What’s New for June 2014

“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible.”

• Dr. Maya Angelou

June is National Aboriginal History Month!

“In June, Canadians celebrate National Aboriginal History Month, an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.” – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

There will be a number of events happening throughout the month in recognition of National Aboriginal History Month. Here at U of T, you can stay connected to what’s happening locally by checking out the First Nations House website, follow them on twitter @UofTFNH or by liking their Facebook page! See below for a listing of some of those events.

June 27th is Canadian Multiculturalism Day!
What does “Canadian Multiculturalism” mean to you? How does multiculturalism contribute to and enrich the Canadian experience?

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Email us at antiracism@utoronto.ca or send us a message on Facebook!

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SAVE THE DATE!
A Hurdle to Success: Symposium

The second instalment of the Hurdle to Success series – a free full-day symposium bringing together student athletes, community members, sport professionals and academics to discuss critical issues and the experiences of Indigenous and racialized minority students engaged in post-secondary athletics – will take place on Saturday, September 27th at the University of Toronto Scarborough from 9:00am to 4:00pm.

The symposium will feature keynote presentations and panel discussions from community members, academics and sport professionals including renowned social and political activist, and former Olympian, Waneek Horn-Miller. Breakout discussion sessions throughout the day will explore challenges and opportunities in three areas:

• How Indigenous and racialized youth access and are recruited to post-secondary athletics;
• How marginalized student athletes successfully pursue, complete, and graduate post-secondary education; and
• The successful transition to professional sport including Pan Am/Parapan Am.

Join us as we continue the conversation exploring success in sports and school!

When: Saturday, September 27, 2014 – 9am
Where: University of Toronto Scarborough
Cost: Free! RSVP at http://ahurdletosuccess.eventbrite.ca 
Facebook Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/739822482707730/

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Other[ed.]: What is decolonizing education in the post-secondary setting?

The video “Other[ed.]: What is decolonizing education in the post-secondary setting?” was created as a part of the 2014 University of Toronto’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) Communications Campaign, observed annually on March 21st. The objective of the video is to explore the diverse perspectives on the meaning of decolonizing education; decolonizing practices (i.e. what it looks like inside and outside of the classroom, in teaching, and in institutional policies, practices and structures); and in its linkages to anti-racism change. The video features interviews and digital stories from students, staff and faculty members in the University community.

Other[ed.] is available for viewing on the ARCDO website and on YouTube!

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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.)

June 2 to 26, various locations: imagineNative celebrates Aboriginal History Month. The 15th annual imagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival returns October 22-26, 2014 but the celebrations begin in June with National Aboriginal History Month! imagineNATIVE will commemorate National Aboriginal History Month with several special free events.

June 3 to 8, UTSC: 2nd Annual Scarborough Film Festival. Scarborough Film Festival is an annual six day celebration showcasing local, Canadian and world cinema, with a goal to enhance Scarborough cultural scene through the art of film and attest that Scarborough is a diverse, welcoming and beautiful district of the Greater Toronto Area. In its 2nd annual event, which will run mid 2014, the Film Festival is promising to be the best one yet, with a variety of film programs, recognition and award ceremonies, parties, and of course more films! During the 6 days Scarborough Film Festival will present numerous feature and short films of various genres, showcasing the best in local, Canadian and international cinema. A number of awards will be presented including Scarborough Film Festival Audience Choice Award.

June 6, 6:30pm, A Different Booklist: A Tribute to Maya Angelou – ‘Keep on Rising’ Open Mic Tribute. We invite all mighty people and phenomenal women to join us for a community tribute to Dr. Maya Angelou. The words & memories of the powerful griot will be exchanged.

June 8, 7:30am-4pm, Port Credit: Mississauga Dragon Boat Festival in Port Credit. The Mississauga Dragon Boat Festival is Mississauga’s flagship dragon boat event, and represents your opportunity to ride the wave along with the rest of the community. With over 1,000 participants expected, the event provides an excellent opportunity to feel the energy of the event while enjoying the beauty of Port Credit. Stroll along the riverbank and cheer on the many teams participating, shop at one of the vendor booths and grab some cold drinks and snacks at one of the many food vendors.

June 14, 12pm-7pm, Mississauga Valley Parks: Mississauga Multicultural Festival. The one-day free event includes musical and cultural entertainment, youth sports activities, a community BBQ, an art exhibition over 30 community displays, bouncy castles, and family arts and crafts programs, kids sports and outdoor activities.

June 26, 12pm-8pm, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto: Aboriginal History Month Celebration. On Thursday June 26th, 2014, the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto will be holding their 5th annual Aboriginal History Month Celebration at Yonge & Dundas Square. This year, we have an exciting line-up of entertainers including Digging Roots, Métis Fiddler Quartet and Derek Miller headlining! As well as, all day Kid’s Arts & Crafts Tent and craft vendors exhibiting and selling their wares.

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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.