THE ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: 50 YEARS OF ADVANCING HUMAN RIGHTS
This past June, the Ontario Heritage Trust and the Ontario Human Rights Commission unveiled a provincial plaque at Hart House at the University of Toronto to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Ontario Human Rights Code. An excerpt from the bilingual plaque reads as follows:
“The Ontario Human Rights Code came into effect on June 15th, 1962 and established equal rights and freedom from discrimination as primary elements of provincial law. The first legislation of its kind in Canada, the Code was designed to affirm and uphold the ‘inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family by providing a legal mechanism to combat discrimination‘ […] Since 19632, the Code has broadened in scope, establishing Ontario as a national and international leader in human rights promotion and protection. It continues to make Ontario a more just, equitable and inclusive society.”
Learn more about the 50th anniversary of the Ontario Human Rights Code and Commission: http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/50th-anniversary
NATIONAL ABORIGINAL DAY: JUNE 21, 2012
This June 21, 2012 marks the sixteenth anniversary of National Aboriginal Day! In 1996, the Governor General of Canada proclaimed June 21st to be National Aboriginal Day, as an “opportunity for Aboriginal Peoples to share their rich, diverse cultures with family members, neighbours, friends and visitors” and to recognize the contributions of Aboriginal Peoples to Canadian society. The date coincides with the summer solstice, which has important symbolism within many Aboriginal Cultures. Look out for the announcement from First Nation’s House on public monitors across campus. To learn more about NAD or to get involved, see below.
Get Involved
National Aboriginal Day Celebration
Sponsors: First Nation‘s House and University of Toronto Student Union (UTSU)
When: 12 – 2pm
Where: UTSU Lawn
ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH: MAY 2012
This May 2012 marks the tenth anniversary of Asian Heritage Month! In 2002, the Government of Canada officially declaredthe month of May as Asian Heritage Month to recognize “the important contributions of Asian Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, the diversity of the Asian community, and its present significance to the country.”
The official declaration of Asian Heritage Month by the Government of Canada resulted from the work and leadership of Senator Vivian Poy who proposed the motion in 2001, which was later adopted by the Senate.
CARIBBEAN QUILT JOURNAL, VOLUME II
The Caribbean Studies Student Union presents:
Caribbean Quilt Journal, Volume II
A collection of art, essays and poetry that critically examines issues affecting the Caribbean region and diaspora.
For more information, email students.carssu@gmail.com or visit http://carssu.sa.utoronto.ca/
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION (IDERD) WEEK 2012: CAMPUS EVENTS
Colour Me Film Screening & Discussion
U of T, Scarborough Campus (UTSC)
UTSC will host a screening of the documentary “Colour Me” –a film that will challenge the way you think about race. We follow motivational speaker Anthony McLean as he runs a groundbreaking mentorship program for teens in Brampton, the most demographically changing Canadian city. While challenging them to analyze and abandon the stereotypes they have accepted, Anthony is forced to critically examine his own identity. Funny and heart-warming, Colour Me explores the confines of race, the complexities of identity, and the need to find your voice.
Sponsored by:the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office and the Department of Student Affairs at the University of Toronto Scarborough
When: March 20th, 2012 5pm
Where: Arts & Administration Building, University of Toronto Scarborough Campus, 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, M1C 1A4. Accessible entrance located at the main entrance.
Web-link: http://www.antiracism.utoronto.ca/
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION (IDERD) WEEK 2012: CAMPUS EVENTS
One Big Hapa Family
Film Screening & Artist Talk with writer/director/animator Jeff Chiba Stearns
One Big Hapa Family ScreeningThis feature live action and animated documentary explores why almost 100% of all Japanese-Canadians are marrying interracially, the highest out of any other ethnicity in Canada, and how their “mixed” children perceive their multiracial identities. The stories from four generations of a Japanese-Canadian family come to life through the film, which seeks to challenge dominant conceptions of racial “purity” and Canadian multiculturalism.
Discussion: On the UN Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Kelowna‘s Jeff Chiba Stearns will discuss his experiences as a “mixed-race Canadian” and how that has informed and fueled his work in film, animation, and commercial career over the last twelve years.
Sponsored by: Hart House and the Reel Asian International Film Festival
When: March 21, 2012, 6:30 pm
Where: Music Room @ Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle
Web-Link: http://www.harthouse.ca/student-engagement/docfest
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION (IDERD) WEEK 2012: CAMPUS EVENTS
Revelations with M. Jacqui Alexander
A reading from new work with Professor M. Jacqui Alexander, Women and Gender Studies, University of Toronto and Founding Director, Tobago Center for the Study and Practice of Indigenous Spirituality
Author of Pedagogies of Crossing: Meditations on Feminism, Sexual Politics, Memory and the Sacred (Duke University Press, 2005): Co-Editor of Feminist Genealogies, Colonial Legacies, Democratic Futures (Routledge, 1997); Sing, Whisper, Shout, Pray: Feminist Visions for a Just World (EdgeWork, 2003)
Sponsored by: Women and Gender Studies and Caribbean Studies, University of Toronto
When: March 23rd, 2012, 6:30pm
Where: William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks Street (one block South of Harbord, off Spadina) Accessible front entrance, on Willcocks street
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION (IDERD) WEEK 2012: CAMPUS EVENTS
Equity Speaking Series for Grad Students (Part 4 of 4)
The Story of an Angry Black Woman Scholar: Still Black, Still A Woman, Still a Scholar….but is she still Angry?
This workshop will be a discussion about what can make graduate school difficult for people who encounter it as a space that does not expect them to be there. It will also be a discussion of why it could turn out to be the most thrilling and rewarding experience of your life.
Guest Speaker:
Dr. Charmaine Williams, PhD. Associate Dean, Academic
Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work www.socialwork.utoronto.ca
Sponsored by: Status of Women Office, School of Graduate Studies
Organized in Coordination with: Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office
When: March 26, 12-13pm
Where: Grad Room @ School of Graduate Studies, 65 St. George Street
Web-link: http://status-women.utoronto.ca/
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION (IDERD) WEEK 2012: CAMPUS EVENTS
6th Annual Decolonizing Conference
Decolonizing the Spirit: Towards a Transgressive Pedagogy
The conference papers and presentations will explore Spirituality in relation to the following themes:
- Resistance & Agency
- Land, Space, &Geography
- Occupy Movements
- Gender, Race, Class, Sexuality, Ethnicity & Disability
- Leadership
- Indigenous knowledge
- Music
- Decolonization
- Development
- Globalization
- Education
Sponsored by: Centre for Integrative Anti-Racism Studies, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education & the Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office, University of Toronto
When: March, 30th to March 31st
Where: 252 Bloor Street West Toronto, M5S 1V5 (OISE Building) Accessible entrance located off of Bloor Street.
Web-link: http://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ciars/Events.html
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
“Colour Me” Documentary Screening & Discussion
Feb 02, 8 – 10 pm
*Featuring post-show discussion with Filmmaker Sherien Barsoum & Anthony Mclean*
UTM is proud to host the University of Toronto‘s premiere of the documentary “Colour Me” –a film that will challenge the way you think about race. We follow motivational speaker Anthony McLean as he runs a groundbreaking mentorship program for teens in Brampton, the most demographically changing Canadian city. While challenging them to analyze and abandon the stereotypes they have accepted, Anthony is forced to critically examine his own identity. Funny and heartwarming, Colour Me explores the confines of race, the complexities of identity, and the need to find your voice.
NOTE: If you require an accommodation due to a disability please contact antiracism@utoronto.ca by January 31st, 2012 and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.
Sponsors: Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office; Caribbean Connections; Dean of Student Affairs, UTM; Director, High Risk, Director, Employment Equity AODA; Erindale College African Students Association