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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

March 21st annually

1960 - Sharpeville, South Africa. A group of mainly racialized anti-apartheid activists marched to their local police station to protest against the country's “pass law” that was enacted in the 1800's to curtail movement of non-white citizens.
 
The “pass law” required all Black Africans and racialized people to carry a “pass card” in order to travel within the country. As the activists marched, police opened fire and killed 69 people, including eight women and 10 children. An additional 180 people were injured. In 1966, the United Nations declared March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and as a way to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre. In 1986, as South Africa moved towards the dismantling of apartheid and the “pass card” requirement was lifted, South Africa held its first democratic election in 1994 and elected Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela as president.


The United Nations announced the International Decade for People of African Descent beginning in January 2015 and ending on December 31, 2024 to highlight the contributions made by people of African descent to society and offer concrete ways to fight racism, racial discrimination, and xenophobia.


Decades later, the world continues to be shaken by many forms of racial discrimination that occur daily. Canadian history is filled with examples of the ways in which members of racially marginalized groups have had to deal with systemic and individual traumas many of which were imposed by law. We now have structures in place to eradicate and support persons who have experienced harm. Among them, we remind our members and society at large of the The Ontario Human Rights Commission which states:


“In Canada, there are strong human rights laws and systems to address discrimination. At the same time, we also have a legacy of racism – particularly towards Indigenous persons, but to other groups as well, including African, Chinese, Japanese, South Asian, Jewish and Muslim Canadians. This legacy affects our systems and structures even today, affecting the lives of racialized persons and all people in Canada.”


With the continued rise of hatred on social media, we know that our members, students, and community here in Ontario can be subjected to this harm without a word being spoken.  We encourage all our members to reflect and advocate for changes that can lead to a society where our differences are acknowledged, centered and most importantly, celebrated.

ETFO's Constitution clearly states its commitment to social justice and equity. ETFO has shown its commitment to social justice and equity through a variety of statements. Read the statements>>

The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario's is committed to providing an environment for members that is free from harassment and discrimination at all provincial and local Federation sponsored activities. Harassment and discrimination on the basis of a prohibited ground are violations of the Ontario Human Rights Code and are illegal. Read the full ETFO Human Rights Statement>>

ETFO offers its members focused training workshops, conferences, curricular units and programs addressing the topics of racial equality, anti-racist education, white privilege and racial diversity. To learn more, log in to ETFO Secure. Some of the programs offered include:

  • 365 Black Canadian Curriculum
    ETFO's latest project is part of a compilation of equity resources for elementary educators. These resources which support Black Canadian history in Ontario schools on a daily basis include; a calendar; primary, junior and intermediate lesson plans, a workshop for staff and a poster. This comprehensive resource offers educators historically factual information to support the learning of issues concerning race and discrimination.
  • Black Canadian Women – A Legacy of Strength
  • This resource offers a poster and curriculum materials that feature five Black Canadian women whose legacies celebrate the diversities and cultures of Canadian Society. 
  • Re-Think, Re-Connect, Re-Imagine: Thinking A​bout Ourselves, Our Schools, Our Communities. Reflecting on White Privilege
    This resource offers reflection and concrete suggestions for grappling with the issues of privilege and racism in our practices as educators. Free posters, buttons and postcards are also available upon request from Equity and Women's Services.
  • Social Justice Begins with Me
    This literature-based resource kit for Early Years to Grade 8 provides year-round resources built on a number of equity and social justice concepts. Booklists focusing on addressing Antisemitism, Racism, Immigrant experiences, First Nations, Métis and Inuit issues are provided on the web page.
  • FNMI Education Resources and Professional Learning Opportunities
    This web page highlights ETFO’s professional development workshops, initiatives and resources focused on FNMI identities and issues. Included in this link are upcoming ETFO events, booklists, and supporting curricular materials for elementary classrooms.
  • Black History Month – February
    Black History Month exists to remind us all of the rich contributions within our society from people of African and Caribbean descent, and of their ongoing struggle for equity and social justice. ETFO encourages the focus on Black history all year as an integral part of learning about Canadian history and current issues. The web page features resources, events and helpful websites in support of teaching and learning about African-Canadian issues.
  • Asian and South Asian Heritage Month – May
    The month of May in Ontario is dedicated to celebrating the contributions of Canadians from over 30 countries that make up the Asian and South Asian diaspora. ETFO encourages integrating Asian Heritage as part of learning about Canadian history and current issues. The web page features resources, events and helpful websites in support of teaching and learning about Asian history and Asian-Canadian issues.
  • Jewish Heritage Month - May
    In 2018, the Canadian government established May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. Canada is home to the fourth largest Jewish community in the world [i]. Canadian Jewish Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate Jewish communities and their many historical and contemporary contributions to Canadian society. Additionally, this month is an opportunity to reflect and act on countering antisemitism. ETFO produces an annual poster to celebrate the month.