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By Caden Fanshaw

SD 57

SD57 Students band together to fight racism with new initiative

Feb 18, 2021 | 4:05 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – It’s a discussion that has been completely student-led. The SD57 District Student Advisory Council (DSAC) is leading the way on a new initiative against racism with a video expected to be finished by May.

There are students from all the high schools in Prince George, including Shas Ti-Kelly Road Secondary, Prince George Secondary, Duchess Park Secondary, College Heights Secondary, and D.P. Todd Secondary.

The anti-racism initiative is something the PGSS students hold close to their hearts, and something they’re very passionate about.

Taryn Atkinson, Chair of the District Student Advisory Board says her home school (PGSS) has been divided since an incident at Halloween when a student wore blackface created tension within the student body, something she wants to see change.

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“So we wanted to make a video for grades 4-8 students, and make an impactful video and how to be anti-racist,” says Atkinson. “Everything that’s happened, we need to do this and put all of our efforts into this.”

Atkinson is a Grade 12 student at PGSS and says although she hasn’t faced racism herself, she’s been a bystander, and she’s learning herself how to be anti-racist and speak up and wants to help others do the same.

The video is set to include many local BIPOC advocates and local figures including UNBC Basketball player Tyrell Laing, a former PGSS Student now on the front lines of ‘Black Lives Matter’ movements here in Prince George, among others.

Katie Marren, Vice Principal at PGSS says seeing students lead the way as they’re currently doing is the most rewarding part of her job. Marren going as far to say the actions of the DSAC group have been one of the greatest things she’s ever been a part of.