Spare the Air Youth is always seeking to be more mindful of our impact on the world around us. To that end, those of you who attended the last Advisory Committee meeting heard our acknowledgement of the First Peoples on who’s traditional territories we live and work. Acknowledging territory shows recognition of and respect for Aboriginal Peoples. It is recognition of their presence both in the past and the present. Recognition and respect are essential elements of establishing healthy, reciprocal relations. 

We will continue incorporating inclusive practices and welcome feedback or ideas about how to continue improving our meetings.

Further Reading

Sometimes well-meaning Safe Routes to School events and activities can unintentionally leave students out. The articles and organizations below are great resources for background about why equity and inclusion is so important, and provide some context as you work to create programs that are inclusive of all students and their families:

• Guide to Acknowledging First Peoples & Traditional Territory

• Should You Put Your Pronouns In Your Email Signature?

• White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, Peggy McIntosh 

• To Equalize Power Among Us, Tools for Change 

• The Wonder-breading of our Country, excerpt from Subjective Side of Politics 

• The Flower of Praxis

• Partners for Collaborative Change

• Catalyst Project