Presented by Clare Whelan Sadike February 2, 2011

1. EmbraceBC’s Interfaith Bridging: • Faith and Multiculturalism Presented by Clare Whelan Sadike February 2, 2011

2. Today’s Presentation • Multiculturalism & Religious Diversity • EmbraceBC & Interfaith Bridging • Interfaith Bridging Program Principles • Interfaith Bridging Projects • Looking Forward

3. Multiculturalism & Religious Diversity “Issues of Religious Diversity are of growing importance in Canada, and [the success] of Canadian multiculturalism (and indeed of Canada as a country) depends on improving our understanding of the challenges raised by this diversity.” Will Kymlicka, The Current State of Multiculturalism in Canada and Research Themes on Canadian Multiculturalism 2008-2010

4. Multiculturalism & Religious Diversity • In The Current State of Multiculturalism in Canada and Research Themes on Canadian Multiculturalism 2008-2010, Bringing Religion in multiculturalism, was identified as a real and unresolved issue • The paper was based on regional reports expressing trends and issues regarding multiculturalism and the situation of minorities • It was identified in all the regional reports that religious diversity within the multiculturalism framework had not been adequately debated and explored

5. Multiculturalism & Religious Diversity • In this same paper, it was identified that racism and discrimination were a profound challenge – in particular to how it related to the racialization of religious groups • An example of this has been argued about anti-Muslim sentiments that have arisen in the last decade • “Islamaphobia” is seen as a distinct form of racialization, which needs to be addressed with measures that are more specific and appropriate to the issue, instead of just general anti-racism initiatives • This highlights the importance of ensuring that anti-racism programs are addressing these differentiated and evolving patterns of racialization

6. EmbraceBC & Interfaith Bridging • EmbraceBC is the BC Government’s Anti-Racism and Multiculturalism Program • Launched in July 2009, EmbraceBC provides funding to support projects through six priority areas : • Arts Engagement • Inclusive Leadership Development & Mentorship • Community Engagement & Dialogue • Public Education • Organizing Against Racism and Hate, and • Interfaith Bridging

7. EmbraceBC & Interfaith Bridging • The Interfaith Bridging program area was developed in B.C. to begin responding to the question of religious diversity and multiculturalism • It is the first of its kind within government programming across Canada • As it is a under-explored, under-represented area, there was the understanding that future policy and program development would potentially be informed from the projects that were implemented

8. Interfaith Bridging Program • Faith communities can play an important role in building diverse, inclusive communities and in eliminating racism and promoting multiculturalism across various faith traditions in British Columbia. • Funding provided through interfaith bridging supports building relationships between diverse, established faith communities and seeks to promote understanding of intersecting identities, such as with a person’s faith and spirituality and their cultural, ethnic or racial identity. • Interfaith Bridging projects must demonstrate relevance to faith communities within British Columbia. • Interfaith Bridging is not intended for the use of theologically-based activities. At least two distinct faiths must be proposed to be included in the project.

9. Interfaith Bridging Projects • In the first round (2009/2010) there were 6 projects funded in the following communities • The second round (2010/2011) saw an increase to 11 funded projects – these projects are currently underway • General themes around the approaches have emerged: • Development of public education materials • Interfaith dialogues • Conferences & Symposiums • Community forums

10. Interfaith Bridging Projects • General common themes around the content of the projects: • Learning exchanges about different faiths/religions • Exploring cultural identities linked to different faiths/religions • Addressing myths and stereotypes linked to different faiths/religions

11. Interfaith Bridging Projects • More specific and unique themes within projects: • Exploration of faith and identity of immigrant and refugee youth within Canadian society • Exploration of the role mothers play in fostering children’s attitudes towards racial, cultural and religious diversity

12. Looking Forward • The response to and interest in the Interfaith Bridging program has only highlighted the need for continued focus on this area • Projects are encouraging broad discussion and dialogue around the issue of religious identity and diversity within Canadian society • These projects are an excellent source of information for policy makers to better understand the way religious diversity is experienced and understood in Canadian society

13. Relevant websites EmbraceBC – www.embracebc.ca WelcomeBC – www.welcomebc.ca Citizenship and Immigration Canada: Multiculturalism - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/index.asp Link to The Current State of Multiculturalism in Canada and Research Themes on Canadian Multiculturalism 2008-2010 - http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/publications/multi-state/index.asp