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What’s New for August 2016
As we prepare for the beginning of the new academic year and welcome students back to campus, the ARCDO would like to highlight some of the many festivals and activities available to keep us busy until September. Be sure to check out the list below:
August 9th is the International Day of the World’s International Indigenous Peoples!
In 1994, the United Nations declared August 9th the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
The date marks the day of the first meeting, in 1982, of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations of the Sub-Commission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights.
The theme for 2016 is: “Indigenous Peoples’ Right to Education”. This theme was chosen to highlight the fact that the right to education has not been fully realized for most indigenous peoples. As such, a critical education gap exists between indigenous peoples and the general population. Steps have been taken to address some of the issues, bringing to mind the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Steering Committee to review and make recommendations regarding the recruitment of and support for Indigenous students, staff and faculty; Indigenous alumni engagement; inclusion of Indigenous content in UofT curriculum, and inclusion of Indigenous issues, research and themes in University programming. The Interim Report of the Steering Committee for the UofT can be found at the following URL: http://www.provost.utoronto.ca/Assets/Provost+Digital+Assets/TRC_InterimReport.pdf.
In March, UofT’s IDERD Campaign also focused on indigenous people: “History, Legacy, and Reconciliation: Indigenous Education and the role of the UofT” which brought together scholars and community leaders to discuss the role that UofT could play in its commitment to indigenous education. As the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples approaches, let us reflect on how we can help to further build education access, retention and achievement as this remains a critical challenge in many regions around the world.
More Events
(If you wish to request that your event be included in our monthly newsletter, please submit requests to antiracism@utoronto.ca at least one week prior to the beginning of the new month.)
August 5 – 7, Danforth Avenue (from Broadview to Jones): Taste of the Danforth. This is one of Toronto’s signature events, showcasing the best of what our multicultural city has to offer — from music to the arts and from sports to food.
August 5 – 7, Centennial Park: Jerkfest. This festival celebrates jerked cuisine, a popular tradition throughout the Caribbean. In addition to the delicious food a number of musicians perform music from the Caribbean and beyond.
August 12 – 14, Harbourfront Centre: Habari Africa. This festival rekindles authentic cultural and roots music in Africa through music, dance, film, workshops, crafts, fashion and food.
August 19 – 21, Harbourfront Centre: Hot & Spicy Food Festival. This culinary event offers a little bit of spice and a whole lot of heat from the mighty Lower Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, with exciting musical performances and a mouth-watering barbecue — southern-style!
August 26 – 28, Harbourfront Centre: TAIWANfest. This year’s event showcases the cultural conversation between Taiwan and Hong Kong through cooking demonstrations, family events and live music by top Taiwanese acts.
August 27 – 28, Mississauga Celebration Square: MuslimFest. This festival celebrates the best in Muslim arts and entertainment featuring popular Muslim artists, comedy shows, a multicultural bazaar, and a kids carnival.
Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain links to non–Anti–Racism & Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) websites. These links are provided solely as convenience to you. The ARCDO is not responsible for the content of any non–ARCDO websites and does not endorse the information contained therein.