Selkirk College

Selkirk College is committed to the values of equity, diversity and inclusion. Through research, courageous conversations and work in action, Selkirk College strives to lead this important work to continue to be an accessible, equitable, safe and welcoming institution for students, employees and the community.

Who is Selkirk College?

Located amidst the breathtaking beauty of southern British Columbia, Selkirk College is home to 60-plus nationally recognized programs serving more than 2,800 full-time learners per year in certificate, diploma, bachelor degree, co-operative education and continuing education programs. Selkirk College has eight campus locations in six different West Kootenay and Boundary communities.

Selkirk College’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

At Selkirk College, we recognize and affirm diversity. We celebrate difference and variety in individuals’ characteristics protected under the BC Human Rights Code – such as race, religion, disability, gender identity – as well as features beyond the code, such as health status, educational background and ways of being, knowing and doing.

As an institution of higher education, we play an essential role in understanding and addressing the effects of colonization, racism, prejudices and injustices against marginalized peoples. Through our programs and services, we seek to dismantle systemic barriers to access, opportunities and full participation in our college, community and society.

We aim to cultivate a working and learning environment that honors human dignity – one free of harassment, intimidation and discrimination. We design our programs and services to provide learners and employees with the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to build more equity, diversity and inclusivity for all. These commitments enrich the lives and communities we touch.

Selkirk College’s Work and Initiatives

The journey to equity, diversity and inclusion at Selkirk College began formalizing in 2018. At that time, we were finalizing Building Remarkable Futures: Strategic Plan 2019-2024 . Along with Environmental Sustainability, Health & Wellness, Innovation and Reconciliation, Diversity & Inclusion was included as an institutional commitment.

In 2019, Selkirk College also hired consulting firm HRx to provide training, consulting and data analytics to help us bring the commitment of Diversity & Inclusion to the forefront. Work with HRx is ongoing.

A Diversity & Inclusion Committee was established in November 2019 to guide action on this commitment with three working groups engaged in research and consultation focusing on systemic change, gender diversity in leadership and the student experience.

Today, this original committee has reformed under a broader name: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) with two branches – an advisory committee made up of employees with lived experiences and a leadership committee, who also have accountability within their positions to plan, resource and implement specific EDI initiatives that will advance the college’s EDI commitments, and act on the advice of the EDI Advisory Committee. Guiding Selkirk College’s work is the  Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity policy . 