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Roundtable highlights York students’ positive actions to support migration and diversity

A roundtable organized by York University’s Centre for Refugee Studies (CRS) showcased the many ways in which students are engaging positively to promote inclusion on campus and in the community. The event, which took place March 15 at the Keele campus, was streamed to the Glendon campus.

Four students from the Keele and Glendon campuses presented on their personal and collective resistance to problematic anti-immigration, racist, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic actions in Canada and internationally.

Christina Clark-Kazak (organizer and moderator), Dina Taha, Hawa Sabriye, Ousman Conteh and Kim Veller
Christina Clark-Kazak (organizer and moderator), Dina Taha, Hawa Sabriye, Ousman Conteh and Kim Veller. Photo by John Carlaw

Dina Taha, a PhD candidate in sociology, a member of the York University Sociologists and Friends refugee sponsorship group and co-chair of the CRS Student Caucus, encouraged participants to decolonize methodologies. She explained how increased awareness and attention to our own positions within power relations is necessary for both research and activism.

Kim Veller, a second-year student at Osgoode Hall Law School and chair of the local chapter of the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, reported on a recent research-a-thon that was focused on the Safe Third Country Agreement. This pan-Canadian initiative, in partnership with the Canadian Council for Refugees, demonstrated how law students can use their legal training and research to effect positive policy change.

Ousman Conteh, co-president of the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) group at Glendon and a Development Studies major, highlighted WUSC’s Refugee Sponsorship Program, which brings refugee students to study at York University. He also spoke of WUSC’s broader public education roles, including an upcoming Fair Trade event at the Glendon campus.

Hawa Sabriye, a master of education candidate and teacher with the Toronto District School Board, gave specific examples about increasing diversity and tolerance in educational settings, both in Toronto and abroad. Her experience with WUSC-Keele and the Borderless Higher Education for Refugees (BHER) project provided rich perspectives on the many ways in which education can be made more inclusive.

The diversity of experiences and disciplinary perspectives of the speakers and the participants resulted in an energizing discussion about how the different student groups could work together on collective goals. Participants also discussed at length the ways in which particular terminology and labels can undermine rights – such as the use of the illegal migrant label.

Government strategy on youth homelessness must focus on mental health, says report

Governments must focus on the mental health challenges faced by young people in Canada in order to effectively address youth homelessness, says a policy brief released April 6 by researchers and community groups.

The report by the  Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, based at York University, and A Way Home Canada, calls on federal, provincial and territorial governments to implement youth homelessness strategies that recognize marginalized and homeless youth are at higher risk of mental health challenges, poor quality of life, and suicide.   The first national study on youth homelessness found that 85 per cent of young Canadians who are homeless are experiencing a mental health crisis, 42 per cent reported at least one suicide attempt, and 35 per cent reported at least one drug overdose requiring hospitalization.

“Rather than invest in prevention and rapid re-housing, our response to youth homelessness has been to wait until young people face acute crises before we do something. It is time to change our approach,” said Stephen Gaetz, York University Professor and Director of the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness. “This is an opportunity for the Canadian government to become an international leader in addressing youth homelessness.”

Housing policy brief posterAdverse childhood experiences such as abuse, systemic problems including barriers to accessing services, and structural issues such as racism often combine to worsen the mental health of youth experiencing homelessness. LGBTQ2S and Indigenous youth experiencing homelessness report markedly poorer mental health and face numerous barriers to accessing supports.

“Youth homelessness is an equity issue. All youth, regardless of their identity or poverty, deserve access to safe, affordable, and appropriate housing and health care. These are human rights, said Kaitlin Schwan, Postdoctoral Fellow at the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness.  “The fact that Indigenous youth across Canada disproportionately experience homelessness and poor mental health demands an urgent response from all levels of government.”

Federal and provincial governments have made significant investments in homelessness and mental health recently. The federal government announced a 10-year, $5 billion dollar investment in mental health services earlier this year and most provinces and territories have now established new mental health transfers with Ottawa. The policy brief calls on the federal government to implement a youth homelessness strategy with a special focus on mental health and wellness, and for provincial and territorial governments to implement more targeted strategies.

“With this new federal investment in mental health, communities across Canada are positioned to make real progress on this issue. The key will be ensuring services are coordinated and communities set real, measurable targets for progress,” said Melanie Redman, Executive Director of A Way Home Canada.

The policy brief outlines six recommendations for federal, provincial, and territorial governments:

  1. Develop and implement strategies to prevent and end youth homelessness, supported by targeted investments;
  2. Invest in systems integration to address the mental health needs of youth experiencing homelessness;
  3. Prioritize and invest in program models that focus on prevention and rapid exits from homelessness for youth;
  4. Adopt a youth-centered approach to addressing youth homelessness, grounded in human rights;
  5. Ensure that all strategies and program responses address the unique needs of diverse youth experiencing homelessness; and
  6. Develop a national research strategy focused on youth homelessness, and invest in knowledge development and data management, in order to advance an integrated systems response to youth homelessness.

More about the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness and A Way Home Canada

The Canadian Observatory on Homelessness is a non-profit, non-partisan research institute that is committed to conducting and mobilizing research so as to contribute to real and sustainable solutions to homelessness.

A Way Home Canada is a national coalition dedicated to preventing and ending youth homelessness in Canada. We inspire and enable communities and all levels of government to organize, plan and implement strategies to address youth homelessness in a coordinated, measurable and impactful way.

York University appoints seven new York Research Chairs

Research York University
Research York University

York’s President and the VP Research & Innovation announce seven new York Research Chairs, each outstanding in their respective academic fields, bringing the grand total to 24.

Mamdouh Shoukri

On March 22, York University President & Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri and York Vice-President Research & Innovation Robert Haché announced seven new York Research Chairs (YRCs). Four years after the launch of the YRC program, it has now grown to 24 Chairs.

The YRCs is an internal program aimed at building research recognition and research capacity, with excellence in research, scholarship and associated creative activity being the selection criteria. Standards, expectations and supports for YRCs are at the same level as for the Canada Research Chairs program.

This program is designed to recognize excellence that’s already in existence at York U and support the programs of the University’s most active researchers.

Tier I YRCs are open to established research leaders at the rank of full professor. Tier II YRCs are aimed at emerging research leaders within 15 years of their first academic appointment.

Robert Haché
Robert Haché

“We are delighted to acknowledge these outstanding researchers and scholars with the York Research Chair appointment,” said Shoukri. “These new Research Chairs embody York University’s commitment to research intensification, scholarly excellence and policy-relevant findings.”

“These academics are accelerating research leadership across York. They are undertaking visionary work that has local, national and international impact,” said Vice-President Research & Innovation Haché.

The following appointments are effective July 1, 2017. Note: The two Chairs associated with the Vision Science to Application (VISTA) Program were supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF).

Tier I York Research Chairs

Deborah Britzman

Deborah Britzman
Tier I York Research Chair in Pedagogy and Psycho-Social Transformations

Britzman’s research interests are in psychoanalysis with education and studies of learning as psychosocial transformation. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, A Psychoanalyst and Distinguished Research Professor in the Faculty of Education, she is the author of 100 articles and eight books.

Eric Hessels

Eric Hessels
Tier I York Research Chair in Atomic Physics

Hessels’ area of specialization is in experimental atomic physics and high-precision measurements in excited states of few-electron atoms. A Distinguished Research Professor in the Faculty of Science, Department of Physics and Astronomy, he is part of a collaboration whose goal is to use antihydrogen atoms to conduct tests of the physics of antimatter.

Laurence Harris

Laurence Harris
 Tier I York Research Chair in Multisensory Integration

Harris investigates how we integrate information from our different senses to create the perception of our own body, and our sense of position and movement in the world. He is the Director of the Centre for Vision Research at York, an international leader in biological and machine vision research. He is a professor in Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Health and a core member of the Vision: Science to Applications (VISTA) program.

George Zhu

Zheng Hong (George) Zhu
Tier I York Research Chair in Space Technology

Zhu is the Director of the Space Engineering Design Laboratory at the Lassonde School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research interests touch on a number of topics including the dynamics and control of tethered spacecraft systems, electrodynamic tether propulsion and space debris removal, space robotics and advanced spacecraft materials.

Tier II York Research Chairs

Kristin Andrews

Kristin Andrews
Tier II York Research Chair in Animal Minds

Andrews’ interests are in animal and child social cognition and moral development. She has worked with dolphins in Hawaii and orangutans in Borneo. Her research area is in the philosophy of psychology. Her first book, Do Apes Read Minds?, was published by MIT Press in 2012. She is in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, Department of Philosophy.

Sapna Sharma

Sapna Sharma
Tier II York Research Chair in Global Change Biology

Sharma, in the Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, is interested in predicting the effects of environmental stressors, such as climate change, invasive species, land use change, and habitat alteration, on ecosystems and improving the use of quantitative approaches used to generate these predictions.

Robert Allison

Robert Allison
Tier II York Research Chair in Stereoscopic Vision and Depth Perception

Allison, in the Lassonde School of Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and VISTA Program is interested in human perceptual responses in virtual environments and study of stereoscopic vision. He is also interested in the measurement and analysis of eye movements and the applications of this technology.

Learn more at www.research.info.yorku.ca/research-chairs-2/.

By Megan Mueller, manager, research communications, Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, York University, muellerm@yorku.ca

York students attend historic Daughters of the Vote initiative at House of Commons

Daughters of the Vote
Daughters of the Vote

Nine York University students were among the 338 young women to attend Equal Voice Canada’s historic Daughters of the Vote initiative in the House of Commons on International Women’s Day (March 8).

The young women were representatives for each of Canada’s federal ridings, and made Canadian history by taking their seats in the House with more women than had ever been elected to that office. The Daughters of the Vote delegates shared statements – received with several standing ovations – on a variety of issues, and asserted that women and gender minorities are underrepresented in elected office but are equally entitled to political power.

The delegates were then addressed by the leaders of each party with seats in the House, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who also opened the floor for questions. The historic event was part of a four-day conference in Ottawa that included panels and networks on effective leadership, advocacy and networking, and multi-partisan insight from executives, union leaders, elected officials and political staffers.

The delegates from York University included:

• Melinda Phuong, a master of education candidate, represented the riding of Markham-Thornhill. Phuong was one of 16 Daughters selected to testify before the House of Commons Status of Women Committee. As a teacher, Phuong spoke about how cyber-bullying of girls affects future leadership among women in politics and other fields. While cyber-bullying currently has negative consequences on these girls’ self-confidence and perceptions on women in leadership, Phuong is committed to using her platform to change this culture.

• Chimwemwe Undi, a master of linguistics student, represented her home riding of Winnipeg South. Undi was invited to share a spoken word piece. Undi, who is able to count performing at the Edinburgh International Book Festival and opening for Dr. Cornel West among her literary accomplishments, was excited to use her perspective as a linguist and language advocate to contribute to the conversation on reconciliation.

• Chenthoori Malankov, president of the York Federation of Students, represented Etobicoke North. Following conversations with many women of colour and members of the Indigenous community, Malankov hopes to increase the number of safe and accessible spaces on campus, which she will use in part to mentor young women leaders who are interested in running in both on- and off-campus elections.

• Rebecca Rossi, a fourth-year law and society major and president of York University’s Women Empowerment Club, represented King-Vaughan. Rossi has committed herself to change the mindset of young women around her. “Women belong in political office and in leadership roles,” she said. “The reality is that these spaces are usually overflowing with men, when women deserve to be just as present and heard.”

• Paige Fisher, a political science student, represented Brampton West. While Fisher was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to meet politicians, learn from leaders of major policy and non-profit organizations, and take her MP’s seat in the House of Commons, the moments she found most poignant were the ones she spent engaging with and learning from her fellow delegates.

• Samantha Redaj, currently enrolled in her first year at York’s Schulich School of Business, represented the Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding and found that this event increased her already-present desire for political involvement. Redaj called the experience a “direct call-to-action,” and plans to use her knowledge to increase and enhance her engagement in the York University community.

• Maymuna Mohamed, a poet, arts educator and cultural liaison of the Somali Students Association, represented York Centre – one of the most diverse ridings in Canada. During her week in Ottawa, she felt intensely reassured that leadership is where she belongs. Mohamed made a statement in the House of Commons regarding the urgent need for menstrual leave to be added to Canada’s Leave Policy Manual. As a health policy student, she is committed to advocating for mental health and women’s health rights. She plans to launch an e-petition soon calling for government action.

• Neelofer Mansuri is pursuing her double major in political science and philosophy at York University. She is currently the executive assistant to the Member of Parliament for Vaughan-Woodbridge, her home riding, which she also represented during her delegation with Daughters of the Vote. As a daughter of Afghan-Canadian immigrants, she is dedicated to serving newcomers and refugees through her volunteer efforts, and through her non-profit organization, which has a special focus on empowering underrepresented women and youth.

• Nawal Mohammad is pursuing a BA in political science with a minor in music. She represented the riding of Mississauga-Erin Mills when taking her seat in Parliament. She is committed to a fair, just and holistic politics. The highlight of Daughter of the Vote, for Mohammad, was having the opportunity to meet other young women who also feel strongly about the inclusion of marginalized people in politics. Her work at public libraries has brought in her in close contact with a variety of people from all walks of life, and drives her to be compassionate towards others.

Moving forward, the delegates plan to hold the University accountable to its mandate on social justice issues, emphasizing that women’s leadership in politics and other fields is an issue that should be important to people of all genders. Although York does not have an Equal Voice chapter, the delegates are planning to work closely with the Toronto chapter to address the intersectional barriers faced by women in politics, who often lack access to financial and community support. They hope to have a registered chapter of Equal Voice by the fall of 2017. Students interested in joining can contact Paige Fisher at paigef@my.yorku.ca.

Life in the University series highlights ‘Why Higher Education Still Matters’

Life in the University series

In recognition of Canada 150, York University’s Faculty of Education will present the “Life in the University: Past, Present and Future” series to examine the role of higher education.

The series aims to recognize challenges, past and present, faced by people inside and outside of the University, including the status of identity studies, debates over purposes of higher education, and changing work conditions.

The series is generously supported by the Canada 150 @ York Fund.

The first event in the series, “Reading in the University: A Collegial Conversation about professor Les Back’s Academic Diary”, takes place March 28 and will feature a discussion between faculty colleagues from across campus about teaching (and their other) experiences at York University. Les Back from Goldsmiths, University of London will facilitate a conversation in relation to his book, Academic Diary: Why Higher Education Still Matters.

On March 29, Back will deliver a public lecture about the importance of higher education in today’s world titled “Thriving in the University: Why Higher Education Still Matters.” Then, inspired by Back’s book, York University’s Lorna Erwin (sociology), Don Dippo (education), and Vidya Shah (education) will each share an academic diary entry and their perspective on life in the University today. The event will take place at 6pm in 152 Founders College. All are welcome.

The third event in the series is a day-long symposium, “Thinking in the University,” on Oct. 27. The event will bring together faculty and students to discuss the status of identity in university studies and will feature Roderick Ferguson (University of Minnesota) and Robin Weigman (Duke University).

“York is a busy place, and we rarely have opportunities to get together to talk about changes within the university that affect teaching, learning, research and other important aspects of our work lives,” said Associate Dean Research and Community Sue Winton.  ”We hope this series will facilitate these important conversations.”

Les Back

More about Professor Les Back
Back is a professor in the Sociology Department at Goldsmiths, University of London. His main areas of academic interest include the sociology of racism and ethnicity, popular culture and music, urban life, community, class, social theory and sociological methods. Back has written for the Guardian, Times Higher Educational Supplement, Open democracy, and Eurozine as well as published music writing for magazines and liner notes for CDs.

Canada 150 @ York University
For the past 58 years, York University and Canada have shared a rich history. York’s faculty, programs and students have helped shape the University to become Canada’s third largest and leading university.

On July 1, 2017, Canada will recognize the 150th anniversary of Confederation. To mark this celebration, York University will host a number of initiatives and events that will explore Canada’s past and look to its future, while highlighting York University and Canada 150 themes relating to the environment, diversity and inclusivity, Indigenous people, and youth.

More information about each of the events in the series is available on the Faculty of Education web site.

Update on the Open Access and Open Data Steering Committee

The new campus-wide Open Access an Open Data Steering Committee, co-chaired by Joy Kirchner, University librarian, and Sushanta Mitra, associate vice-president research & innovation, began its work in fall 2016 with the goal of coordinating campus-wide education on open access and data management, particularly in light of Tri-Agency Open Access Policy requirements and the Tri-Agency Statement of Principles on Digital Data Management.

Specific objectives include: an articulation of a framework and coordinated service models that support faculty with these requirements and to create a wider forum for discussion and consideration of changes to the system of scholarship; sustainability of current economic models of scholarship, access to publicly funded research, issues surrounding authors’ and users’ rights in the digital age; and new scholarly distribution systems and other connected open movements.

Two working groups have been formed with the following titles: “Research Data Infrastructure” and “Open Access Policy and Implementation.” The terms of reference for the steering committee and the working groups were finalized and are available on the Open Access & Open Data Steering Committee website at library.yorku.ca/web/open.

A road map and roadshow are being developed to raise awareness and encourage discussion about open access publication and dissemination models, and research data management at York. These materials will also address related topics, such as authors’ and users’ rights; methods for enhancing the visibility of research; supports for managing research data; and the Tri-Agency guidelines regarding open access publication and data. The intention is to bring the roadshows to Faculty Councils, Associate Deans of Research (ADR) and Organized Research Units (ORU) and Senate.

Faculty Council meetings are being scheduled in April and May to inform faculty of the work of the Steering Committee. Specific roadshows to Faculty Councils, ADRs and ORUs are being developed to address concerns from faculty members, graduate students and postdoctoral Fellows on matters associated with open access, author’s rights, and data management planning. A Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section on the website will document questions and answers that will arise from meetings with the broader York community.

The Open Access Policy and Implementation Working Group members are in the process of working on a communications roadmap, an FAQ, and an open access policy in consultation with the Steering Group.

The Research Data Management and Infrastructure Working Group is in the process of compiling a list of supports available on campus and beyond for research data management, and identifying areas where additional supports are required. A website is in development, and the community will be invited to share their feedback and concerns.

Upcoming events

Charles Humphrey of the Canadian Portage Network will be invited to campus in early May to discuss developments in creating a community of practice for research data and fostering Canada’s national research data culture.

For past stories on the committee, visit yfile.news.yorku.ca/2016/09/11/open-access-open-data-steering-committee-to-support-york-community/.

York PhD candidate earns international award for racial equity project

York PhD candidate earns international award
York PhD candidate earns international award

York University PhD candidate Bruno Véras has earned the Antonieta de Barros Award for the promotion of racial and gender equity in Brazil.

Bruno Véras

The award recognizes 30 initiatives or communication projects promoting racial equality and overcoming racism.

Véras is a grad student in the Department of History, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS), and was the director of the project “África Aparece: Linguagem, Ensino Debates sobre a Cultura Afro-Brasileira” (Africa displayed: Language, Education and Debates on the Afro-Brazilian Culture).

In recognition of the successful impact it had on the community, the project won R$ 20,000 (reais) from the Secretariat for the promotion of racial equality (Ministry of Women, Racial Equality & Human Rights).

“África Aparece” received initial funding from the Ministry of Education & Culture in Brazil, and advisory support from the Harriet Tubman Institute, York University.

Based in the Zequinha Barreto State Public School, “África Aparece” promoted Afro-Brazilian culture, stimulated positive memories of Africa, and enhanced self-esteem among the black youth in the the community of Dom Hélder Câmara in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil, through a series of workshops on photography, plastic arts, film screenings and educational exhibits.

Véras works under Professor Paul Lovejoy, and is also a graduate assistant for the Harriet Tubman Institute.

Antonieta de Barros was a pioneer in combating discrimination against blacks and women. She was the first black state deputy of Brazil and first woman deputy of the state of Santa Catarina. Throughout her life, de Barros was a teacher, journalist and writer.

Click here to access the project website and social media.

Faculty of Graduate Studies honours Prof. Carl James with its teaching award

Carl James
Carl James
Vice–President Academic and Provost Rhonda Lenton, right, presents the Faculty of Graduate Studies Teaching award to Prof. Carl James
Vice–President Academic and Provost Rhonda Lenton, right, presents the Faculty of Graduate Studies Teaching award to Prof. Carl James

The Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) honoured Professor Carl James with the Faculty’s Teaching Award for his contributions to graduate teaching and membership. James was presented his award at the Faculty Council meeting on March 2. Attending the presentation were friends and colleagues of James.

“Carl’s extraordinary work in the classroom, as a supervisor and as a mentor, as well as his passionate commitment to social justice, make him an exemplary member of the graduate community at York University,” said Vice–President Academic and Provost Rhonda Lenton, who presented the award. “His expertise in the fields of community-based scholarship and accessible education, in addition to his study of racialized education systems, and marginalized populations and education, has led to numerous prestigious awards inside and outside of the academy.”

James, a professor in the Faculty of Education and the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora is affiliated with the graduate programs in Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Social and Political Thought, Sociology, and Social Work.

Recognized nationally and internationally for his work in equity in relation to race, class, gender, racialization, immigration and citizenship, James was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2012.

“The fact is, community plays a significant role in our lives and in our educational, professional and occupational pursuits,” said James, after accepting his award. “As such, I take seriously that students too bring community-informed needs, interests, expectations and aspirations of the community to their educational process to which we must be responsive in terms of our course content, pedagogy and assignments.”

Nomination letters in support of the award noted the remarkable diaspora of his former graduate students, who now serve as teachers, public school administrators, professors and researchers in higher education, as well as community leaders in the not-for-profit sector.

His peers frequently cited his continuing and engrossing presence in research activity within York University and the surrounding community. Most notably, however, was the consistent admiration for the time and energy he has and continues to devote to his students and York alumni in support of their scholarship.

As the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora, James will focus on addressing community issues and concerns within a framework of equity, inclusivity, and social justice. The work of the Chair will also consider the current context, building on its past accomplishments, and initiating a structure and activities that will serve to advance the principles of educational access and opportunities, cultural understanding, and community engagement.

“I appreciate this award particularly for what it symbolically represents to me,” he noted. “That is the work that myself and other Black, Indigenous and other racialized colleagues do daily in our work with students and at the university generally,” he said. “Ultimately, this recognition is not only about my teaching and research, but also about the possibilities for our graduate and undergraduate students here at York.”

The FGS Teaching Award is awarded annually to a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies who has displayed substantial, significant and sustained excellence, commitment and enthusiasm to the multifaceted aspects of teaching at the graduate level at York.

York teacher candidates get first look at new resource for Indigenous students

New resource for Indigenous students
New resource for Indigenous students

A group of 78 teacher candidates from York’s BEd (French) program were privileged to be the first audience to view and learn about the new resource “En cercle, en classe” (Joining the Circle), produced by the Centre ontarien de prévention des agressions (COPA).

En cercle, en classe resourceThe multimedia resource for teachers, that was designed with and for all education staff across Ontario, is the result of a journey that shares wisdom and guidance from First Nations, Métis and Inuit Elders, educators, community partners, parents, families and caregivers to strengthen support for Indigenous students and their families.

“The students and team members at Glendon were honoured and grateful that COPA chose us to be the first audience to be exposed to this incredible new resource,” said Glendon Site Coordinator and French as a Second Language Course Director James Steele. “Learning about authentic and meaningful ways to better serve our students, families, and communities of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit heritage is a fundamental part of being an educator, and COPA’s outstanding resources in French and English help all of us achieve this.”

Joining the Circle offers 10 animated vignettes in French, English, close-captioned, and several Indigenous languages, and has questions for discussion for each of these vignettes. The toolkit also offers short videos of interviews with Indigenous community members. All of the videos can be used as minds-on activities prior to a lessons or starting points for discussion.

The guide offers information about treaties, the scrip system, residential schools and many, many more topics to assist educators on their journey of learning more about Canada’s First Peoples. It also provides suggestions of a activities to use within the school setting, and aligns with COPA’s vision to have schools where everyone can feel safe, strong and free.

The main goal of the toolkit is to strengthen support for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students and their families through building relationships. Other goals are to provide ideas for increased awareness of Indigenous realities, histories, cultures, and to promote reconciliation.

“When students see themselves reflected in the curriculum and learn together with their educators and classmates about our rich histories, cultures and present day realities, then they will feel more welcomed within the school community,” said Deb St. Amant, project lead at COPA. “This can begin to help heal the inter-generational trauma experienced by so many Indigenous families as a result of residential schools, the sixties scoop, racism, and bullying.”

Deb St. Amant and Mario Hinse from COPATeacher candidates at the Glendon site were able to learn about this multimedia resource and reflect on topics such as pride and identity; understanding racism and discrimination against First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples; building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous students and families; and nurturing safe and healthy schools and communities.

“The COPA presentation, in addition to all of the resources the organization provides, has opened up my eyes to learning and teaching about First Nations, Métis and Inuit education,” said teacher candidate Olena Olejarczyk. “I appreciated the time the presenters took to show us the outstanding website and resource kits that we could order online, as well as the chance to be exposed to indigenous languages that are alive and well in Ontario.”

Full details about COPA and its resources can be found at www.infocopa.com.

Black History Month Symposium looks at evolving meaning of Blackness in Canada

The Faculty of Education’s Jean Augustine Chair in Education will present a two-day Black History Month Symposium on Feb. 17 and 18 at Founders Assembly Hall.

Anthony Stewart

“The Evolving Meaning of Blackness in Canada” will feature keynote speaker Professor Anthony Stewart (Canadian Scholar, Bucknell University), who will engage scholars, researchers, students, social service agency workers and community members in conversation about the historical and contemporary presence of Blacks in Canada, noting their situation in education, justice and social services.

The event will kick off Feb. 17 with an opening reception and keynote presentations from 6 to 9 pm, and the symposium continues Feb. 18 with panel presentations and roundtable discussions running 9am to 4:30pm.

The event is sponsored by The Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora; The Harriet Tubman Institute for Research on Africa and its Diasporas; and, the Department of Humanities in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies.

The event is free to attend. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/2kbfkc1.