Mr. Teri Westerby

06/12/2025

For the past several months, I’ve been working with Moms Against Racism to help build a powerful new independent, community-owned online platform free from algorithmic , political , and .

After years of seeing how social media throttles important conversations (especially those led by racialized people and anti-racist organizers) Moms Against Racism Canada decided to act.

“ ” refers to the quiet of posts, making them invisible to followers, limiting , and eroding reach. I’ve seen this firsthand. Posts go unseen. Groups mysteriously lose traction. Entire conversations disappear. It’s not an accident. It’s beyond frustrating, and it’s dangerous. These platforms decide what voices matter, and who has to pay more for access.

We needed a space where we set the terms.

So I helped MAR launch a new WordPress-based , one that’s volunteer-run, secure, and independent. No . No manipulative . Just people, resources, conversation, and care.

It’s the culmination of over five years of Mothers organizing, education, and sharing mutual aid... and it’s ready.

If you’ve ever wanted a place where care, action, and are the norm and not the exception—join me.

Not everyone is a , but if you believe in , in , in building something rooted in and … now’s the time.

You can explore the new platform and get 3 months free with the code MARWELCOME at MomsAgainstRacism.ca/become-a-member.

When you join, add me as a friend -

Enough with digital spaces that silence us. Let's create our own.

06/11/2025

Last night, Imagine High hosted the 5th Annual Pride event for the Chilliwack School District.

It brought together students from across our community—queer and non-queer alike—in a space that said clearly: you belong.

In a world that so often tells us there’s only one acceptable way to be, this event supports every person who dares to challenge that.

It gave our students a place where being different isn’t just tolerated—it’s celebrated. Where they don’t have to chip away at who they are just to fit in. Where no young person has to ask themselves, “Am I too much?” or “Do I matter?”

The truth is, belonging shouldn’t come at the cost of authenticity.

As someone who grew up without spaces like this—especially here in Chilliwack—I know the kind of loneliness and trouble that can come when there’s nowhere to go, no one to turn to, and nothing that feels safe.

That’s why it means so much to see our schools choosing to be those spaces now. Places filled with adults who see and support students for exactly who they are.

Because school should never be a place where you’re expected to shrink. It should be where you learn, grow, and become more of yourself—not less.

To the staff, students, and community members who made this event possible: thank you. You’re helping build a Chilliwack where kids don’t have to wonder if they’re welcome—they’ll know they are.

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06/04/2025

06/04/2025

🧡🌲🌈 Yesterday, trustees and district leadership had the honour of sitting with Indigenous student leaders and advocates from across our schools.

These shared powerful personal stories, reflections, and clear ideas for how to make our schools more welcoming, inclusive, and accountable to the Indigenous students they serve, and to the peoples whose lands these schools stand on and belong to.

Their messages were courageous and clear:

📌 Teach the true , including the hard parts.

📌 Celebrate and year-round.

📌 Create space and prioritize voices, leadership, and belonging.

📌 Don’t just talk about , live it in every classroom and hallway.

Across BC, Indigenous Education Councils (IECs) are reshaping how school districts honour local First Nations, address , and uplift Indigenous learners. These councils were made possible through collaboration between the BC Ministry of Education and Indigenous partners, and they are guided by the principle that Indigenous communities must have a say in how education is delivered to their children.

Here in , we’re proud to be at the forefront of this work, because of the deep relationships we’ve built with each other; Stó:lō and settler communities working together through listening, learning, and committing to peace, truth, and shared .

Nations are ideas. They're human constructs. What’s real—what matters—are the people, the communities, and the relationships we build together. That’s what makes change possible. That’s what makes our schools stronger.

To the students who trusted us with your stories and your hearts: You are leading the way. Thank you for your courage and tenacity.

I stand with you, today and always.

06/03/2025

🌈 Pride Month is here, and downtown Chilliwack is glowing with love, inclusion, and community spirit! 🌈

This June, 100 vibrant Pride banners are flying proudly throughout our city, each one a testament to the power of visibility and belonging. These banners were thoughtfully co-designed by three incredible local changemakers:

Justin Mallard: A passionate advocate for LGBTQ2SA+ inclusion, Justin initiated the banner project through the Mayor’s Task Force on Inclusiveness, Diversity and Accessibility. Drawing from personal experiences within his family, he envisioned these banners as a beacon of love for anyone struggling with their identity.

Bonny Graham (B.Wyse): An Indigenous artist of Stó:lō and Snunéymuxw ancestry from Hope, BC, Bonny infused the banners with cultural significance. She contributed a beautiful Two-Spirit design and incorporated the word “A:lwes,” meaning “courage” in Halq’emeylem, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous representation.

Teri Westerby: A proud trans man, local advocate, and digital designer, Teri brought his lived experience and creative skills to the project. His commitment to fostering safe, inclusive spaces in Chilliwack shines through in every banner.

Each banner features words like “Courage,” “Pride,” “Acceptance,” “Hope,” and “Love”—powerful affirmations that everyone belongs.

🏳️‍🌈 Want to show your support? The CHWK Shop is offering FREE Courage Pride Banners to local businesses as part of their exclusive Chilliwack Pride Merch collection. These bold and beautifully designed flags are a way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community. Limited to one per business. While supplies last.

Let’s continue to uplift and celebrate the diverse voices that make Chilliwack a more inclusive and loving place for all. 💖

06/03/2025

06/01/2025

05/30/2025

Visiting the Club at Robertson Elementary yesterday was such a moving experience!

As a adult, I know personally how important it is for young + students to see someone like them living openly and authentically.

Nearly 35% of LGBTQ+ teens are facing cyberbullying and 65% of trans and nonbinary youth report due to their identity. This means having affirming role models around is even more crucial.

Research underscores the positive impact of : having just one accessible LGBTQ+ adult role model can significantly boost a young person's self-esteem and sense of purpose. These connections can help counteract the negative messages they might encounter online or in society, reinforcing that they belong and can thrive just as they are... Because they can see it for themselves!

I am deeply grateful to the educators at Robertson Elementary who champion and create for .

Their unwavering support not only builds a sense of but also contributes to better mental health outcomes for LGBTQ+ students.

Together, by standing as visible allies and mentors, we can build a world where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

05/30/2025

Today New Democrats met with a group of doctors and healthcare workers who recently returned from Gaza. Their message was urgent and unequivocal: Canada must act immediately to end the blockade of humanitarian aid and unfolding genocide.

05/30/2025

Foundations for New School Leaders is coming soon with a great roster of speakers. You will learn about ways to decolonize your work, about the Leadership Competencies, and much more. Learn more here:https://bcpvpa.insite.com/files/sites/bcpvpa/foundations-new-school-leaders/bcpvpa-foundations-program-2025-final.pdf