VSB’s sixth  annual DEI Youth Conference on Thursday, May 15 was all about empowerment. Students began the day with a land acknowledgement from Alec Guerin of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). Guerin shared that Musqueam people have been guardians of the Fraser riverway since time immemorial.

“It is an honour and privilege to welcome you,” he said to students.

Following Guerin, Superintendent Helen McGregor and VSB chair Victoria Jung shared opening remarks. They commended the work of the DEI student leadership team.

After opening remarks, Ayoob, a Grade 11 student from Prince of Wales Secondary, shared a powerful and personal story of his great grandfather who was born and raised in South Africa and endured many hardships during Apartheid. Despite imprisonment, he demonstrated resilience and later found refuge in Canada.

The keynote was Noor Fadel, an Iraqi Canadian spoken word poet and advocate. Fadel shared her lived experiences, including when she was the victim of a hate crime. Fadel shared how she worked to reclaim her power by using art as a tool for advocacy and protest.

Following the keynote, students had the opportunity to attend workshops on topics ranging from the science of empowerment to self-defence.

Students left the conference feeling energized and equipped with new insights. Nayah, a Grade 12 student from Kitsilano Secondary, walked away from the conference with a new understanding of empowerment.

“Empowerment isn’t always being strong and holding your head up high. Sometimes you can be vulnerable. Showing vulnerability is also expressing empowerment,” she says.

The day finished with a session from Mdundo Arts, an educational dance group with roots in East Africa. Mdundo led a lively workshop and had all attendees dancing and celebrating to the beat of African drums.

Many thanks to the DEI student leadership team for organizing the event and to all those who attended and supported this amazing day of learning!