How Salmon Arm built an anti-racism strategy through collaboration
A PlanH webinar | February 25 at 1:00 p.m. Register
Building equitable public policy starts with strong relationships – and the City of Salmon Arm is offering a real-world example of how collaboration across sectors can drive meaningful change.
On February 25, a one-hour PlanH webinar will explore how Salmon Arm developed a community-wide anti-racism strategy through partnership, respectful engagement, and the inclusion of lived experience. The session will provide practical insights for local and Indigenous governments, community organizations, and practitioners working to embed equity into planning and policy development.
Drawing on Salmon Arm’s experience, the webinar will examine why multi-sector collaboration is foundational to healthy public policy, how to work respectfully with Indigenous communities, and how to ensure that the voices of those most affected by systemic racism meaningfully inform decision-making. Speakers will also outline the context that led to the strategy, the collaborative approach that emerged, and next steps as the project moves into implementation.
The City of Salmon Arm received a 2024 PlanH Healthy Communities grant to develop the anti-racism strategy and a 2025 PlanH grant to support its implementation. The strategy is grounded in culturally informed engagement, cross-sector partnerships, and lived experience, responding directly to community-identified experiences of systemic racism in the Shuswap region.
Speakers represent the multi-sector partners involved in developing Salmon Arm’s anti-racism strategy:
Amanda Eastwood – Social Planning Council for the North Okanagan works to improve the quality of life for community residents by addressing key social issues through collaboration and advocacy. It coordinates the Partners in Action Committee, which focuses on homelessness, affordable housing, food security, access to recreation, and crime prevention. Through partnerships with nonprofits, government, businesses, and community volunteers, the Council works to create meaningful and lasting change.
Launa Payne and Sherrelle Anderson – Rise Up Indigenous Wellness is an Indigenous-run, non-profit organization based in Salmon Arm, BC, created to address service gaps for Indigenous children, youth, and families. Through culturally grounded, holistic programs—including mentorship, family support, land stewardship, and outdoor learning camps—Rise Up empowers Indigenous people on their paths to wellness. Guided by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors, including three Knowledge Keepers, the organization delivers programs by Indigenous facilitators that honor the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of everyone.
Janelle Rimell – Interior Health Authority (IHA) is part of the regional health authority for the Interior of British Columbia which works with local governments, Indigenous partners, and community organizations to create environments that support health, well-being, and equity. They focus on upstream prevention by influencing policies, planning, and community design to make healthy choices easier for everyone.
Jen Gamble – Shuswap Immigrant Services Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting newcomers and celebrating diversity in the Columbia-Shuswap region. Staff are committed to delivering client-led, accessible services grounded in mutual respect. Through support services, social events, and community connections, we help individuals and families settle, belong, and thrive in their new home.
Sarah Zuidhof – City of Salmon Arm is a city situated in the Shuswap region of British Columbia’s Southern Interior, located on the scenic shores of Shuswap Lake where the Salmon River flows into Salmon Arm Bay. The city is dedicated to providing comprehensive services to its residents while fostering strong and enduring relationships with community partners. Through these collaborations, Salmon Arm works to promote a healthy, sustainable, and high-quality standard of living for both its residents and the broader Shuswap region.
Tanya Harrington – K̓wsaltktnéws ne Secwepemcúl’ecw School District No. 83 is located on the traditional territory of the Secwépemc people and encompasses the beautiful geographic area around Shuswap Lake and the valleys of Enderby and Armstrong. We provide safe, inclusive, and culturally diverse learning environments from kindergarten to Grade 12, offering a wide range of programs that support engaging, relevant, and meaningful learning experiences. Our commitment to social responsibility encourages students to respect themselves, others, and the environment while giving back to their communities.
About the webinar
The session includes an interactive Q&A, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with speakers and explore how collaborative, equity-focused approaches can strengthen community planning and policy development in other local contexts.
