At Seven Oaks School Division, we envision a learning community where every student, educator, and staff member are valued, respected, and empowered. Our commitment to anti-racism guides us to actively challenge and dismantle systemic barriers that perpetuate discrimination, inequity, and exclusion. We strive to create an environment where diversity is celebrated, voices of marginalized communities are amplified, and all students are provided with the tools and support to achieve their full potential towards Mino-Bimaadiziwin, the Good Life and contribute meaningfully to each other.

Anti-racism education is not a one-time initiative but an ongoing process that requires commitment to learning, unlearning, and reflection. Anti-racist education remains responsive to evolving understandings and needs.  It is committed to ensuring that every student receives an education that is truthful, free from bias, liberating, and offered in a supportive, compassionate environment.  

Anti-racist education requires that the curriculum reflects diverse perspectives, accurately represents historical and cultural narratives, and challenges stereotypes. This reform also ensures that all students see themselves positively represented in their learning materials and the people they engage with daily.

In SOSD, central to our antiracism education are reconciliation efforts with Indigenous comunities.  Anti-racism education does not overshadow Indigenous peoples experience of colonization and its ongoing impact.

“Together, Canadians must do more than just talk about reconciliation; we must learn how to practise reconciliation in our everyday lives-within ourselves and our families, and in our communities, governments, places of worship, school and workplaces. To do so constructively Canadians must remain committed to the ongoing work of establishing and maintaining respectful relationships.”

The late, Honourable Murray Sinclair, Mazina Giizhik-iban

Anti-racism and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples are deeply interconnected as both seek to address and dismantle the systemic injustices rooted in colonialism and racial discrimination. Anti-racism supports reconciliation by promoting awareness of historical and ongoing injustices and encouraging all Canadians to take a stand against systemic racism that marginalizes Indigenous people today. The work of anti-racism is based on rebuilding relationships that have been broken. 

At Seven Oaks, We Live Our Values!

The Seven Oaks School Division is a Community of Learners, every one of whom shares the responsibility to assist children in acquiring an education which will enable them to lead fulfilling lives within the world as moral people and contributing members of society. 

At Seven Oaks School Division, we are dedicated to creating learning environments that are safe, inclusive, and equitable, where every student and staff member is valued, respected, and encouraged to be their authentic selves. Our commitment to anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and equity-driven practices is deeply rooted in our vision for education. This is not a temporary response to current events but a longstanding principle that shapes the way we teach, lead, and learn. Schools must be places where diversity is embraced, barriers to success are dismantled, and every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

In recent times, global and national discussions have challenged the principles of kinship, reconciliation, climate justice, and peace, which are values essential to the well-being of our communities. Although these conversations may seem distant, their impact is felt here at home. Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer, religious minority, and differently-abled individuals continue to advocate for their rights and the environment, and we must ensure their voices are heard. Equity, dignity, and representation are not just ideals to strive for but responsibilities we uphold as an educational community. Therefore, taking meaningful action to address inequities is essential to honoring the lived experiences of those within our division.

As a public education system, we are guided by the fundamental principles of equity, justice, and human rights, as reflected in the Manitoba Public Schools Act and Human Rights Legislation. We reaffirm our commitment to:

1. Developing and upholding policies and practices that advance racial and social justice, ensuring that all students and staff feel safe, valued, and supported.
2. Empowering students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to challenge injustice, advocate for equity, and contribute to a more just society.
3. Fostering inclusive school and workplace cultures that actively challenge discrimination, bias, and exclusion in all forms.

Seven Oaks School Division continues to fulfill these commitments through reconciliation, anti-racism education, and meaningful engagement with our communities. We recognize that learning and growth are collective efforts, and we are dedicated to working alongside students, families, and community members to cultivate a strong sense of belonging and responsibility for one another to live Mino-Pimatisiwin, the Good Life.

This work is ongoing, and we remain consistently steadfast in our responsibility to create schools that reflect care, respect, and the needs of all life. These values are not just aspirations but must be lived experiences. Thank you for being part of a community that actively upholds these principles and for standing with us in the continuous journey toward making our schools more just, compassionate, and inclusive for all.

As we navigate the challenges of our time, both individually and collectively, we will continue to support, uplift, and inspire one another so that we may lead lives of meaning, integrity, and joy, even in uncertain moments, such as those unfolding beyond our borders.

Fortunato Lim, Divisional Principal, Antiracism