Anti-Racism

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Posted: March 14, 2023

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is March 21.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

Since then, some racist systems have been dismantled but, in many regions, too many individuals, communities, and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. We can use this day to reflect on the fact that Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities continue to experience racism and discrimination in Canada every day. We can re-commit to take action against racial discrimination in all forms to ensure a world where everyone has equitable access to all aspects of society.

Source: Canada.ca

Visit the Anti-Racism Action Committee’s booth on March 21st from 12pm-1pm in the NDC Library hallway and EDC Roblin Atrium to:

Commit to an action towards ending racism
Make a button and wear it to show your solidarity
Enter to win a book educating about anti-racism
Explore the Anti-racism book display
Get a treat!

Join us in the fight to end racial discrimination!

Resources

E q u i t y , Diversity & I n c l u s i o n Resources at the College

Canadian Centre for Diversity & Inclusion Resources (For employees only; Login may be required)

Webinar: Microaggressions: Microinterventions and microaffirmations (March 21, 12 pm)
Guide: Racism and Anti-Black Racism

Winnipeg Public Library

The Winnipeg Public Library has compiled resources to help you learn more about different forms of racism, racial privilege, and what it means to be anti-racist.

Take part in the Black History Month Social Justice Book Club

Posted: February 3, 2023

Picture portraying golden yellow background as well as various print-inspired designs found in black communities.

The Social Justice Book Club is an initiative put on by the Anti-Racism Steering Committee to create a space for students, faculty and staff to foster a learning community that advances Truth & Reconciliation, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The title of a book will be shared and then there will be an opportunity for participants to share in a facilitated discussion to explore the impact of the book. The discussion questions will be shared in advance on the Social Justice Book Club website as well as emailed to the discussion session registrants.

Join us for our first Social Justice Book Club event centered around Black History Month:

Step 1

Pick up There’s Something in the Water by Ingrid R. G. Waldron from the Campus bookstore, or your local library, and read the book during February and March and/or watch the documentary about the book on Apple TV or Prime Video.

There’s Something in the Water by Ingrid R. G. Waldron book displayed in the Campus bookstore — There’s Something in the Water by Ingrid R. G. Waldron displayed in the Campus bookstore.

Step 2

Join us on Tue. Mar. 28th from 12-1pm in CM27 (Active Learning Classroom) at NDC for an in-person in-depth discussion about the book OR on Wed. Mar. 29th from 12-1pm for a virtual in-depth discussion about the book.
Pick up your book at the campus bookstore and register for the Social Justice Book Club event here.

Discussion Questions

These discussion questions are designed to be used with There’s Something in the Water by Ingrid R. G. Waldron.

Use the Canadian Race Relations Foundations glossary to help with unfamiliar words.

How does the expression “a rising tide lifts all boats” ignore the unique experiences of racialized people and prevent addressing environmental racism? (pg. 2)
How did Waldron use Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) to understand residents’ experiences? How could you use this to build partnerships at RRC Polytech? (pg. 23)
Waldron defines colonialism and settler colonialism differently. How did these different focuses impact environmental racism for Indigenous and African communities in Canada? (pg. 38)
- Colonialism: European colonization and conquest to bring resources and slaves back to Europe.
- Settler colonialism: The elimination of Indigenous peoples by Europeans to transform the new colony into a new home.
How do urbicide and gentrification contribute to environmental racism? (pg. 55)
According to Waldron, “Canada has jurisdictional authority over Indigenous peoples, their land, and reserve communities” but not on operating provincial water regimes on reserve lands. What is the impact of this shared in the book? (pg. 73)
How do myths about Black and Indigenous imperviousness to mental and physical illness as well as perceived disposability contribute to the environmental violence they are experiencing? (pg. 89)
Reflect on the statement “In the end, social justice work is a marathon, not a sprint.” (pg. 112)
Waldron states that we need a multi-pronged approach to address environmental racism in Canada. We need: 1) to center race, 2) to address environmental policy, 3) partnership between white-led organizations and Black and Indigenous communities, and 4) alliances between Black and Indigenous communities. How can we use this multipronged approach in our own lives? (pg. 131)

SOCIAL JUSTICE BOOK CLUB EVENT REGISTRATION

For questions about the Social Justice Book Club, email diversity@rrc.ca

Diversity Speaker Series: Dr. Danièle Behn Smith

Posted: January 23, 2023

You’re Invited – Addressing Structural Racism in Canada’s Healthcare System – Featured Expert and Virtual Panel Discussion

Health and healing, both mental and physical can present major challenges for Indigenous people and others in marginalized groups to work, learn and thrive. One of the areas that Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission identified to address in its 94 Calls to Action is Health. The effects of generations of trauma continue to be passed down in these communities and barriers caused by systemic or structural racism is resulting in a significant gap in health outcomes for Indigenous people across Canada.

Join RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee for the final presentation of a four-part virtual speaker series featuring champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion accompanied by a moderated panel discussion designed to inspire change.

The keynote speaker is Dr. Danièle Behn Smith. As B.C.’s Deputy Provincial Health Officer – Indigenous Health, she works alongside Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry to provide independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health to advance the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples and truth and reconciliation.

Dr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian/Métis roots in the Red River Valley. As both a physician and health leader, her work recognizes self-determination as the foundation of health and wellness among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, and the importance of Indigenous approaches and healing systems.

She advocates for upholding the inherent rights of Indigenous peoples by illuminating and arresting the ways in which inherited ideologies of white supremacy and racism insidiously show up in everyday public health practices, policies, and approaches.

Following her 20–25-minute presentation addressing structural racism in Canada’s healthcare system – Titi Tijani, President of African Communities of Manitoba Incorporated will join the discussion to add her perspective, further the conversation, and respond to questions from the audience.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2023

Time: Noon – 1pm

Host: RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee via ZOOM

Moderator: Ginger Arnold, Instructor, Social Innovation and Community Development

Click to Register

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. If you require any accommodations, please contact kmichie@rrc.ca. For all other questions, please contact diversity@rrc.ca.

If you have technical difficulties when logging on to this Zoom event, please contact kmichie@rrc.ca or text 204-299-8000.

Full Bios:

As a leader, internationally educated teacher, and activist, with over 25 years of experience in community development, Titi Tijani is a pillar in the African Community. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Ecology from University of Manitoba; and Certificates in Education, Community Leadership, NVCI Trainer and Conflict Resolution. She has worked with Manitoba Housing, in Tenant Services since 1998 and currently as Director of Support Services.

Titi has volunteered in the African community for over 25 years, supporting the integration of newcomer women and their families. As the President of African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI) since 2017, Titi supports the African ethno cultural community organizations build and develop capacity to support their membership; preserve and promote African culture and heritage and promote cultural understanding in Manitoba.

Her career in social services, education and her volunteer work with organizations like the Okin International Club of Canada (OICC), African Communities of Manitoba Inc., Manitoba Lung Association, Central Youth Justice Committee, Nigerian Association of Manitoba, the Black Community Collective and the Police Accountability Coalition have allowed her to advocate and support thousands of community members and organizations in their pursuit of building a more diverse, sustainable, and equitable Manitoba.

It is for these reasons that Titi has been recognized by the Spirit of a Community Builder Award, the Premier’s Volunteer Service Award Certificate of Recognition, one of 100 most fascinating Manitobans in 2020, Manitoba Honour 150, Mayor’s Volunteer Service Award.in 2021 and most recently as a recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Community Leadership Award in 2022.

Effective October 13, 2015, Dr. Danièle Behn Smith has been appointed as the province’s aboriginal health physician advisor.

Dr. Behn Smith works alongside, Dr. Bonnie Henry, Provincial Health Officer. Dr. Behn Smith provides independent advice and support to the Ministry of Health on First Nations and Aboriginal health issues. In support of the Ministry’s strategic agenda, Dr. Behn Smith focuses on closing the gap in health outcomes between First Nations and other British Columbians.

Dr. Behn Smith is Eh Cho Dene (Big Animal People) of the Fort Nelson First Nation in B.C. with French Canadian/Métis roots in the Red River Valley. Since getting her Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University and completing residencies at the universities of Ottawa and Manitoba, Dr. Behn Smith’s career has spanned the country and the globe.

She has practiced rural medicine in remote communities across Canada and is currently a family physician at Tse’wulhtun Health Center in the Cowichan Valley. She was a board director for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada, the director of education for the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Health Initiatives Program and the site director of the University of British Columbia’s Aboriginal Family practice residency.

Dr. Behn-Smith was also the host of “Medicine Woman”, a 13-episode television series which explored traditional healing practices in ten countries on six continents.

Panel Event – Anti-Racism: A Dialogue about Transforming Higher Education

Posted: November 2, 2020

Overview

This panel discussion unpacked the ways in which racism and discrimination present themselves in our society.

Panelists discussed how each of us can be a stronger ally and anti-racist on and off campus. We delved into ways to safely talk about race and discrimination and explored how post-secondary institutions can transform themselves into more inclusive spaces for staff and students.

This panel was presented in partnership with the RRC Polytech Students Association. Ginger Arnold, an Instructor in Social Innovation and Community Development, moderated the discussion.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Campus