What’s New for May 2014

May is Asian Heritage Month!

“[Asian Heritage Month] acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage to the growth and prosperity of Canada.” – Citizenship and Immigration Canada

The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office shares in this national opportunity to celebrate the historical and present day contributions of Asian Canadians. We would like to recognize, in particular, the strengths and perseverance exhibited by Asian Canadian communities in working to challenge countless social and political barriers to equity, specifically in the pursuit of anti-racism change.

Below is a list of some interesting events happening on and off-campus during this month of May; check it out and enjoy!

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.)
May2014, Toronto Public Library (various branches): Asian Heritage Month. This year’s Asian Heritage Month will provide plenty of insight and entertainment from across Asia. We have four great homelands festivals featuring music, dance and culinary arts from the East, as well as intriguing programs at branches everywhere. See a full list of events here.

May 2 & 3, 8:30am – 6pm, OISE (UTSG): Decolonizing the Spirit Conference –Indigeneity, Access and Sustainability in Education. The Annual Decolonizing the Spirit conference therefore critically examines questions of knowledge production, processes of Indigeneity, human dignity, honouring of mind, body & spirit and sacredness of the land. This gathering invites scholars, researchers, practitioners, activists, elders, community leaders and educators to participate in a decolonizing dialogue on how to navigate and respond to the fragmentation caused by colonialism. The two-day conference will be a forum for participants to consider how to make education, liberation and community-building meaningful to marginalized people. Keynote speakers include: Dr. Laara Fitznor, University of Manitoba, and Dr. Miglena Todorova, University of Toronto. Admission is free!

May 10 to 14, 10am – 4pm, Hart House (UTSG): Joy of Conversation. Discover the freedom and joy of social communication. Be inspired and encouraged to verbally and physically express yourself without fear in social situations. Through humour, mixed with practical activities, improvisations and acting exercises, students will discover their own voice and develop personal charisma and presence in social communication. Both verbal and non-verbal exploration will be used. Discover the freedom, ease and joy of social communication. Instructor: Heather Dick.

May 14, 5:30pm-6:30pm, OISE (UTSG): Adult Education and Community Development Program Open House. Your path to graduate school begins here! Join us at the AECD open house and learn more about the program of study, the courses we offer, and the kind of services that are available. Visit the Department, find out more about the AECD program, meet faculty, staff, alumni and current students, and even attend one of the AECD classes.

May 17, 6pm, Living Arts Centre – Mississauga: Sync Afrique. Sync Afrique is the biggest African cultural show in the city of Mississauga. It serves as a platform for showcasing and channelling talent, professionalism, skill and energy towards the preservation of African culture and the exposure of individuals to the richness of Africa. The concept of Sync-Afrique is to showcase all parts of Africa through various forms of art (theatre, music, dance, fashion and poetry) all of which contribute towards the educative goal of the show. The show aims to eradicate stereotypes through education in an atmosphere of diversity, multi-ethnicity and tolerance.

May 29, 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Lislehurst (UTM): Alumni Awards of Distinction. University of Toronto Mississauga and its Alumni Association welcomes you and your guests to attend the inaugural Alumni Awards of Distinction honouring three extraordinary individuals who have made exceptional contributions to campus, their community and their profession. To inquire about this event, please call 905-569-4924.

May 30, 8:30pm – 10:30pm, Front Lawn – Davis Building (UTM): Flicks on the Field. A warm spring evening under the stars with family, friends and a terrific flick. Enjoy our beautiful campus under the night sky on the front lawn of the William G. Davis Building where it will be transformed into an outdoor movie experience featuring Disney’s stunning big screen comedy adventure Frozen. We encourage you to bring snacks, lawn chairs, blankets and, most of all, fun!

May 31, 5pm – 7pm, CCT Building (UTM): Festival Italiano: A Journey of Italy through the Italian Song. Featuring industry singers and musicians, the show will display a history of Italian music as performers sing hits from a wide range of genres and a wider range of artists including Pavarotti, Boccelli, Tozzi, Ramazzotti, and others! Light refreshment will be served prior to the concert in the Atrium outside of room 1080. Raffle prizes to be won!

May 31 & June 1, Royal Ontario Museum: South Asian Heritage Weekend. Enjoy a weekend of exotic performances and displays showcasing a variety of dance forms, instrumental performances, traditional crafts, workshops, documentary films plus interactive games and activities for kids. Last but not least, the delicious South Asian menu at Druxy’s ROM Café!

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.