Equity Statement

BGC Ottawa is committed to promoting equity through welcoming and celebrating diversity, creating inclusive access and opportunities for our children and youth, families and staff.

BGCO is dedicated to nurturing and advancing an organizational culture that intentionally and actively values difference. We recognize the valuable insights and enrichment brought on by individuals from various backgrounds, abilities and experiences.

BGCO is aware of systematic and institutionalized racism and oppressions that impact our members, staff, volunteers and communities we serve. Thereby, we are taking action to enhance our knowledge, build internal capacity and collaborate with partners that assist in this journey to be more equitable in all areas of our work.

BGCO is committed to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which defines the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples and the practice and enjoyment of their cultures and customs, languages, religions, and to the development and strengthening of their economies, social, and political institutions. BGCO is dedicated to consulting with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers when necessary and will provide learning opportunities for our organization in our journey to better incorporate respect and equity for our First Peoples of Turtle Island.

BGCO acknowledges that Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The Peoples of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation have lived on this territory for millennia. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this Land. The BGC Ottawa honours the Peoples and Land of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. The BGC Ottawa honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis and all Indigenous Peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this Land known as Turtle Island.

The United Nations General Assembly, in its Resolution 68/237, proclaimed 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent (UNDPAD) with the theme of “Recognition, Justice and Development.” The Decade aims to strengthen actions to ensure the full realization and benefit of economic, cultural, social, civil, and political rights of People of African ancestry with their full and equal participation in society.

BGCO serves many children, youth and families of African descent and is committed to adopting this Decade to address and dismantle racism, prejudice, and racial discrimination that continues to impact African decent families. All with the recognition and commitment that this work must precede the timeline set by the Decade. BGCO recognizes and respects the diverse heritage, culture and contributions of People of African descent and is dedicated to promoting respect, protection, and fulfilment of their human rights.