Culture Commons is a resource hub for K-12 teachers disrupting systemic racism, by promoting an anti-racist, multicultural, equity and inclusivity based lens in education within Alberta classrooms.
Racism creates a ripple effect of exceedingly detrimental impacts to individuals, communities, and the collective wellbeing of any given geographical or social region as a whole. Though all who experience racism are subject to its negative and harmful effects, children and youth are especially vulnerable to the consequences. Racism exists in many forms, including racially or culturally-based prejudice, discrimination, bias, stereotyping, or violence interpersonally and systemically. In order to gauge the level of racism that school-aged children experience in Alberta, as well as assess teacher preparedness, we conducted a research project and subsequent report outlining the issues. Through this research, we decided to create Culture Connect in order to help teachers create anti-racist and culturally diverse classrooms.
I used the resources about immigration that were very meaningful and relatable for my class. It led to a great discussion and the stories paved way to let students share and connect their own unique cultural experiences.
Jesie Salcedo Grade 6
These resources have been a great way to increase BIPOC representation at all grade levels within my class. They have provided meaningful, deep conversations with students about race, ethnicity and inclusion.
Vikesh Vara Grade 10 - 12
Culture Commons provides curriculum support in an increasingly important area of study. These resources improve the current curriculum and give me the tools necessary to teach meaningful content.
Courtney Walcott Grade 10 - 12
These resource are a vital starting point for all teachers to engage in their anti-racism journey. All the resources are here for you, making it as easy as possible for this work to begin and start changing our education systems.
Carl Landra Grade 6
Using these resources provides a way for me to easily bring several racial and cultural perspectives into my classroom. This lets students see themselves and learn from others in curriculum tied tasks.
Aneeta Katongole Grade 10 - 12
Many of the discussions we're having in the 21st century require a variety of voices. These resources support students in understanding perspectives. They seamlessly incorporate into lessons to help generate meaningful dialogue.
Sylvia LeGeyt Grade 3/4
Culture Connect is helpful for teachers who want to create an anti-racist teaching environment, but are unsure how to start. The fact they are all community validated is key for teachers who are not BIPOC.
Thomi Olson Grade 1/2
Culture Connect is incredibly meaningful for so many reasons. Not only does it link incredible resources to the curriculum, it's also user friendly and makes anti-racism work easy to implement within teaching practices.
Michelle Casten Magbanua Grade 6 - 8
What I appreciate about Culture Commons is that I get to learn alongside my students on how to diversify the classroom. This website has been a fundamental resource for my anti-racist educational journey.
Can we improve our service?
Culture Commons is made by educators, and for educators. We want this resource to work for you. Do you have any suggestions for us to improve, additional resources you think need to be added, general comments or concerns? Please let us know. We'd love to hear from you to improve this service.