Racism in Canada is often considered a more subtle and less overt problem compared to the United States, but beneath the surface lies a complex and deep-rooted issue. Structural, societal, and cultural racism persist across Canadian institutions, disproportionately affecting Black Canadians and Indigenous communities. This pervasive issue has far-reaching impacts, touching on various aspects of life, from education and employment to healthcare, law enforcement, and beyond. In 2025, these communities continue to grapple with the legacies of colonialism, exclusion, and discrimination, which remain stubborn barriers to equality and justice.
To understand the extent of this problem, it is crucial to delve into the three interwoven forms of racism—structural, societal, and cultural—that collectively shape the lived experiences of marginalized groups in Canada.
Structural racism refers to the way in which policies, practices, and norms across institutions systematically disadvantage certain racial groups. This form of racism is deeply entrenched in the foundations of Canadian society, dating back to colonial policies that disenfranchised Indigenous peoples and later Black Canadians.
One prominent example is the education system, which, despite progress, still reflects significant inequities. “For Black students, the educational system is a daily reminder that we’re not seen as equals,” says Michael F., a Black teacher and community advocate based in Toronto. “Disproportionately high suspension rates, lack of representation in curricula, and limited access to resources—all these factors perpetuate cycles of exclusion.”
Similarly, Indigenous communities have long been subjected to discriminatory policies in education. Residential schools, which were established to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture, remain a stark reminder of how deeply structural racism runs. While the last residential school closed in 1996, the effects linger in the form of lower graduation rates, poorer access to quality education, and underfunding for schools in Indigenous communities.
In healthcare, structural racism manifests through inadequate access to care, poor health outcomes, and the mistrust many Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples feel toward medical institutions. “When I go to the doctor, I know I’m not treated the same as a white patient,” shares Ruth D., a Black Canadian living in Vancouver. “There’s a constant feeling that my pain is dismissed, that my concerns are overlooked, and that the system isn’t designed to care for people like me.”
Indigenous health outcomes are similarly affected by structural racism, as demonstrated by the disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and suicide among Indigenous populations. The persistent underfunding of Indigenous health services, combined with systemic barriers to accessing quality care, continues to marginalize these communities.
Societal racism refers to the collective attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that reinforce racial inequality. This form of racism is often manifested through stereotyping, microaggressions, and the normalization of discriminatory attitudes. Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples often find themselves navigating a world where societal perceptions paint them as “other,” reinforcing exclusion and marginalization.
“I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been followed in a store or questioned about my qualifications at work,” says Angela W., a Black Canadian professional from Ottawa. “It’s exhausting, but it’s also a daily reality for many of us. Society constantly sends us the message that we don’t belong.”
Stereotypes about Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples also feed into broader societal narratives that hinder progress. Black men, for example, are often portrayed as violent or criminal in popular media, reinforcing negative perceptions and contributing to racial profiling by law enforcement. Indigenous peoples, on the other hand, are often depicted as “noble savages” or burdened by issues like addiction and poverty, which obscures the rich diversity and complexity of Indigenous cultures.
Societal racism also rears its head in the workplace. Research has shown that Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples face significant barriers to employment and advancement in their careers. A 2020 study by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found that Black Canadians earn, on average, 25% less than their white counterparts. The situation is even more dire for Indigenous peoples, particularly those living in remote or rural communities, where employment opportunities are limited, and systemic racism further curtails their prospects.
Cultural racism involves the devaluation and erasure of the histories, traditions, and identities of marginalized groups. In Canada, the cultural contributions of Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples are often overshadowed by Eurocentric narratives, leaving little room for the celebration of their rich heritages.
For Indigenous peoples, cultural erasure has been a long-standing tool of colonialism. “We’ve seen our languages, traditions, and ways of life systematically erased,” explains John P., a Cree elder from Alberta. “Residential schools were a tool to destroy our culture, and we are still in the process of reclaiming what was taken from us.”
While there have been efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages and cultural practices, these initiatives are often underfunded and lack the institutional support necessary to ensure their success. Cultural appropriation also remains a significant issue, with elements of Indigenous culture frequently co-opted by the fashion industry, art, and entertainment, often with little regard for the meaning or significance of these cultural expressions.
Black Canadians, too, face cultural erasure in many forms. While the history of Black Canadians stretches back centuries—beginning with the arrival of Black Loyalists during the American Revolution—their contributions to Canada’s development are often overlooked in history books. “Black Canadian history is Canadian history, but you wouldn’t know that from what we’re taught in schools,” says Karen L., a historian and educator from Nova Scotia. “We’ve contributed to every aspect of Canadian society, from politics to the arts, but our stories are rarely told.”
Cultural racism also manifests in the lack of representation in media, arts, and leadership positions. While there has been some progress in recent years, Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples remain underrepresented in key cultural institutions, reinforcing the notion that their voices and perspectives are less valuable.
Confronting the deep-rooted racism that persists in Canada requires a multifaceted approach that addresses structural, societal, and cultural forms of discrimination. While progress has been made in recent years, particularly with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action and the Black Lives Matter movement’s push for racial justice, much work remains to be done.
“At the end of the day, we need to dismantle the systems that uphold racism,” says Robert G., a Black Canadian activist and community organizer. “That means reforming our institutions, changing societal attitudes, and celebrating the cultures and histories of Black and Indigenous peoples.”
Education is a key component of this process. Ensuring that Canadian students learn about the histories and contributions of Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples is essential to fostering a more inclusive society. Likewise, addressing systemic inequities in healthcare, employment, and law enforcement will require targeted policies that acknowledge the unique challenges faced by these communities.
“We need to start listening to the voices of Black and Indigenous peoples,” says Mary T., an Indigenous rights advocate. “It’s not enough to talk about reconciliation or diversity—we need real action that leads to tangible change.”
As Canada moves forward, it is crucial that efforts to combat racism go beyond mere gestures of goodwill. Meaningful progress will require sustained commitment, policy reform, and societal shifts that prioritize equity, justice, and the full inclusion of Black Canadians and Indigenous peoples in all aspects of Canadian life. Only then can Canada truly begin to address the legacies of colonialism and racism that continue to shape its society.
