeg.ca/c.php?g=370387&p=2502732 ) 

Equity 

 Equity is defined as “the state, quality or ideal of being just, impartial and fair.” The concept of  equity is synonymous with fairness and justice. It is helpful to think of equity as not simply a  desired state of affairs or a lofty value. To achieve and sustain equity, it needs to be thought of as  a structural and systemic concept. (The Annie E. Casey Foundation. 2019. Introduction To The  Results Count Path To Equity. https://www.aecf.org/resources/introduction-to-the-results-count 

path-to-equity) 

Systemic Equity

 Systemic equity is a complex combination of interrelated elements consciously designed to create,  support and sustain social justice. It is a dynamic process that reinforces and replicates equitable  ideas, power, resources, strategies, conditions, habits and outcomes.  For example, communities with a sizable portion of incarcerated residents are economically  burdened and, consequently, lack resources to support families appropriately. 

Racial Equity 

 Racial equity is the systemic fair treatment of all people. It results in equitable opportunities and  outcomes for everyone. It contrasts with formal equality where people are treated the same  without regard for racial differences. Racial equity is a process (such as meaningfully engaging  with Indigenous, Black/People of African descent, and racialized clients regarding policies,  directives, practices and procedures that affect them) and an outcome (such as equitable  treatment of Indigenous, Black/People of African descent, and racialized clients in a program or  service) (Government of Ontario. 2019. Data Standards for the Identification and Monitoring of  Systemic Racism. https://www.ontario.ca/document/data-standards-identification-and 

monitoring-systemic-racism). 

Inclusion 

 Inclusion is the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure. More  than simply diversity and numerical representation, inclusion involves authentic and empowered  participation and a true sense of belonging. 

Systemic Racism 

 Routine and societal systems, structures and institutions such as requirements, policies, legislation  and practices that perpetuate and maintain avoidable and unfair inequalities across racial groups,  including the use of profiling and stereotyping (In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific  Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care).

 Language sensitivity is defined as the use of respectful, supportive, and caring words with  consideration for a person or group anytime but with specific attention when having difficult  conversations. 

Trauma informed  

Being Trauma-informed means to: 

 Recognize the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) / trauma among all people Recognize that many behaviours and symptoms are the result of traumatic experiences Recognize that being treated with respect and kindness – and being empowered with choices – is key in helping people recover from traumatic experiences (SAMHSA’s Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services: Quick Guide for Clinicians. 2014. 

 https://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-57-Trauma-Informed-Care-in-Behavioral-Health Services/SMA14-4816).

Compassionate: 

 Feeling or showing sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others,  and wanting to help them: 

The public's response to the crisis appeal was generous and compassionate. He was a wonderful listener and adeeply compassionate man. 

Source: Cambridge Dictionary 

Mindfulness: is the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something. "their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition" a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly  acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a  therapeutic technique. 

Safety: the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury. Source: Oxford Dictionary 

Marginalized: 

To marginalize is the process of relegating or confining to a lower or outer limit or edge, as of  social standing. Hence, marginalization is the social process of becoming or being made marginal  (especially as a group within the larger society): “the marginalization of the underclass” or “the  marginalization of literature.” “Marginalization” is often defined as the process of making a group  or class of people less important or relegated to a secondary position, (e.g., when one class of  people is grouped together as second class citizens). (The University of Winnipeg. 2021. Race,  Racialization and Racism. https://libguides.uwinnipeg.ca/c.php?g=370387&p=2502732 )