Robert Hughes’ Post

We're continuously trying to be more conscious and intentional when it comes to the diversity of our feeds on social media. Otherwise, as we've observed, we can end up with a feed full of people with similar lived experiences, perspectives, and/or thinking to our own - an incongruence with the richness of diversity within our community. One of the questions we've been asking ourselves is: "Are we using our power - both individually and collectively - to amplify a diverse mix of voices from... ... indigenous or first nations people?" ... people of many origins, ethnicities, and races?" ... people representing different genders and sexual identities?" ... people of different ages, socio-economic statuses, and roles?"  ... people who experience the world with different neuro-abilities and physical abilities?" Ensuring we're learning from and amplifying diverse voices (not just those that reflect ourselves) is our responsibility year-round, but as we approach September 30th and recognize Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we wanted to ask: Who are some of thought leaders or content creators you've added to your feed to ensure you're learning from and amplifying a diverse set of voices? Tag someone below.  #people #diversityandinclusion #learning #socialmedia #diversity #power 

The past 3 years has brought sad times and yet very rewarding times too in my life from losing dear family members due to COVID-19 but finding greater meaning and #purpose in life. I am celebrating #Spanish month. My work and the pursue of #happiness have paid off for efforts to bring a World of Greatness closer to where I Live. People has been taken notice such #authorities, #government #nonprofits and #businesses. I have received in 3 years twice the Spanish #Proclamation from #Bothell City and #Kenmore City as #recognition for the work done towards the #Latin #communites and others #ethnic groups. My commitment to #economic #development and #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion and #Accessibility industry comes from #Practice Inclusion and #Promote Diversity thru #Bizdiversity and for building a #network over 60000 #companies worldwide which are found in 123 countries with 531 business categories at Bizdiversity.Directory. City of Bothell Spanish Proclamation: https://lnkd.in/g5U6zUGm and Kenmore City Spanish Proclamation below

As an organization, what can you do to ensure inclusion? How can you promote wellness and truly celebrate Indigenous people in the workplace? On National Indigenous Peoples Day, I encourage you to think about this for your workplace. I continue to learn, and make mistakes, and learn some more.

This years #HispanicHeritageMonth theme is Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America. There is so much to learn about our very diverse group, here are some facts I would like to share with everyone. 1)We make up 25% of the child population in the United States 2) We don’t all speak Spanish, but tens of millions of people in the United States do speak Spanish, including 16% of kids. 3) We come from dozens of different countries 4) Like the United States, these are countries that share a history of colonization and enslavement, which means, among other things, that Latin people don’t look a certain way. Our heritage includes Indigenous, European, African, and Asian roots. 5) We are not, on average, immigrants. Many of us, like me, are children of immigrants, but many of us have been here for generations. 🇨🇺 🇺🇸

As we celebrate Canada Day, it is essential to acknowledge the complex duality that this day represents. While many Canadians embrace the freedom and pride of living in this beautiful country, it is equally important to recognize the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples who continue to deal with the aftermath of colonial settler violence. The legacy of intergenerational trauma from this history is profound. The status cards imposed by colonizers continue to create barriers for some Indigenous individuals seeking supports. While land acknowledgements have become more common, it is crucial to move beyond performative gestures and address these deep-rooted issues in concrete ways. Neocolonial Canada has an extensive history of discriminating against and oppressing several ethnic groups and this history is not taught in schools: 1. Melanin rich Canadians of African descent who are racialized as Black face systemic racism, segregation, and economic disenfranchisement. Canada enslaved Black people until the practice was abolished in 1834. Historical incidents such as the destruction of Africville in Halifax exemplify this oppression. Black Canadians were subjected to segregation in education, housing, and public services. Viola Desmond’s courageous stand against racial segregation in a Nova Scotia movie theater in 1946 is a notable example of this systemic racism. The Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, an orphanage for Black children, is another significant part of this history, where many former residents have reported enduring neglect and abuse, highlighting the systemic discrimination faced by Black Canadians. 2. Chinese Canadians: Discriminatory laws like the Chinese Head Tax and the Chinese Exclusion Act significantly marginalized Chinese immigrants. 3. South Asian Canadians: South Asian immigrants faced restrictive immigration policies, such as the Continuous Journey Regulation, which effectively barred entry to South Asians. 4. Japanese Canadians: During World War II, Japanese Canadians were subjected to internment, property confiscation, and forced relocation. 5. Jewish Canadians: Anti-Semitic policies and practices, particularly in the early 20th century, limited Jewish immigration and employment opportunities. 6. Ukrainian Canadians: During World War I, many Ukrainian Canadians were interned as "enemy aliens" and subjected to harsh conditions and forced labor. On this day of national celebration, let us also commit to reflecting on these truths and working towards a future where all people in Canada can heal, thrive, and live free from the lingering impacts of colonialism. Embracing the principle of Sankofa, which teaches us to look back at our past to build a better future, and the philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes our interconnectedness and shared humanity, we can strive for true reconciliation and justice for Indigenous communities and all marginalized groups without the need for BIPOC silos and allies.

Beginning a conversation about reconciliation in Canada requires sensitivity, respect, and an open mind. Here are some steps and suggestions to help start a productive and respectful dialogue 🧡 Image Descriptions: A carousel of five images about Reconciliation in Canada titled "Let's get the conversation started". Each image is of an Indigenous woman wearing a traditionally-inspired outfit consisting of a top and a skirt made of hide and a broad-brimmed hat made of a grass or similar plant. She is holding an ancestral-style hand drum with formline art depicting a fish, likely a salmon. There is a body of water and trees in the background. Each image is numbered with a prompt; they are as follows: 1. Educate yourself first. Learn about Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives before engaging in conversation. 2. Create a safe and inclusive environment. Let others know that you are inviting them to a safe space where all non-discriminatory opinions are valued and respected. 3. Approach with humility. Acknowledge what you don't know. Be willing to listen and learn from others' experiences and viewpoints. 4. Use Appropriate language. Be mindful of your language. Use terms that are respectful and accepted by the Indigenous community. 5. Continuous learning. Continue to educate yourself and others, and keep the conversation going, recognizing that reconciliation is an ongoing process. #nationaldayfortruthandreconciliation #firstnationsuniversity #indigenouspeoplesofcanada #indigenous #reconciliation #relearning #knowledgenow #elearning #visualthinkers #learningdesign #instructionaldesign #accessiblelearning #inclusivelearning #innovativelearning #transformativelearning #transformative #accessibility #inclusion #equity

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time for everyone to reflect on, learn about, and appreciate the unique heritages, cultures, knowledge, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in British Columbia and across Canada. This day holds significant importance as it provides an opportunity for all of us to recognize the rich history and traditions of Indigenous communities and the profound impact they have had on our society. I admit I still have so much to learn. As occupiers of these lands, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves about the history of colonization and the ongoing systemic harm in our society. By understanding these issues, we can work towards reconciliation and create a more inclusive and equitable society. Let us commit to learning, understanding, and supporting the rights and cultures of Indigenous communities across Canada. #Reconciliation #CulturalAwareness #Inclusion