Your Path To Success

Embracing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Members of the Bow Valley business community have noticed significant changes in their community and their workforce, and are looking to DEI work help support adapting to these changes.

In a 2023 survey conducted by Banff Pride Society, inclusive policy work and staff education were identified as top DEI needs to help businesses adapt to a changing world. Read the full report HERE

63% of respondents identified feelings of being “behind on progress” and hoped to find support to catch up to employee & community needs
— 2023 Bow Valley DEI Survey

A Uniquely Bow Valley Approach

By fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces, organizations unlock employee potential, drive innovation, and gain a competitive advantage. DEI initiatives address systemic barriers, promote equity, and create cultures of belonging. Within the Bow Valley’s unique tourism landscape, DEI efforts help businesses adapt to changes, remain competitive and prepare to welcome the world!

Only 24% of respondents indicated that the needs of 2SLGBTQIA+ people had been incorporated into organizational policies and benefit programs
— 2023 Bow Valley DEI Survey
Only 43% of respondents indicated that their staff had received some kind of DEI education/training 
— 2023 Bow Valley DEI Survey

Your Journey Starts here!

Not sure where to start? The Bow Valley Pride Network can help be your guide. We have a suite of training programs and resources to help support Bow Valley organizations on their journey of making their workplaces more supportive and inclusive – whatever your experience, business size, or budget.

Workshops

Looking for DEI workshops and training?
Discover a range of options that enable groups, organizations, and individuals to
gain knowledge and understanding of diversity within the workplace.

DEI Foundations

DURATION: 3 hours
FACILITATORS: 1 or 2
ATTENDEES: Maximum 30, minimum 5
COST: $1,500 1 facilitator

This dynamic training session is designed to provide participants with a solid foundation in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and to empower them with practical tools to support equity-deserving communities. By the end of this training, participants will have a thorough understanding of DEI principles, the challenges faced by equity-deserving communities, and the skills to recognize and address power dynamics, privilege, and unconscious bias. They will also be equipped with actionable strategies to act as allies and contribute to more inclusive and equitable environments. The session will cover the following key topics:

    • Definition and significance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

    • The benefits of DEI in organizational and community contexts.

    • Overview of key DEI concepts and terminology.

    • Understanding what equity-deserving communities are and why they matter

    • Common barriers faced by these groups and how historical context influences our experiences today

    • Examination of the concepts of power and privilege and their impact

    • How power dynamics and privilege influence interactions and opportunities.

    • Reflecting on one's own power and privilege to foster more equitable relationships and practices

    • Understanding unconscious bias and its effects on decision-making and behavior

    • Techniques for identifying and mitigating biases in personal and professional contexts

    • Tools for creating more equitable and inclusive environments by addressing unconscious bias

    • The role of allies in supporting equity-deserving communities

    • Practical steps to become an effective ally, including listening, learning, and acting

DEI Policy Work

DURATION: 3 hours
FACILITATORS: 1 or 2
ATTENDEES: Maximum 30, minimum 5
COST: $2,000 1 facilitator 

This comprehensive training session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to develop and implement effective policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). By the end of this training, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to create and refine policies that are inclusive, accessible, and equitable, ensuring that all individuals can benefit from and contribute to their communities, their lives, and organizations.
The session will cover the following key topics:

    • Understanding the importance of an EDI lens in policy development.

    • Techniques to integrate EDI considerations into policy-making processes.

    • Identifying and addressing biases and barriers in existing policies.

    • Introduction to the principles of Universal Design and their relevance to policy.

    • Strategies for creating policies that accommodate diverse needs and promote accessibility for all individuals.

    • Exploration of successful policy frameworks from various sectors and organizations.

    • Analysis of how these frameworks incorporate DEI and Universal Design principles.

    • Tools and resources for drafting, implementing, and evaluating policies.

    • Ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

    • Interactive activity designed to apply a DEI lens using employee personas

    • Reflection and discussion to solidify learning outcomes and share insights.

Indigeneity in the Bow Valley

DURATION: 2 hours
FACILITATORS: 1 or 2
ATTENDEES: Maximum 30, minimum 5
COST: $1,500 1 facilitator

This informative training session is designed to deepen participants' understanding of Indigenous histories, identities, and contemporary issues in Canada, with a particular focus on the Bow Valley and Banff National Park. The session aims to foster allyship and reconciliation through awareness and actionable steps. By the end of this training, participants will have a comprehensive understanding of the rich Indigenous history and culture in the Bow Valley and Banff National Park. They will also be equipped with the knowledge and tools to support Indigenous communities through ally ship, advocacy, and practical actions aimed at reconciliation. Topics covered include:

    • Introduction to treaties and rights-holders

    • How historical treaties inform current decision-making and land stewardship.

    • Understanding the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization

    • Contemporary issues faced by Indigenous communities in Canada.

    • Exploring the intersection of queer and Indigenous identities

    • Historical roles and recognition of Two-Spirit people in various Indigenous cultures

    • The impact of colonialism on Two-Spirit identities and their resurgence today

    • A detailed exploration of the Indigenous history specific to the Bow Valley region and the Indigenous nations associated with the Bow Valley.

    • Significant events, traditions, and cultural practices of local Indigenous peoples.

    • Challenging the notions of cultural superiority and the imposition of a singular worldview.

    • Practical steps for individuals to support reconciliation and allyship

    • Strategies to engage in meaningful reconciliation efforts within personal and professional circles in the Bow Valley

Resources

Resources