The Sunshine Coast, with funding from EmbraceBC, and consulting from April Struthers; has produced a protocol to guide organizations and groups in responding to critical incidents on the Coast. This protocol is currently being presented to local government and influential community and other organizations with the request that it tbe ratified and signed . This will raise awareness of the issues and responses possible locally, and will give notice that the Sunshine Coast (along with 32 other communities in the province); has implemented steps to counter racially or hate driven incidents. For more information on the background research to this document, to find out how to sign the protocol or for details; talk to April Struthers 604 989 4223. The protocol is at http://www.witworks.ca/

An event in November will be held to publicize the signings and to introduce citizens and others to processes which may help resolve incidents and protect human rights for Sunshine Coast residents.

The protocol is one of a series of projects to raise awareness and encourage dialogue on difficult issues-including “Faces of the Coast”, Diversity Film Festival, ‘Racism and other ism’ research. The Shishalh Nation as been an important partner in these projects; supporting greater understanding and providing ways for us to gather to talk about issues.

Funding from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.