Barrie Anti-Racism Task Force

Growing a strong, positive understanding and representation of Barrie’s racialized communities. We encourage you to join Barrie’s Pledge to End Racism by committing to the following statements:

Understanding

I promise to learn about different cultures, practices and beliefs of the diverse races in my community.

Messaging

I promise to use my words and actions to create safer and inclusive spaces for all.

Connecting

I promise to attend and promote culturally diverse events and celebrations.

Transitioning

I promise to reflect on and to champion local initiatives that promote equity.

Strengthening

I promise to embrace the diversity of people who live, play and work in the city of Barrie.

Our Purpose

Evolve Barrie into a city that celebrates its rich cultural diversity and addresses racism in all its forms through education and awareness. 

Our Pillars

Understanding

Addressing and understanding the needs of Barrie's racialized peoples.

Messaging

Creating and expanding race-based programming and resources while raising awareness of racism in our community.

Connecting

Addressing the absence of diverse local representation and creating safe spaces for dialogue.

Transitioning

Challenge workplace practices and promote changes to support Barrie's racialized population.

Strengthening

Establishing institutional accountability to strengthen involvement, sense of belonging, and well-being of racialized persons.

Your Voice Counts

Your Voice Counts

Working with media partners to help the general public understand the work that needs to be done.

Interviews

Featured in multiple interviews discussing the need for greater diversity and understanding in our community.

#ItStarts

Collaborated with Barrie’s Mayor and Police Chief on #ItStarts highlighting the need for conversations about inclusion, equity, and diversity.

Roots Exchange

Participated in Canadian Roots Exchange panel discussion with community leaders on “Building Respect and Reciprocity” anti-racism and decolonization.

Public Library

Partnered with the Barrie Public Library on a four-part Coffee Chat series. Members discussed our role in the community.

Take the Anti-Racism Pledge

We encourage you to join Barrie’s Pledge to End Racism by committing to the following statements:

Understanding: I promise to learn about different cultures, practices and beliefs of the diverse races in my community.
Messaging: I promise to use my words and actions to create safer and inclusive spaces for all.
Connecting: I promise to attend and promote culturally diverse events and celebrations.
Transitioning: I promise to reflect on and to champion local initiatives that promote equity.
Strengthening: I promise to embrace the diversity of people who live, play and work in the city of Barrie.

Change Starts With Us All

Land Acknowledgment

The City of Barrie acknowledges the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We also acknowledge the Wendat Nation (Huron) who occupied these lands prior to the middle of the 17th century.
We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and recognizing the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land. We are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit People.
For information about how we can move forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit People, we encourage you to explore the Indigenous resources on our website.

International Decade for People of African Descent

In 2014, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the decade from 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African descent. This decade presents an opportunity to highlight the important contribution made by people of African descent to our societies and to propose measures to promote their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.
To support the International Decade for People of African descent, we encourage you to explore the anti-Black racism resources on our website.

Our Partners in Inclusivity and Understanding

Pledge Your Support

I hereby pledge my support for the goal and principles of anti-racism education and will work towards eliminating racism from our schools, workplaces, communities, and society as a whole.
By recording your name and comment here, you can demonstrate your support to the goal and principles of anti-racism education and eliminating racism in your community.
Pledge your support by entering your details and comment below.