Anti-discrimination Response Training Program (A.R.T.)

Anti-discrimination Response Training Program Poster

Revelstoke Times Review

How to respond to acts of discrimination

Published: December 04, 2009 2:00 PM
Updated: December 04, 2009 2:14 PM

Imagine that you are witnessing three young men ridiculing a mother and daughter who are of a different ethnic background. You know their behaviour is racist and damaging, but you are unsure of how to stop the perpetrators’ actions or make the situation better. You are afraid that you will invite danger if you confront the offenders. On Nov. 18 and 19, Dr. Ishu Ishiyama from the University of British Columbia presented these types of vignettes at a community meeting and at an all day Anti-discrimination Response Training (A.R.T.) workshop to a diverse group at Okanagan College. Participants were introduced to an active witnessing method aimed at reducing discrimination and promoting social justice and community safety.

Dr. Ishu Ishiyama asked: “How can we to respond to racist remarks and situations of discrimination and disrespect, with concrete and constructive action?”; “What opinions do I have when I witness such situations?”; and “What interactive skills do we need to have for intervening situation of racism and other forms of discrimination and prejudice?”

“The training brought out several emotions from my past that I thought I had buried. At least Dr. Ishiyama had the materials there to help me start the healing process”, said Joe Daniels Sr. “When he showed the videos of the native children, I realized that I had dodged that bullet. I realized that some of us were yanked from our native families and farmed out to white families. I was there and another person at the training was there too. It felt supportive to know that someone else had the same experience as me. The video displays were very powerful too. Recognising what is happening and gaining some tools to deal with it are powerful tools.

My union is very interested in Dr. Ishiyama’s work. They were thrilled that I was willing to attend this on my own. As the human rights officer in our local Public Service Alliance of Canada, (PSAC), I thought it was appropriate that I attend. I must mention strongly. that within Parks Canada, I’m pleased to say that my services have never been required.

I attended mostly for myself, because I know there were some issues there and Dr. Ishiyama gave me some direction and it was a chance to explore my heritage.”

“I believe that discrimination does exist in Revelstoke”, said Mary Kline, program coordinator for the “Initiating Steps to Provide Multicultural Education in Revelstoke Program” at Okanagan College. What I like about Ishu’s training is that he provided concrete ways to address racist remarks without being confrontative.”

According to Dr Ishiyama there are four levels of witnessing discrimination: 1) dis-witnessing; 2) passive witnessing, 3) active witnessing and 4) ethical witnessing. The workshop focused on moving from being a silent bystander to being an active witness.

We often think of attacking the perpetrator when we witness discriminatory or racist behaviour. The program explored other often more effective options such as approaching and supporting the victim or approaching co-witnesses. Participants practiced with over one hundred active witnessing responses for various situations. The day concluded with participants watching a series of vignettes and practicing appropriate and effective responses.