Rooted in Relationship: Reflections and Strategies for Lasting Equity & Anti-Racism in Education

This interactive fireside chat brings together two perspectives on advancing anti-racism and equity within Alberta's education system. Dr. Shariff will share & reflect on her experiences and research, bringing equity and anti-racism professional learning into one of Edmonton's largest and diverse high schools, highlighting how she has empowered educators, celebrated successes, and helped them navigate resistance. The conversation then shifts as Owen Holloway shares how this foundational learning helped co-create a plan and a detailed formal proposal for the faculty council and the school administration, ensuring this work continued to have positional leverage to revise policy and provide more equitable practices. Together, they share the lessons learned, practical strategies for fostering educator-led professional development, and the challenges and possibilities required for institutional change in education. Designed as a dialogue rather than a lecture, this session models the relational and reflective practices at the heart of EDIAR work. A Q&A period will close the session, offering participants the opportunity to connect insights to their own leadership contexts.