Safe, Caring & Inclusive Schools (English)
This short, animated video by the Government of British Columbia captures a powerful message about the transformative work happening in British Columbia (B.C.) schools: to create spaces where every student feels safe, valued, and celebrated for who they are.
It shines a light on how embracing diversity—whether in culture, religion, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability—directly impacts the lives of students and their families.
This work is about students feel seen and supported every single day, in their schools and in their communities. It’s about giving families the reassurance that their children can thrive in environments where inclusion is not just an idea but a practice that empowers all learners to succeed.
The video is an inspiring reminder of B.C.'s commitment to equity and inclusion.
It’s a testament to the educators, administrators, and communities working tirelessly to ensure schools are places where harmful stereotypes are broken down, barriers to learning are dismantled, and every child’s potential is unlocked.
For families, this means knowing their children are part of a school system that equips them with not only academic skills but also empathy, resilience, and the ability to embrace diversity in all its forms.
By spotlighting these values and practices, the video encapsulates the tangible impacts these efforts have on fostering a new generation of compassionate and inclusive citizens. This work doesn’t just change lives within schools—it ripples out to strengthen entire communities.
For more information about these transformative efforts, you can explore B.C.'s resources on diversity and inclusion here: BC Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/erase/diversity-and-inclusion
I'm voting Kelli Paddon for MLA
As an openly transgender man and lifelong advocate for human rights, equity, and fair governance, I have seen firsthand how important it is to have leaders who truly understand the needs of the people they serve. That’s why I am proud to offer my full and enthusiastic endorsement of Kelli Paddon for MLA.
Kelli is not just a politician—she’s a compassionate leader who listens to every voice in our community, from small business owners and their employees to the most vulnerable, including disabled individuals and 2SLGBTQIA+ people. Her deep commitment to inclusion and gender-based equality isn't just something she talks about; it's something she lives every day in her actions, her advocacy, and her tireless work for the people of Chilliwack. Kelli shows up. Always. Whether it's at grassroots events, community gatherings, or in the halls of government, she is there, amplifying the voices that need to be heard and ensuring the good work of our people does not go unnoticed.
What truly inspires me about Kelli is her fearless approach to leadership. She knows when to step forward and speak up for justice, and she knows when to step back and create space for others to shine. That balance, that humility, and that unwavering dedication to progress are what make Kelli not just a good leader, but an exceptional one. She has consistently pushed for meaningful change, collaborating with others and never backing down from the difficult conversations that move us forward as a community.
At a time when so many seek to divide us and use our government to control us, we need leaders like Kelli who fight for real freedom—the freedom to be who we are, to love who we love, to work with dignity, and to live in a community where everyone is valued and respected. Kelli’s leadership embodies that freedom. She understands that true progress is only possible when we lift each other up, and she has proven time and again that she will do whatever it takes to ensure a more just and e
Why SOGI-123 Matters More Than Ever
🌟 Hi everyone, I’m Mr. Teri Westerby, one of Canada’s first transgender politicians and a proud school board trustee in BC.
I wanted to take some time to share with you all about something close to my heart —SOGI-123 —because the most vulnerable kids in our community are depending on us to protect them, and in order to do that, we have to educate ourselves and each other.
SOGI-123 isn’t just a policy—it’s a lifeline for more inclusive schools. It’s about creating safe, inclusive environments where every student, no matter who they are, can learn, grow, and feel valued. And right now, misinformation is spreading fear, threatening the progress we’ve made.
I know firsthand what it’s like to navigate a school system that didn’t support me. Without SOGI-123, queer and trans kids are at greater risk—of bullying, mental health struggles, and worse. But this isn’t just about LGBTQ+ kids—every child benefits from a culture of respect and inclusivity.
This fight is bigger than a single policy. It’s about what kind of society we want to be—one where all children are seen, supported, and loved for who they are.
This is why your vote matters. The most vulnerable kids are relying on you to protect their rights, to ensure they grow up in schools that lift them up, not push them down. When you cast your vote, you’re not just shaping the future of education—you’re shaping the future of lives.
I truly believe that by standing together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Let’s vote for safe, welcoming schools. Let’s vote for love over fear. Let’s be the ones who make a difference.
*These are my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer. *
#bcpoli #SafeSchoolsForAll #lgbt #transrightsarehumanrights #transman #transandproud
Today, for no reason at all, I want to remind you that you matter.
You, beautiful human, just the way you are, today, and whomever you are tomorrow, and whoever you were yesterday, matters.
You are lovable and worthy of love and life and happiness and joy.
You don't have to change, or pretend, or perform.
I know it can feel hard to believe that when things and people around you seem to say otherwise, but if you'll open up to me and to the idea that you are worthy, that truth will start to show itself through the darkness.
See, your existence is unique.
We've never seen a you before and we'll never see another you again.
Your gifts, your presence, your thoughts and your life can only be here because of you, and your unique self is a gift to this world, even if it is hard to understand how or why.
I hope you can trust me on this.
Every single human being is unique, and matters, and is a gift to our world - to each other.
You belong here because you exist. Because you matter. You matter to someone. You matter to so many people. You matter without asking. You matter without giving. You matter because you exist.
Your influence, your smile, your laugh, your hugs, your thoughts, your voice - it will make a difference in someones day, every single day. I promise.
People are insecure. They are afraid. They are human. They have biases and prejudices they aren't aware of. They are lead by their fear and their insecurities.
Regardless of the harm that some people choose to perpetuate out of their own internal self-hatred, insecurities, fears and the community that surrounds them, THEY don't get to decide who YOU are or how much YOU can contribute to this earth. You have beautiful gifts that I know you want to contribute - this is your sign.
This life is YOURS to live, only yours, and only you are living it.
As long as I have breath in my body, I will fight for everyone's right to live their lives as they choose, respected, with dignity and autonomy.
Everyone sho
Today, for no reason at all, I want to remind you that you matter.
You, beautiful human, just the way you are, today, and whomever you are tomorrow, and whoever you were yesterday, matters.
You are lovable and worthy of love and life and happiness and joy.
You don't have to change, or pretend, or perform.
I know it can feel hard to believe that when things and people around you seem to say otherwise, but if you'll open up to me and to the idea that you are worthy, that truth will start to show itself through the darkness.
See, your existence is unique.
We've never seen a you before and we'll never see another you again.
Your gifts, your presence, your thoughts and your life can only be here because of you, and your unique self is a gift to this world, even if it is hard to understand how or why.
Every single human being is unique, and matters, and is a gift to our world - to each other.
You belong here because you exist. Because you matter. You matter to someone. You matter to so many people. You matter without asking. You matter without giving. You matter because you exist.
Your influence, your smile, your laugh, your hugs, your thoughts, your voice - it will make a difference in someones day, every single day. I promise.
People are insecure. They are afraid. They are human. They have biases and prejudices they aren't aware of. They are lead by their fear and their insecurities.
Regardless of the harm that some people choose to perpetuate out of their own internal self-hatred, insecurities, fears and the community that surrounds them, THEY don't get to decide who YOU are or how much YOU can contribute to this earth. You have beautiful gifts that I know you want to contribute - this is your sign.
This life is YOURS to live, only yours, and only you are living it.
As long as I have breath in my body, I will fight for everyone's right to live their lives as they choose, respected, with dignity and autonomy.
Everyone should be able to thrive. There is no
Don't Miss Out On Your Government Grants & Bonds for Education and Disability Savings!
Very early in my tenure as a school trustee here in Chilliwack, local firefighter Terry Brown came to one of our school board meetings as a delegate. He presented about these incredible government grants and bonds, and told us how he’s been advocating for local families for years, helping them secure thousands of dollars in free funding. His dedication and passion deeply moved me.
Terry has spent so much of his own free time and energy to make sure families know about these programs and how to access them. After hearing his story, I knew I had to step in and help. So, I teamed up with him to create a campaign to make it easier for families to understand these grants and take action. That’s how GetYourBonds.ca was born.
With my skills and Terry's knowledge, we built a website that provides clear, easy-to-follow steps on how to secure this funding for your children’s education or your own disability savings. We’ve simplified the process so families don’t have to miss out on these life-changing opportunities. We partnered with ChillTV, Trustees Carin Bondar and Willow Reichelt, MLAs Dan Coulter and Kelli Paddon, to film a video for the new website.
Here are some of the grants and bonds you could be eligible for:
✏️ Canada Learning Bond (CLB): Up to $2,000 for children from low-income families, with no personal contributions required.
🎓 BC Training & Education Savings Grant (BCTESG): Up to $1,200 for eligible students, regardless of income, with no contributions required.
đź’¸ Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB): Up to $1,000 per year for up to 20 years for qualified Canadians that receive the Disability Tax Credit and no deposits are required to receive it.
What’s shocking is that only one-third of eligible Canadians have signed up for these programs. That means the majority are leaving free money on the table—money that could make all the difference in whether a student pursues higher education or not. With the cost of education rising,
Sq'Ă©wqel Pride was a phenomenal day full of love and celebration and connection and talking about our diversity as human beings and why it matters to be proud of all aspects of our identities.
When we celebrate and love ourselves and each other, we can walk around this planet with our head held high, filled with confidence, and know that we belong anywhere, because we belong to ourselves.
When we know we make a difference in this world, simply by existing, we exist with confidence and we shine brightly while doing it. We set big goals and firm boundaries. We succeed even when we fail. We aren't afraid to try because we trust ourselves.
And when we are open to working together with other people, capable of seeing our own and each other's strengths, we can solve today's and tomorrow's biggest problems.
We fill this world with love, when we love ourselves.
#pride #trans #LoveWins
Sq'Ă©wqel "Seabird Island Band"
Sq'Ă©wqel Pride was a phenomenal day full of love and celebration and connection and talking about our diversity as human beings and why it matters to be proud of all aspects of our identities.
When we celebrate and love ourselves and each other, we can walk around this planet with our head held high, filled with confidence, and know that we belong anywhere, because we belong to ourselves.
When we know we make a difference in this world, simply by existing, we exist with confidence and we shine brightly while doing it. We set big goals and firm boundaries. We succeed even when we fail. We aren't afraid to try because we trust ourselves.
And when we are open to working together with other people, capable of seeing our own and each other's strengths, we can solve today's and tomorrow's biggest problems.
We fill this world with love, when we love ourselves.
#pride #trans #LoveWins
Sq'Ă©wqel "Seabird Island Band"
Sq'Ă©wqel Pride was a phenomenal day full of love and celebration and connection and talking about our diversity as human beings and why it matters to be proud of all aspects of our identities.
When we celebrate and love ourselves and each other, we can walk around this planet with our head held high, filled with confidence, and know that we belong anywhere, because we belong to ourselves.
When we know we make a difference in this world, simply by existing, we exist with confidence and we shine brightly while doing it. We set big goals and firm boundaries. We succeed even when we fail. We aren't afraid to try because we trust ourselves.
And when we are open to working together with other people, capable of seeing our own and each other's strengths, we can solve today's and tomorrow's biggest problems.
We fill this world with love, when we love ourselves.
#pride #trans #LoveWins
Sq'Ă©wqel "Seabird Island Band"
I'm SO excited to speak with the Love Caravan community about the importance of building safe spaces for every child in every classroom on June 7th at 11pm. Join us on YouTube for a fun and dynamic discussion on what an inclusive classroom looks like and why it matters!
What a fantastic turnout at the whirlwind meet and greet for Stacey Chomiak's captivating illustrated book, authored by Taylor Rouanzion! It's heartening to see such a diverse crowd, including educators and families, coming together to celebrate differences in Chilliwack.
Their presence underscores the importance of fostering a community where everyone feels valued and respected.
Special thanks to Kenny at Owl and Cat Bookery for promoting diversity and inclusivity. Your support makes our community stronger.
Thank you all for your unwavering support! đź’–
#StrengthInDiversity #EmbraceOurDifferences
🌟 Breaking Barriers and Making History 🌟
I am absolutely thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Birkley Valks on his historic win in Canada! Birkley's election as the second openly transgender man to be elected as a school trustee in British Columbia, and the third in all of Canada, is a monumental achievement that deserves to be celebrated far and wide.
Birkley's victory is not just a personal triumph but a resounding victory for inclusivity and representation in our classrooms. His unwavering commitment to standing up for the rights of all individuals, regardless of gender identity, sends a powerful message that we will not allow anyone's human rights to be diminished or taken away.
As adults, members of our community, and integral parts of society, Birkley and others like him demonstrate that transgender individuals are not only deserving of respect but are also contributing members of our communities. With jobs, families, children, and a profound impact on those around them, they exemplify authenticity and courage in their pursuit of equality and acceptance.
Birkley's win is not just a personal triumph but a victory for all of us who believe in the power of diversity and inclusion. His journey reminds us that by embracing our true selves, we can inspire others to do the same and create positive change in our schools and beyond.
Birkley, you should be incredibly proud of what you have accomplished. Your courage, resilience, and dedication to making a difference serve as an inspiration to us all. Here's to you and to the future of inclusive education in BC schools! 🏳️‍⚧️✨
#InclusionMatters #RepresentationMatters #BirkleyValks #BCSchools #TransRights
Proud trans man 🏳️‍⚧️
