Defence Team Champion for Visible Minorities Message: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2024

March 21, 2024 - Defence Stories

Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD). Decreed by the United Nations nearly 60 years ago, it has since come to be a day to stand in support of all people who have been subjected to the cruelty of racism, and those who continue to fight against the discrimination it breeds. While it is disheartening that racial discrimination continues to plague our society, let us pause to acknowledge the gains we have made, and reflect on the work ahead. Since the inception of IDERD, we can attest that National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces continue to address the mistakes of the past and are committed to immediate and enduring change. As we look towards the future with cautious optimism, we must also pay close attention to the ever changing and insidious nature of racism. We know that work remains ahead, and I would like to share some personal reflections.

Progress toward a fairer society has never been linear, and we know we will experience setbacks along the way. But this is no reason to lose heart and wallow in helplessness. Rather, we should embrace these setbacks as learning opportunities to constantly work on the multifaceted and ever-fluctuating nuances of this wicked challenge. We need to share our insights with those around us, with the hope that our collective perseverance will illuminate all continuing efforts at eradicating racial discrimination.

For example, in contemporary society, it is no longer socially acceptable to openly express racial prejudices. Any acts or omissions against someone because of their race, especially when these views are reinforced by systems of power, are rightfully condemned as morally reprehensible.

Yet just like societal trends and norms, racism too has also evolved in more subtle and sophisticated ways that can be harder to distinguish. As a result, racism can camouflage with race-neutral language, eluding detection and lurking beneath performative niceties or empty promises of true change.

Despite knowing that racism is not squarely in the past, I have also witnessed genuine efforts towards true inclusion and full integration. I have heard bold discussions that insist on new ways of doing things. I have observed the emergence of authentic role modeling that now transcends beyond the initial sparks of tokenism. I have also heard courageous conversations recognizing the vast array of intersectionalities that differ and yet that are interwoven into the diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism tapestry. This is encouraging. Ultimately, racism is not only a toxic form of ignorance or arrogance, it is also a tragic squandering of human potential and talent.

Adopting an anti-racism mindset is vital in unraveling the intricate layers of racial discrimination. For instance, we must refrain from reducing racism to only individual actions, especially when these occur within inherently biased systems. Racism intertwines deeply with structures that perpetuate the denial or distortion of its existence.

The lasting legacy of IDERD is to remind us to relentlessly challenge and dismantle the racist narratives upheld by dominant power structures. Complacency only bolsters the persistence of racist reflexes across societal, organizational, and personal realms.

Following on that thread, I would like to highlight that racial discrimination can become so second-nature for marginalized communities that its cumulative harm may go unnoticed. These wounds, both visible and deeply hidden, can persist and compound over time across generations. I do not invoke the concept of trauma lightly. To overcome racism, we need to also heal from the cumulative stress that racism can inflict onto our bodies and souls.

Moreover, as the author Resmaa Menakem poignantly observes,  while undeniably racialized people carry the greater burden when it comes to the trauma of racism, let's not forget that non-racialized people also routinely internalize secondary trauma.

In closing, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces are institutions that safeguard the safety and security of all Canadians. Our commitment to anti-racism is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity that will lead to greater operational readiness. Guided by our enduring code of values and ethics, we recognize that to truly be representative of the beautiful mosaic of Canadian society, we must actively seek out and welcome individuals from all backgrounds.  By fostering an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and respected, we not only strengthen our institutions but also uphold the principles of equality, equity, and social justice that lie at the heart of our nation.

Commodore Jacques Olivier
Defence Team Champion for Visible Minorities
Director General Professional Conduct and Development, Chief Professional Conduct and Culture