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.
June 2022 Restore Sessions
ARCDO joins the University of Toronto in acknowledging the pain and heartache from the recent tragic events in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. We recognize that these events along with other acts of racial violence and hate around the world, continues to impact racialized members of our community. ARCDO invites the University of Toronto community to join us in spaces of collective healing as we centre restoration, care and action during these challenging times.
If you require accommodation, please email s.baig@utoronto.ca and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.
Healing Through African Drumming
“… drumming can create an atmosphere that promotes community and social resilience,” – Donté McDaniel, Libota Mbonda, African Drumming Group
Objectives
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 prioritizes care and honours the shared strength of Black community at the University of Toronto.
Facilitator
Negus Medhin
Master African-Caribbean Drummer, Singer & Performer
Holistic Vibrancy
Negus Medhin is a Holistic Health Therapist specializing in the areas of Reflexology, Shiatsu and Aromatherapy. His education includes Kinesiology, Physical Health and Wellness, Psychology and Early Childhood Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. He is a current student at Trillium Collage studying Registered Massage Therapy. He is also a professional Master African-Caribbean drummer, singer and performer who conducts workshops, classes and tutorials. He is the proud owner of Holistic Vibrancy, a holistic health and wellness company, which offers holistic health services and products in the Greater Toronto Area.
Event Details
NOTE: There are 40 spots available at each location.
| Campus | Location | Date/Time/Registration |
|---|---|---|
| UTSG | Multi-Faith Centre Main Activity Hall 2nd Floor, Room KP208 569 Spadina Avenue |
June 14, 2022 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm Register |
| UTSC | Scarborough Circle (located at the entrance of the main campus, beside the N’Sheemaehn Child Care Centre) 1265 Military Trail *This event is in collaboration with the UTSC EDI Office |
June 21, 2022 10:30 am – 11:30 am Register |
| UTM | T.B.A. *This event is in collaboration with the UTM EDI Office |
June 23, 2022 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Registration Opening Soon |
Cost: Free
June 9, 2022 • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Purposeful Resilience: Restoration Through Movement and Meditation
Objectives
We invite members of the University of Toronto’s racialized communities and allies to a curated space of movement and meditation that supports self-care and emotional healing during these challenging times.
Facilitator
Anne Chan
Yoga & Meditation Teacher
Anne Chan Yoga + Wellness
Anne (she/her) is a yoga and meditation teacher and a lifelong student of mindfulness and science based movement practices. Her classes focus on listening to the more subtle sensations of our own unique experiences both internally and externally. Her goal is to honour all bodies and individual abilities while cultivating a connection between mind, breath and body. She left a corporate career after 20 years to become a yoga and meditation teacher and understands the stress and overwhelm that can come with life’s demands. She is currently completing a course in Inclusive, Trauma-Informed & Anti-Oppressive yoga teacher training. She is passionate about helping busy people add more movement and mindfulness into their day.
Certifications: 200HR RYT, 50HR Yin Yoga Teacher Training, 40HR Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, FRCⓇms – Functional Range Conditioning Mobility Specialist, First Aid/CPR-C
NOTE: You must use your University of Toronto email account to register.
Format: Virtual – Zoom Platform. Accessibility information for Zoom.
Audience: Faculty, staff, and students who identify as members of the racialized community and allies.
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.