A lack of representation limits perspectives and understanding of lived experience of Indigenous, Black, and diverse Racialized community members. Not only is representation tied to social well-being which includes how well and good people feel in society including feeling like you belong, but it also helps create a sense of safety and ease of access as communities can access a service from someone who speaks the same language, shares the same cultural background, or has had similar experiences with racism and marginalization.

WHAT WE HEARD SUMMARY

Lack of safety: The importance of representation especially at the frontline staff level was often highlighted during the consultations. Lack of representation created a sense of disconnection, risk and fear while approaching services/resources.

Sense of ‘othering’: Most people spoke about the impact of being a minority and not seeing others that look like them in community or within The City service context. It often led to not seeing themselves as a part of the city or community and reduced their sense of belonging.

Discrimination and stigma: Lack of representation is directly connected to racism as it can result in offensive comments about skin colour, food, names, traditions, and clothing items from people who are unexposed to and lack understanding of diverse cultures and people.

Workplace impacts: Lack of diverse representation at the leadership/managerial levels at the workplace led to experiences of racism and discrimination.

Health impacts: The lack of diverse staff and leadership led to health experiences that did not feel safe or inclusive for community members.

Educational context: Inadequate representation in leadership in places like schools reduce the amount of cross-cultural learning opportunities for students. The Alberta curriculum content is not representative of histories of Indigenous people and the diverse histories and cultural groups present in the province.

Political participation: Community spoke about feelings of being left out of the system and that political positions in Calgary were predominately white.

Lack of diversity in public perception: The ways that Calgary is characterized and represented publicly does not account for the racial/ethnic diversity and experiences of the people who live there. Materials advertising and representing the city do not show the diversity of the city.

Public art needs greater diversity: The public art selection process in Calgary is not transparent and there is not enough diversity in leadership, leading to public art that does not reflect the preferences of the community.