EDI News and Events

Learning Opportunities: Indigeneity and anti-colonial resources

We invite FHSD students, staff and faculty to continue their learning journey by committing to do frequent and purposeful meaningful actions, and to expand their knowledge about the history and legacy of residential schools and the intergenerational impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples.

Do a meaningful actions by volunteering for an Indigenous organization, choosing to support Indigenous owned businesses and/or organizations, taking time from your class/meeting or have an open conversation within your close circles, etc. Take some time to reflect with your colleagues, students or close ones, and read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action.

Expand your knowledge by registering in a course, attending events/workshops, reading a book, watching a documentary or film or partaking in a learning activity to expand your knowledge.

Did you know that both the Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation take place on September 30 every year?

Orange Shirt Day is the legacy of an Indigenous-led grassroot project that took place in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in May 2013. “As spokesperson for the Reunion group leading up to the events, former student Phyllis (Jack) Webstad, a Northern Secwpemc (Shuswap) woman from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek Indian Band), told her story of her first day at residential school when her shiny new orange shirt, bought by her grandmother, was taken from her as a six-year old girl.” To learn more, please visit The Orange Shirt Society

Local governments, school districts, Indigenous nations and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) declared September 30 as Orange Shirt Day.

National Truth and Reconciliation Day: After a failed attempt in 2019 to pass a Bill designating September 30th National Truth and Reconciliation Day, the Canadian government passed Bill-5 in 2021 in response to Call to Action 80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).  This Bill declared September 30^th as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and a federal statutory holiday.

Want to learn more? Here are some upcoming learning opportunities and resources:

• Indigenous Reads Book Club: Book # 1 Oct 6 (In Person) & Nov 1 (Online). Book #2 Nov 29 (In Person), Dec 13 (Online). tanisi – way’ – Hello, Members of UBC Okanagan Library, Indigenous Programs and Services, and The Office of the Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor are collaborating to present an Indigenous Reads Book Club, with an open invitation to all who would like to engage in some collective reading! REGISTER HERE
• We Are All That Is Possible- Indigenous Principles and Perspectives of Disability & Belonging with Joanne Mills: Dec 7 12-1:30pm. Joanne Mills is the Vice President of Quality Services & Indigenous Relations at Community Living British Columbia and a proud Cree woman from Ochekwi-Sipi Fisher River Cree Nation, a signatory to Treaty 5 in Manitoba. She’s been a force of change and purpose for Indigenous peoples who have for too long been marginalized and labeled as living with developmental disabilities. In this fourth session of the Indigenous Speaker Series, we will have an opportunity to better inform our sensibilities and perceptions about Indigenous peoples whom are both challenged with, and gifted with, developmental disabilities. REGISTER HERE
• Indigenous Health and Climate Change: Passing on Solutions with Deborah McGregor: Dec 13 at 10am Online. This presentation will explore the intersection between planetary health, climate change and the well being of Indigenous peoples. Deborah will explore how Indigenous climate change knowledge holds the key to define and diagnose solutions to the planetary health crisis. REGISTER HERE
• We Are All That Is Possible- From Cultural Genocide to Cultural Safety: Setting Up a New Standard of Healthcare in BC: Jan 18 from 12:00–3:30 pm ONLINE. This fourth Indigenous Speaker Series session features a panel that brings together BC health care organizations and their senior representatives to discuss the work of cultural safety, cultural humility, and the broader work in regards to the recommendations from In Plain Sight, Truth and Reconciliation, and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan. This important and timely dialogue will highlight the work being undertaken across the province in an effort to reconcile and redress the relationship between Indigenous peoples and health care professionals and systems. REGISTER HERE

Asynchronous resources:

• A Calls to Action Conversation – Hosted by Yellowhead Institute: Recording from Sept 29, online event. Honour National Truth and Reconciliation day this year by joining an esteemed panel of Indigenous leaders, as they discuss ‘Legacy’ Calls to Action (1-42). The discussion is hosted by Dr. Eva Jewell and Dr. Ian Moseby, who led the research for Yellowhead’s annual Call To Action Accountability: A Status Update on Reconciliation. RECORDING HERE
• UBC Learning Circle- 23 and me(n) with Elijah Buffalo: Recording from Oct 4, online event. A discussion based on anecdotal and personal observations of the representations of men in the healthcare field and how Call to Action 23 is being addressed by institutions. RECORDING HERE 
• UBC’s REDI office from the Faculty of Medicine- Diagnosing Truth, Healing and Conciliation Inside BC Health Care Systems with Dr. Danièle Behn Smith: Recording from Oct 17. Dr. Danièle Behn Smith is the Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous Health. In this second session of the Indigenous Speaker Series, we listened to Dr. Behn Smith’s unique perspective on how health and academic systems can best approach the work in relation to the processes of Truth and Reconciliation. RECORDING HERE
• Respect, Sincerity & Responsibility: Land Acknowledgements at UBC: 60 Min. Asynchronous course for faculty and UBC employees. At the end of this session, participants will recognize why land acknowledgements are an important part of our work at UBC, identify their positionality and responsibility when offering land acknowledgements and engaging with Indigenous communities and utilize resources and educational tools. REGISTER IN THIS COURSE HERE
• University of Alberta Indigenous Canada Massive Open Online Course (MOOC): 12 weeks of study, 2—3 hours/week. Asynchronous course. 12-lesson Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) from the Faculty of Native Studies that explores the different histories and contemporary perspectives of Indigenous peoples living in Canada. REGISTER IN THIS COURSE HERE
• PHSA Indigenous gender diversity: creating culturally relevant and gender-affirming services: 3 HOURS. Asynchronous course. A foundational course to help learners increase awareness, knowledge, and skills for improving access to services for gender diverse Indigenous people across BC. REGISTER IN THIS COURSE HERE
• Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Read the summary of the Final Report here, or its full version here
• Read the In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care
• Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) and Implementation Toolkit (UBC)
• Resources recommended by UBCO’s Library Indigenous Strategic Plan Implementation Sub-committee
• UBC Decolonizing and Antiracist Resources
• Every Child Matters: Honouring the Missing Children
• Teaching and Learning Resources from UBC’s Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre
• UBC’s Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre Collections
• Orange T-Shirt Day at UBCO
• Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre- Teaching and Learning Resources
• Indigenous Programs and Services at UBC Okanagan
• The history of Orange Shirt Day
• UBC’s Indigenous Foundations program
• Volunteer/donate to the Kelowna Friendship Society
• Donate to KUU-US Crisis Line Society, Orange Shirt Society, Indian Residential School Survivors Society, En’owkin Centre, Sncewips Heritage Museum, IndigenEYEZ, IndigiNews,  or others
• Shop from the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Spirit of The Lake, Kekuli Cafe, Shop First Nations, Indigenous World Winery, Shop Indigenous, Indigenous-Owned Businesses, Theytus Books, Strong Nations, GoodMinds or others
• Kinshift: Find lists of books to dig into, Videos to watch and Podcasts to listen to or donate
• Books, Films and resources compiled by the Okanagan Regional Library
• Books, Videos, children resources, etc from the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
• A selection of films by Indigenous filmmakers and allies from the National Film Board of Canada. See also their Educational Playlist
• Residential Schools Podcast Series
• The Aboriginal Healing Foundation Archived Research Series

Learning Opportunities: EDI and anti-oppression

• Bi-Cultural/Multicultural Identities Group: Every Thursday from 2:30-4pm at the gathering room in the Nechako residence. International Student? Immigrant or child of immigrants? Adjusting to student life and navigating your identity? Join these weekly sessions to discuss multicultural identity and finding an academic/social balance with our sense of selves. Snacks Provided! Email hira.imam@ubc.ca to register.
• IBPOC Voices: A conversation with Dr. Kiran Veerapen: Dec 9 from 12:00– 1:00 pm Online. Dr. Kiran Veerapen is the Assistant Dean of Faculty Development, and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine. She is committed to remaining responsive to emerging needs in undergraduate and postgraduate education in the Faculty of Medicine. This virtual event is part of the IBPOC Voices, a new monthly series led by Dr. Neila Miled the anti-racism Advisor. IBPOC Voices is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with guests who identify as Indigenous, Black and people of color. This series centers IBPOC experiences and knowledge, and highlights how they navigate the different challenges and how they engage with equity, diversity and inclusion. It is also a space where guests talk about their vision of an equitable and just environment. REGISTER HERE
• Fringe Natures X: Queer Eco-Gothic Portrait Studio: Dec 9 from 3-6pm at the Woodhaven Eco Culture Centre. Join the FEELed Lab for Fringe Natures, an occasional outdoor event series hosted by the FEELed Lab. These events invite deep curiosity about who, and where, we are, and what the heck we are doing here. All FEELed Lab events strive to be feminist, anticolonial, queer, and accessible spaces! MORE INFORMATION HERE
• CTL Panel Session: Health, Equity and Climate Change in the Classroom: Dec 12 from 1:30-3pm Online. UBC defines “sustainability” as simultaneous improvements in human and environmental wellbeing. In this panel session, we will hear from faculty members from various disciplines who are currently working on curriculum projects that explore the intersection of climate change, sustainability and healthy communities. The discussion will focus on their experience developing and implementing curriculum that combines themes of wellbeing and equity with the health and resilience of the natural ecosystems that sustain human life. REGISTER HERE
• CTL Inclusive Teaching: What is it and Why Does it Matter? Jan 24 from 1-2:30pm Online. This session is for anyone who teaches at UBC who is looking for an introduction to inclusive teaching practices. Be introduced to the literature underpinning inclusive teaching and discuss why inclusive practices in the classroom are important. REGISTER HERE
• IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Anita PalepuI: Jan 9 from 12:00– 1:00 pm Online. Anita Palepu, MD, MPH, FRCPC, MACP, FCAHS is a Professor and Eric W. Hamber Chair, Department of Medicine at UBC and Providence Health Care. This virtual event is part of the IBPOC Voices, a new monthly series led by Dr. Neila Miled the anti-racism Advisor. IBPOC Voices is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with guests who identify as Indigenous, Black and people of color. This series centers IBPOC experiences and knowledge, and highlights how they navigate the different challenges and how they engage with equity, diversity and inclusion. It is also a space where guests talk about their vision of an equitable and just environment. REGISTER HERE
• FLO Lab: Recognition, Relationship, and Resilience — A Framework for Trauma-Informed Post-Secondary Education: Jan 25 from 9-12pm Online. This three-hour, online synchronous workshop considers various aspects of trauma and resilience as they relate to post-secondary education. Grounded in intersectionality, holistic wellness, and relational teaching, this course will allow participants to discuss various approaches to curriculum development and delivery as well as the need for institutional adaptations in the post-secondary environment. Supportive interpersonal relationships with students are vital to a trauma-informed pedagogy; therefore, participants will consider the need for empathy, boundaries, and self-care in their teaching practices. This is an experiential workshop that includes various activities and the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to a case study. This workshop is relevant to all individuals involved in post-secondary education. REGISTER HERE

See asynchronous learning opportunities in our  Resources and Reports page.

Black Mental Wellness Project

The Black Wellness Project is back! Black counsellors from within the community have collaborated with UBC Black Caucus once again to provide two FREE virtual and/or in-person counselling sessions on a limited, first-come, first-served basis starting in November. This is open to all black Student, Staff and Faculty on both campuses. Bookings can be made by contacting the counsellors directly. Please see the list of participating counsellors HERE and their contact information.

IBPOC Affinity Group Hang Outs

A group of IBPOC staff and faculty in collaboration with the Provost Office hosts meet and greet gatherings for all staff, faculty and post-docs that identify as Indigenous, Black, Asian, multiracial, and/ or people of colour. If you are a UBCO faculty, staff or postdoctoral scholar who identifies as Indigenous, Black, Asian, multiracial, people of colour, or as a member of another racialized group, join us at our next event. These gatherings provide a space to connect and strengthen your community with other IBPOC-identifying faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars at UBCO. 

Learn more about IBPOC Connections: Staff & Faculty HERE

Looking to keep up to date with IBPOC Connections opportunities and next events? Sign-up our listserv:

1. Open a new email message to be sent to listserv@lists.ubc.ca
2. Copy and paste the following in the email body: subscribe IBPOC-CONNECTIONS
3. Click send and await confirmation email
4. Click on confirm subscription in confirmation email

*To learn more about why people who identify as IBPOC need their own spaces, check out the article on the registration link (above), read recommendations #6, 32, 3, 14, 34 (and others) from the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence (ARIE) Final Report  and see Goal 1, action D from UBC: Inclusion Action Plan. 

Equity and Inclusion in Action: JEDII STEM Series

The JEDII STEM Series offers regular, informal educational sessions on topics ranging from considering JEDII within your research program to setting up inclusive search processes for faculty and staff.

The series has been developed specifically to engage/support people who lead and support JEDII within STEM fields – for example, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Applied Science, Land and Food Systems, Forestry, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Medicine – and who already have some competencies in JEDII-related topics.

Although we center the experiences of people from equity-deserving groups in many of the discussions, allies and those from non-equity seeking groups are welcome and encouraged to attend – it is everyone’s responsibility to create a more just, equitable and inclusive university.

The series aims to primarily:

• Build a sense of community across STEM for people working on JEDII within their units.
• Enhance a sense of self-efficacy and solidarity through sharing of resources, knowledge and expertise.
• Through exchanges of ideas, develop a deeper understanding of some of the systemic barriers to JEDII within STEM in order to coordinate action across different units.

Sessions are generally delivered virtually and are available to participants at UBC Vancouver, UBC Okanagan, and other learning sites. For more information, please visit: Equity and Inclusion in Action: JEDII STEM Series