Halloween is an exciting time of year. It’s when we can choose to dress up and have fun, but while we look forward to celebrating, we encourage students to be mindful of their choice of costume. It’s important to keep in mind that caricatures of peoples’ cultures are not appropriate and are offensive and hurtful. It is seen as dehumanizing and disrespectful.

As educators, we must prevent harm by engaging students in critical conversations about cultural appropriation, stereotypes and caricature versus culture. This is an opportunity to build students’ understanding of the different cultures that make up this country and the chance to build empathy and mutual respect.

To learn more, please see the resources below:

Videos

Christian Parish aka Supaman talks about #IAMNOTACOSTUME (Elementary)

Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation | CBC Radio

Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation (Professional Resource)

Articles

My Culture Is Not Your Costume

Indigenous Students Speak out on Halloween: We are people, not costume

Demeaning Costumes

Unreserved Radio Segment: Standing up and Speaking Out