Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) is committed to creating a safe and supportive learning community for all students and staff, as outlined in Priority #1 of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are also essential components of this priority. Below is an infographic that illustrates the areas of focus for BWDSB as we work to identify challenges and address systemic barriers that affect our communities, particularly marginalized groups.



Avion Campbell, Human Rights and Equity Advisor
Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion through an anti-racist lens, Avion Campbell engaged with staff, students, and community members during interactive workshops at staff meetings, professional development training sessions, conferences, and student assemblies and activities.

"We all have a right to our feelings, but our feelings do not make us right. It takes open dialogue and collaboration to solve issues and manage feelings." - Avion Campbell

Anti-racism is an active process that aims to identify and eliminate racism by transforming systems, organizational structures, policies, practices, and attitudes. This process seeks to redistribute and share power equitably. Anti-racism is an active way of seeing and being in the world to foster transformation. Since racism can manifest at all levels and in various aspects of society, it often creates and maintains exclusionary barriers. Therefore, anti-racism education and activism are essential in all areas of society. In other words, anti-racism efforts should not be limited to just the workplace, classrooms, or select aspects of our lives (Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre).

There has been a marked increase in the number and variety of student events being held by BWDSB and local community groups to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Below are some recent examples.

Multilingual Language Learner Symposium
BWDSB's inaugural Multilingual Language Learner Symposium was held on November 27, 2024, with nearly 100 staff and students from Grades 7 to 12 joining together for a day of connection, creativity, and cultural celebration. Organized by the Learning Services - Program department, the event highlighted the diverse backgrounds and experiences of multilingual learners, emphasizing the power of storytelling and self-expression. It was a celebration of diversity, resilience, and the unifying power of language, providing an opportunity for students and staff to learn from one another, build bridges across cultures, and foster a sense of belonging.

Black Student Forums
BWDSB has hosted two forums for Black students at Grey Highlands Secondary School organized through the Learning Services - Student Success department. The board’s first ever Black Student Forum on April 9, 2024 was attended by approximately 75 Black or racialized secondary students and featured guest speaker Orlando Bowen. A second forum on November 14, 2024 included over 120 individuals in attendance, and was made possible by JunCtian Community Initiatives, who organized the outstanding facilitators, speakers, and performances for the day. These events have served to enhance student voice, providing a space for Black students to share their experiences and talents, foster a sense of belonging, and advocate for equity and representation in their school environments.

Afro Caribbean Youth Awards
On October 26, 2024, the second annual Afro Caribbean Youth Awards took place at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine. It was an opportunity to gather, celebrate, and honour the achievements of Afro Caribbean youth in Grey and Bruce counties in a culturally rich environment. Youth were nominated for awards demonstrating characteristics such as creativity, leadership, cultural dignity, academic excellence, community involvement, advocacy for social justice, and commitment to diversity and inclusion, among others. Several BWDSB students were recognized for their amazing efforts in these areas.

Equity Student Forum
Learning Services - Student Success and Student Support staff hosted approximately 100 Grades 9 to 12 students, along with some Grades 7 and 8 peers, at the Equity Student Forum on October 21. Guest motivational speaker, human rights strategist, and author Chris D'Souza led a day of dialogue on school culture, academics, goals, equity and diversity, mental health, and barriers to success. Attendees represented the diversity of our BWDSB school communities, including newcomers, members of Gender Sexuality Alliance groups, student councils, students at risk, and student senators. 

Rainbow Student Conference
The Learning Services - Student Success department coordinated the second annual Rainbow Student Conference on May 30, 2024 with approximately 100 students from all secondary and a few elementary schools in BWDSB attending. The event offered a day of support in a safe space among peers, music, arts and crafts, and positive messaging with special guests Captain Kit Boulter, Jay Menominee, and Coco Love Alcorn.

Indigenous Student Forum
Approximately 100 self-identifying Indigenous students in Grades 7 to 12 visited the Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre for a day of fun in nature, learning, and reflections on May 27, 2024. Organized through the Learning Services - Student Success department, students had an opportunity to participate in two workshops, including outdoor activities, bannock making, hide tanning, fire making, and indoor beadwork and crafts workshops.