Navi
The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) collaborates with community partners to curate spaces of wellness, healing and critical dialogue to address the impacts of racial discrimination through restorative activities. These spaces are designed to support the intersectional racialized identities of students, staff, librarians and faculty at the University of Toronto.
If you require accommodation, please email s.baig@utoronto.ca and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.
Past Events
October 3, 2022 • 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Community Vigil: Shared Hearts. Shared Grief. Shared Reflections.
The Iranian Association at the University of Toronto (UTIRAN), the Multi-Faith Centre and the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office join the University of Toronto in denouncing all forms of gender – based violence and repression of women’s rights. There is no denying the pain that many are feeling in light of the death of Mahsa Amini and violence in Iran. As we navigate grief and pain during these difficult times, we invite members of the Iranian community and allies to join us for a space of shared reflection and remembrance.
Support Resources:
For Students: My SPP app and Health and Wellness (Student Life)
For Faculty and Staff: Employee and Family Assistance Program
Location: MFC, Room KP208
Audience: Students, staff, faculty at the University of Toronto who identify as members of Iranian community and allies.
Cost: Free
November 18, 2022 • 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm • In collaboration with the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office
Breathing is a Radical Act
We can deepen our experience of rest, joy and pleasure by paying careful attention to our breath and our bodies. This type of awareness can be difficult for folks in our community because our bodies are often sites of violence and erasure. This session will give you the opportunity to practice breath and body awareness in an environment that honors the enormous risk involved in “being present.” Join Ronnie (they/them) for tender discussion and breath work to complement and support our day of remembrance – resistance <3
Facilitator:
Ronnie Ali (they/them)
View Bio
Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Black, Indigenous, and racialized Trans, Nonbinary, Gender Non-Conforming, Two-Spirit, and Gender Expansive members of the U of T community across all three U of T campuses.
Cost: Free
January 23, 2023 • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Restorative Circle for Jewish Community
Join us for a session of restorative practices, where we will share the impact and harm of antisemitism on us and our community – as well as repairing and reflecting together. All are welcome.
Facilitator:
Jacqueline Dressler (she/her)
View Bio
Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto who identify as members of Jewish community.
Cost: Free
January 30, 2023 • Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Writing our Dreams: Worldbuilding, Community Care, and Writing to Heal
A reflective creative writing workshop and discussion space that explores community care, writing, and worldbuilding through a liberatory and decolonial lens. Through poetry, narrative, and discussion, participants will explore the importance of storytelling in the work of healing ourselves and our communities. A mix of short interactive and introspective writing activities will guide discussions on how we can dream up and embody futures that are centred in cultures of care. No prior experience needed to participate.
Facilitator:
Timaj Garad (she/her)
View Bio
Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto who identify as members of Muslim community.
Cost: Free
February 10, 2023 • Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Rest as Resistance
We have been deeply impacted by the last three years, and rather than fighting systems of oppression or anti-blackness with our words, we invite participants to engage with practices that root ourselves in our right to rest and engage in community care. The session will start off with a gentle meditation and movement. This session is for Black participants to engage with the practice of being, rather than consistently doing, an invitation to reframing cultures of overworking and productivity. This session is informed by the work of Tricia Hersey – rest as resistance.
Facilitator:
Yamikani Msosa (they/them), Hill Studio
View Bio
Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto who identify as members of Black community.
Cost: Free
May 9, 2023 • 10:30am – 12:00pm
Restorative Art Therapy for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Community & Their Allies
This is a virtual art therapy workshop with a focus on marginalization, racism, inner strength, restoration, and solidarity for the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) community and its allies at the University of Toronto. Facilitated by Ashley Kwan and Phuong Nguyen, the workshop is a space for checking in with yourself and your community – to support and to feel supported.
Facilitators:
Ashley Kwan (BSc, RP [qualifying]) (she/her)
View Bio
Phuong Nguyen, RP (she/her)
View Bio
Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto who identify as members of Asian community and allies.
Cost: Free
Optional Materials: Paper, pencils, coloured art supplies (markers, pencil crayon, watercolours, etc.).
May 30, 2023 • 1:00pm – 2:00pm, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (new time)
Rejuv Movement Session
A 1-hour restorative movement session that is done to a slow to medium pace. Blending Indian classical dance gestures, breath and self-reflexology, this class is designed to bring participants to a state of balance, deep relaxation and allow their mind and body to restore. Participants will leave feeling a sense of renewal, release and restoration.
Facilitator:
Reshmi Chetram (she/her)
View Bio
Location:
Multi-Faith Centre
Main Activity Hall
2nd Floor, Room KP208
569 Spadina Avenue
Note: Please note only 50 spots are available for this space.
Format: In-Person
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto who identify as members of Asian community.
Cost: Free
Optional Materials: Water, yoga mat, journal, anything that supports your practice that day.
June 2023
Beats of Healing: Community through African Drumming
Drumming and drum circles are a part of the musical and cultural landscapes practiced by many communities. The African drum and drumming circles are often used to promote healing and self-expression; the drum is an effective tool in promoting well-being, releasing stress, breaking down barriers and uniting communities. During these sessions, participants will engage in drumming and dialogue that honors the collective spirit of the U of T community and prioritizes community connection and restoration.
Facilitator:
Negus Medhin (he/him)
View Bio
| Campus | Location | Date/Time/Registration |
|---|---|---|
| UTSG | Multi-Faith Centre Main Activity Hall 2nd Floor, Room KP208 569 Spadina Avenue |
June 5, 2023 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Registration Closed |
| UTSC | Scarborough Circle (located at the entrance of the main campus, beside the N’Sheemaehn Child Care Centre) 1265 Military Trail In the event of bad weather: *This event is in collaboration with the UTSC EDI Office |
June 7, 2023 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Registration Closed |
| UTM | Maanjiwe Nendamowinan (MN) 5th Floor, North Terrace 3359 Mississauga Road *This event is in collaboration with the UTM EDI Office |
June 9, 2023 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Registration Closed |
Note: Please note only 30 spaces are available for each space.
Format: In-Person
Audience: Students, staff, and faculty (racialized members and allies) at the University of Toronto are welcome.
Cost: Free
Restore Program Feedback
The Anti-Racism & Cultural Diversity Office is continuously seeking constructive and critical feedback on the overall program and the sessions offered. Your feedback will be taken into consideration and incorporated in future program development for Restore initiatives.
Past Restore Programming
Past discussion and activities to restore, organize and take action as we navigate challenging times.