In a bid to combat racism and hate in campus communities, College of New Caledonia will receive $20,000 from the province's EmbraceBC program.
The funds will go to the Fort St. James campus to develop a community action plan to be adopted by the local region.
"Smaller communities often lack the resources to provide this type of programming, even though it may be helpful," says Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad.
He said he didn't think the racism problems in Fort St. James are hugely different than in other communities, but noted Fort St. James has a good track record for developing programs which can than be adopted by other areas.
He said this was one of the programs that CNC has been aggressively seeking.
"Fort St. James will continue to prosper due to the growing opportunities in the North and this funding will help to build an inclusive and understanding community," said Rustad.
Like other B.C. organizations receiving the funds, Fort St. James will develop a plan over three years by increasing community awareness around the issues of racism and hate and engaging the community in discussion on what can be done about these issues.
The end product will a Community Action and Sustainability Plan to be adopted by the local
region.
Other participating communities have been successful in developing community protocols with help from the province.
Fort St. James joins three other areas - Lower Sunshine Coast, Fraser Cascade and Columbia Schuswap - which are each participating with $20,000 in funding.
