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Fernie & District Arts Council Equity Framework & Action Plan Draft

Approved working draft – Dec 11th, 2025

Download the full Equity Framework & Action Plan (PDF)

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1. Introduction & Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the City of Fernie is located within Qukin ʔamakʔis, the unceded traditional territory of Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it. We recognize that we live and work within their vast lands. ʔakanuxunik̓ are from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi‘it and are members of the Ktunaxa (Kootenay) speaking peoples of British Columbia, Idaho and Montana.

Our mission is to encourage and foster appreciation of arts and culture in the Elk Valley by building connections and partnerships. We recognize that equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) are core values essential to a thriving cultural sector and to the wellbeing of our communities.

2. Purpose of the Equity Framework

This Equity Framework and Action Plan is a living document that outlines FDAC’s principles, policies, and commitments to equity. It is designed to:

    • – Define equity and guiding values
    • – Identify and define priority equity-seeking groups
    • – Describe policies and practices for programs, operations, governance, and outreach
    • – Provide an annual action plan to measure progress and maintain accountability

The framework draws from sector best practices, including resources from arts councils, human rights codes, and non-profit equity initiatives. It will be reviewed and updated annually based on feedback, community needs, and emerging research.

3. Definition of Equity

Equity is both a principle and a process.

    • – As a principle: It ensures fair access to opportunities, resources, and participation.
    • – As a process: It recognizes that not all individuals start from the same place due to historical and ongoing systemic barriers, and that different treatment may be required to achieve fairness.


Key related concepts:

    • – Whiteness – a set of normalized privileges afforded to white-skinned individuals, often invisible to those who benefit from them.
    • – Colonialism – the forced disconnection of Indigenous peoples from their lands, cultures, and communities.
    • – Intersectionality – the overlapping and interconnected nature of social identities and related systems of oppression.
    • – Racism – add definition here

4. Guiding Principles

FDAC is committed to:

    • – Removing barriers related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, socio-economic status, and other protected characteristics.
    • – Embedding equity across programs, operations, governance, and community engagement.
    • – Holding ourselves accountable through annual reviews, community consultation, and transparent reporting.
    • – We centre human rights and reconciliation, guided by Canadian human rights laws, UNDRIP, and the TRC Calls to Action across all our work

5. Equity Priority Groups

The following Equity Priority Groups have been identified based on historical and ongoing systemic barriers to participation in arts and cultural life.
Adapt definitions to your organizational context.

    • – Racialized; Individuals who experience inequity because of race, ethnicity, culture, or perceived identity.
    • – Indigenous Peoples; First Nations (Status and Non-status), Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada, as well as Indigenous peoples worldwide. Indigenous identity is shaped by historical continuity with pre-colonial societies and distinct cultural traditions. This category is prioritized in recognition of the impacts of settler colonialism and the importance of self-determination.
    • – Deaf Persons, Experience Disabilities (including Mental Illness & Neurodivergent); This framework follows the social model of disability, which views disability as arising from environmental and attitudinal barriers.
    • – 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons; Individuals who self-identify as two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, pansexual, or other marginalized sexual and gender identities.
    • – Low-income; Individuals who miss out on arts and cultural opportunities because they do not have the financial means to participate. We recognize that income levels shift over time and circumstances can change.


Note: These categories are not mutually exclusive. Many people belong to more than one group and may experience intersectional forms of discrimination. We also recognize that language and identities evolve, and this list is neither exhaustive nor restrictive.

6. Equity Priority Policy

FDAC has adopted an Equity Priority Policy, which states that when multiple well-assessed applications are of equal merit but available resources cannot support all, priority will be given to projects by applicants who self-identify as belonging to one or more of the organization’s equity priority groups, or whose projects primarily involve or serve these groups. Applicants who complete the Voluntary Self-Identification Question indicating membership in an equity priority group are automatically considered for this measure (this can be done verbally). This policy is applied with an understanding of intersectionality, recognizing that individuals may face multiple and overlapping barriers. Each application is assessed with full contextual consideration.

7. Key Equity Policies & Practices

Equity in Programs

    • – Use invitational language in all calls for artists, applicants, or participants.
    • – Various application methods to account for systematic barriers.
    • – Implement and clearly communicate the Equity Priority Policy.

Equity in Operations

    • – Employment Equity: Remove barriers in recruitment, retention, and promotion; ensure accessible and inclusive hiring practices.
      • – Clearly communicate building accessibility and accessibility requirements for all job roles.
    • – Board Representation: Recruit and retain diverse board members, with transparent nomination processes that represent the demographics of our community.
    • – Equity Training: Provide ongoing anti-racism, anti-oppression, and cultural competency training to all staff, board, and volunteers.
    • – Inclusive Artistic Practices: Honour culturally specific art forms and challenge stereotypes.

Safe & Inclusive Environment

    • – Maintain zero-tolerance for harassment, discrimination, and violence.
    • – Address unconscious bias and microaggressions proactively.
    • – Provide a clear Code of Conduct and reporting processes.

Communications & Outreach

    • – Use progressive, bias-free, and plain language in all materials.
    • – Work towards Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) where possible.
    • – Offer supports and alternative formats, and use culturally safe outreach strategies where possible.
    • – Build long-term, trust-based relationships with community partners.

Accessible Premises

    • – Ensure programs are physically accessible (ramps, accessible washrooms), where possible.
    • – The Arts Station main floor is accessible and programming can be moved to this level when needed.
    • – Provide accurate and detailed accessibility information for events.
    • – Follow cultural protocols when engaging with specific communities.

8. Implementation & Accountability

FDAC will:

    • – Maintain an annual Equity Action Plan (see schedule A).
    • – Track and report progress to staff, board, funders, and community.
    • – Conduct annual equity reviews to evaluate and adjust strategies.
    • – Engage in regular community consultation to guide updates.

Glossary of Terms

    • – Equity – Fair treatment, access, and opportunity, recognizing that not all start from the same place.
    • – Diversity – Presence of varied identities and experiences.
    • – Inclusion – Active engagement of diverse individuals in decision-making and participation.
    • – Accessibility – Designing environments, communications, and processes usable by all.
    • – IBPOC/BIPOC – Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour.
    • – Neurodivergent – Cognitive functioning that diverges from societal norms.
    • – 2SLGBTQIA+ – Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other marginalized sexual/gender identities.
    • – Social Model of Disability – Views disability as arising from environmental and attitudinal barriers, not solely from impairment.