L.A. Matheson Secondary receives provincial grant for anti-racism data engagement

Mustang Justice, a youth social justice leadership program at Surrey's L.A. Matheson Secondary, is one of 70 organizations to receive grants from the provincial government to help gather race-based data to inform upcoming anti-racism data legislation.

The program is receiving $5,000 to host four in-person engagement sessions for marginalized youth groups who are affected by systemic racism. The sessions will discuss how government should develop and implement anti-racism data legislation and are expected to finish at the end of January.

"Racism impacts all people, including youth," said teacher Annie Ohana, who founded Mustang Justice and is L.A. Matheson's Indigenous department head. "The lived experiences of our children can teach us so very much on the systemic changes we need to make to truly have anti-racist societies.

"These sessions provide empowerment and celebration of youth voices that allow education to be a powerful transformer of worlds. We teach for transformation, and these sessions place our students at the centre of a new, more anti-racist world."

Ohana and fellow teacher Gurpreet Bains were previously recognized for their work guiding Mustang Justice with the inaugural Mayor's Award for Fostering Civic Responsibility. Ohana also received the 2019 B.C. Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Award for her work to address racism and promote multiculturalism, including through Mustang Justice.

Mustang Justice aims to provide youth with a strong, positive and compassionate voice in the community. Led by students in Grades 8 to 12, the program supports cultural revitalization projects, interfaith dialogue and the protection of cultures facing oppression. They engage in a variety of activities throughout the year, such as organizing Indigenous Week celebrations, providing welcome packages for refugees and participating in culturally diverse and inclusive events.

For more information on the provincial grants and anti-racism data legislation, see the provincial government press release.