We must eliminate the barriers that governments have placed upon us.

Systemic Racism will be a feature-length documentary that will highlight the ongoing issues of systemic racism in Canada; sharing examples of this injustice, particularly in the policing systems and in relation to the environment, with recognition of gender justice. It also shares success stories where communities are coming together to tackle racism and to successfully hold institutions and governments accountable. The film will be able to educate Canadians about the problems and inspire and advocate for real action and solutions.

Systemic racism is prevalent in many sectors of Canadian society. 

Joyce Echaquan’s death wasn’t a freak occurrence. Neither was Ronny Kay’s. Or Nicholas Gibbs’s. Jean-René Junior Olivier. Chantel Moore. Neil Stonechild. Eishia Hudson. Brian Sinclair. And these are just the names and stories we know.

Black and Indigenous people in Canada have higher rates of poverty, are more likely to be exposed to toxic chemicals, have higher rates of disease, and have lower life expectancies.

The fact is that systemic racism pervades our society and our institutions—in the criminal justice system, in health care, education, housing, income, employment, and politics. Discriminatory practices are ingrained in the laws, regulations, and daily functioning of our institutions. These discriminatory practices can be traced back to colonization and have resulted in ongoing and egregious harm to Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities.

With movements like Black Lives Matter, Idle No More, and Land Back, governments have been confronted with the realities that many communities are facing, and communities themselves are seeing themselves represented in struggles for justice on a global scale. 

The film will propose a re-thinking and prioritizes IBPOC-centred justice. It argues that systemic change is needed but that this is an active process. Viewers are left with a sense of urgency and hope. They will feel better equipped to call out and challenge systemic racism, to hold those in power to account.