Our story

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Who we are

The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) is a national charity established in 2013 with the mandate of building a more inclusive Canada. We envision a world where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect and where everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. We believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and justice are essential for building strong and healthy workplaces, schools and communities. We are committed to advocating for these values through education, training and action. By promoting understanding and inclusivity, CCDI strives to create a more equitable and just society for all.

Our vision

A world where people are valued and celebrated for all their dimensions of diversity.

Our mission

To help build a more inclusive Canada by bringing together and supporting people to become change agents through thought leadership, research, education, and action.

Our values

• Change: We are committed to following a path of continuous growth and learning as the DEI space continues to evolve.
• Courage: We have the courage and humility to know that we are not always right and strive to continually learn in order to advance social change.
• Inclusion: We contribute to a world where people are accepted for who they are and feel free to be their full selves, always.
• Integrity: We make responsible decisions based on leading practices, putting them into action with transparency and accountability.
• Respect: We value and appreciate people’s unique traits and beliefs with dignity and compassion.

Our commitment to truth and reconciliation

CCDI acknowledges this land, now known as Canada, as the land of the First Peoples (Nations), Inuit, and Métis. We respect and affirm the inherent and Treaty Rights of all Indigenous Peoples across this land. We pay homage to them, past, present and future, as they continue to work, educate and contribute to the strength of this country. Thank you for the privilege of living and learning in this place.

In recognition of the Truth as retold by thousands, and as we endeavour to walk the path towards Reconciliation, CCDI believes that transformation is necessary. We are committed to reflecting a more truthful and inclusive history of the diverse Indigenous Peoples of Canada, the realities of residential schools, the systemic racism faced by Indigenous communities past and present, and the ongoing impacts these continue to have on workplaces and communities across Canada. We work with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Community partners to co-create solutions and to guide us in this work. We will continue to deepen and steward all our relationships as they help us to fulfill our mandate of educating organizations – including our own – towards reconciliation.