The Gifts of Our People is an Affinity Group that was created in July of 2020 in response to the heavy climate of racism, police brutality and discrimination experienced that summer following the murder of George Floyd. During this time, The New Mentality rose to the occasion in the midst of our 8-Week Virtual Disable the Label retreat, to change all previous programming and instead chose to respond to the pressing needs of our black, Indigenous and youth of colour in this network. 

In this programming change, the need for our BIPOC youth to have a safe space to unpack issues that mattered to them was prioritized. With advocacy from past and present network members, anti-racism advisory meetings and support of CMHO funding, The Gifts of Our People became a monthly program starting in November of 2021.  

The purpose of this project is to build trust and meaningful relationships, and to understand the experiences of BIPOC Youth in our network. Our hope is that this Affinity Group will create a culture of belonging, allowing BIPOC youth to bring their culture, identity, spirituality, religion, and lived experience to the space. This project is a part of TNM’s long-term commitment to embed anti-racism into all our practices.