Hockey Alberta’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The past two years have seen Hockey Alberta undertake several initiatives and engage numerous individuals to help us better understand the challenges faced by participants in our sport related to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Hockey Alberta hosted an Indigenous Hockey Summit in August 2021, and then created and hosted the inaugural 11.4 Awareness Day in 2022 with a focus on maltreatment and Hockey Canada’s new rule 11.4.
A key part of the work undertaken by Hockey Alberta has been through the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. This committee is comprised of diverse individuals with a wide range of life and athletic experiences. Members of the committee attended the Hockey Alberta Member Summit in June 2022, where they discussed the findings of the organization’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion survey.
EDI COMMITTEE AND SURVEY REPORTS >
The information gathered through these various forums has included examples of behaviors that have no place in hockey. We have heard real examples and collected data that shows that we have Equity, Diversity and Inclusion issues in hockey. It has reinforced that we have work to do to provide a safe environment and ensure that all participants have a positive experience in our sport.
EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AT HOCKEY ALBERTA >
The next stage in the process starts today with Hockey Alberta’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion:
Hockey Alberta’s Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Hockey Alberta acknowledges there are systemic challenges in our sport involving equity, diversity, and inclusion. All forms of discrimination and maltreatment are unacceptable and must be removed.
Hockey Alberta is committed to removing the challenges to ensure we are:
Creating a safe sport environment free of racism, discrimination, harassment and bullying for all participants.
Acting decisively to improve equity, diversity and inclusion so that our sport is accessible to all.
Nurturing a positive hockey culture where inclusiveness and belonging are expectations, not options.
This statement provides the framework for Hockey Alberta to address Equity, Diversity and Inclusion issues in our sport. Hockey Alberta will ensure sanctioned activities are accessible, inclusive and safe for participants of all abilities, backgrounds, and interests, and Hockey Alberta will eliminate maltreatment, bullying and harassment from the game.
Specifically, our commitments are shown in our actions. In 2023-24, Hockey Alberta will add new staff resources to our operational team to support our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee, activate on our objectives, and support our Members, as Hockey Alberta works to nurture a positive hockey culture.
Actions for 2023-24 include:
- Engaging in a pilot with minor hockey teams that educates and brings awareness about maltreatment.
- Continuing the education process of Hockey Alberta’s Staff, Volunteers and Board of Directors.
- Creating a new EDI Grant for Member initiatives for advancing the game through a focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion,
- Identifying and implementing Safe Sport/ EDI standards, tools and resources for use by our Members,
To review the complete plan, click on the website link below:
As well, on August 16, Hockey Canada released its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Path Forward document, and asked its branches across Canada to be involved and have stake in the Path Forward. Simply put, Hockey Alberta is in - with a commitment to working at the local, provincial and national levels to ensure a safe environment and a positive experience for all participants.
For more information, please contact Hockey Alberta:
Email: info@hockeyalberta.ca
