Surrey, B.C. — February 28, 2026 — Community leaders, legal experts, law enforcement representatives, and settlement organizations gathered on Saturday for the Countering Hate Together: Community Resilience Forum, a one-day intercultural event aimed at addressing hate, racism, and discrimination affecting students, youth, newcomers, and job seekers across British Columbia.
Organized with the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, the forum brought together both in-person and online participants to discuss lived experiences of discrimination and to explore practical tools for building safer, more inclusive communities.
The event, which had participants attending both virtually and in person, opened with a welcoming session featuring networking opportunities and information displays from partner organizations. Participants were encouraged to connect and share resources while setting the tone for a day focused on collaboration, education, and empowerment.
The first panel discussion examined the realities faced by racialized individuals in educational institutions and workplaces. Speakers highlighted the importance of understanding legal rights and institutional responsibilities when confronting discrimination.
Among the speakers was Brian Seremba of the BC Community Alliance, who spoke alongside Noah Adekunle of the Richmond School District about how students and job seekers can recognize and respond to discriminatory treatment. Their discussion focused on legal protections available to individuals navigating schools and workplaces in B.C.
Jonathan Oldman, CEO of Immigrant Services Society of BC, addressed systemic barriers faced by newcomers, including bias related to accents, foreign credentials, and immigration status. He noted that these barriers often hinder economic integration and affect newcomers’ sense of belonging.
Adding a student perspective, Dayo Adeyanju from the UBC Black Student Association shared experiences of confronting racism within post-secondary institutions and the wider community, emphasizing the importance of amplifying youth voices in conversations about equity and inclusion.
The second panel focused on practical recourse and strategies for responding to discrimination. A representative from the Vancouver Police Department Diversity Liaison Committee outlined how individuals can report hate incidents and navigate police and human rights systems. The discussion also addressed the need to rebuild trust between racialized communities and law enforcement institutions.
In the afternoon, participants took part in a networking and resource session designed to support economic inclusion. Attendees received guidance on employment opportunities, financial assistance programs, and pathways to professional licensing for internationally trained professionals seeking to work in British Columbia.
Organizers said the forum was designed not only to raise awareness about hate and discrimination but also to provide practical resources for individuals affected by these challenges.
By bringing together community advocates, students, legal professionals, and service providers, the Countering Hate Together: Community Resilience Forum highlighted the importance of collective action to address racism and build stronger, more inclusive communities across British Columbia.