2023 Atlantic Region DEI Symposium 

In partnership with the City of Fredericton's Office of Community Inclusion, GFSI hosted the symposium at the Maqiyahtimok Centre and was primarily for DEI professionals and members of organizations addressing the needs of marginalized communities, especially those trying to develop policies to expand inclusivity within their organizations, or on behalf of their clients.

This symposium provided a platform for organizations to present research, successes, challenges and lessons learned resulting from the implementation of DEI initiatives. This is not limited to large institutions dealing with DEI on multiple fronts, but also smaller organizations that are tackling small achievable initiatives. The main focus includes, but is not limited to projects that fall under UNESCO’s Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities.
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A total of 72 people attended the event in person & virtually!

Photo Album

What does Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mean to you?

  • Opportunity
  • Allocating my privileges to marginalized groups
  • Removing the barriers for the most vulnerable to be active participants in all aspects of life
  • EDI allows for the world to be a more inclusive space to grow, create, & advocate for themselves &their community members.
  • Welcoming, safe, celebrated. Different but together, loved supported; a place of humble learning & growth
  • Opening doors and passing mics
  • Welcoming. Vulnerability. Encouraging. Humility
  • Belonging
  • Embracing, uplifting &respecting all individuals
  • The only path to a sustainable future
  • Everyone having equal opportunities in society. Working towards reconciliation and social justice
  • Meeting people where they’re at is where inclusion diversity and equity needs to begin.
  • ​Belonging
  • Uplifting others
  • Being heard. Benign valued. Being respected.
  • Know when to take action, and know when to listen
  • Inclusion first diversity will follow. Dr. Manju Varma
  • Having your needs met, despite who you are or where you come from
  • Empowering others and creating a sense of belonging
  • Allowing everyone to find the space they need to succeed
  • Opportunity, visibility, representation
  • Equal opportunity, not equal treatment
  • Continual learning
  • Equal Opportunity
  • Human connection
  • Welcoming environment that values and promotes diversity of thought and psychological safety
  • Identifying and removing barriers for others
  • DEI means to me true connection as humans and working together toward our natural potential