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.

Recurring events: 

• kinSHIFT- Are you a settler looking for decolonization training? Check out kinSHIFT to view our latest programs.
  • Elements of Truth: BEFORE RECONCILIATION: Sessions Online. Cost: $107.10 per session or $395 plus taxes for the four-part series. Elements of Truth: Before Reconciliation is an experiential 10-hour workshop series guided by the Indigenous values of reciprocity, inclusion, curiosity, and humility. REGISTER HERE
  • Elements of Change: Why Land & Place Matter: Online. Cost: $451.89 ($372.32 for students). The Elements of Change series is specifically intended for settler Canadians who have already taken at least two or more of kinSHIFT’s Elements of Truth workshops (Earth, Air, Fire or Water) and are ready to deepen their learning in a more intimate setting that includes small and large group dialogue. REGISTER HERE
• IndigenEYEZ:- Workshops by and for Indigenous Peoples.
  • SPARK: Putting into Practice: The SPARK series for instilling creative facilitation within Indigenous leaders and changemakers returns in the spring. For those who have taken SPARK or other IndigenEYEZ workshops before, we invite you to drop by for one or all of our Putting into Practice sessions.
  • reKINdle Your Spark: This six-part drop-in series is a safe and uplifting space to join the IndigenEYEZ family for some nourishment in the middle of your week. This year, we’re celebrating 10 years of creative empowerment and community building.
    • MORE INFO HERE

Featured events: 

• IBPOC Faculty & Staff Get Together: Sept 18 from 10-12pm at UNC 200. MORE INFO HERE
• FHSD EDI Lunch and Learn Series: Sept 22 from 11:30-1pm at Fipke 204. Trans affirming and gender non-conforming competent healthcare and Allyship. MORE INFO- in the EDI L&L Series and Update Tab.
• Check out the 2SLGBTQIA+ start of the academic year programing by the Equity and Inclusion Office! Sept-Oct 2023. All events will be posted HERE
• Indigenous Wellbeing Gathering Conference: Oct 13 and 14.  MORE INFO 

Date Specific Events:

• Kelowna Art Gallery- Indigenous Beading Circle: In-person. Cost: $20. First Saturday of every month from 1 to 3 pm. The Indigenous Beading Circle has been created with the intention of welcoming both Indigenous and non-Indigenous crafters of all skill levels to join in a safe and creative space for open discussion and knowledge sharing. This is not an instructor-led class, however group leaders and others with experience will be participating and will be happy to share tips and techniques. REGISTER HERE

• Nsyilxcen 1 Online class: Open to Nation members* Every Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30pm. MORE INFO HERE
• Orange Shirt Day Art Build: September 13, 3:00pm-6:00pm, and September 20 3:00pm-6:00pm. CCS 123 (1148 Research Road).
  Hosted by FCCS, these workshops are to create a series of hummingbird flags that will be installed on campus for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th). Hummingbirds are carved in honour of the children (little spirits) who never came home and to remember the unmarked graves at residential schools across Canada. MORE INFO HERE
• Learning a Language: nsyilxcan for Everyone Level 2 September 12-October 3 from 6:30-7:30pm. Laurel Square, 1304 Ellis Street, Kelowna BC ($75) A 4-week beginner language course lead by knowledge carriers and elder of the syilx nation. This workshop will give participants a start on pronunciation, greetings and language meaning. This class is for everyone regardless of heritage. REGISTER HERE
  • Level 3: Dates are October 10, October 17, October 24 and Nov 7, 2023. REGISTER HERE
• na’ʔk’ʷulamən (what we do): syilx Traditional Plant Use Walking Tour: September 14, 5:00-7:00pm. Laurel Packinghouse (1304 Ellis Street). Cost: $15 (free for members on Indigenous nations). Stroll from the Laurel Packinghouse to the Rotary Marsh with syilx knowledge carriers as they teach about traditional plant use. Buy tickets in advance. REGISTER HERE
• The Executive Summary Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reading Circle: September 19-January 9, 2024 12-1:30p.m. Kelowna Community Theatre lobby. Join this 5-session reading circle with facilitator Debbie Hubbard, where you’ll read and discuss sections of the report together. Lunch is provided. REGISTER HERE
• Queer Indigenous Crafting Circle: Sept 22 from 6-7:30PM. Join fellow queer Indigenous folks in a crafting circle and work on your own personal art or craft project. As queer Indigenous people, we will share our experiences, stories, and talk about everything in-between. If you don’t have anything to work on, or you are inexperienced, we will have free beginner beading kits for you to do! If you don’t have space at home to store your projects, we can store them for you for the next crafting circle too. This group is open to all genders and self-identified First Nations, Inuit, Métis people. This group is open to self-identified men (trans, cis, and other men), two-spirit and non-binary folks who also identify as gay, bi, queer, asexual, and/or as guys who are into/or have sex with guys (for any reason – including for work). MORE INFO HERE
• K’west’lap ee Stethtatht (Truth Shows Itself): September 27 (and Oct 4,11,18), 5:00pm-8:00pm. Laurel Packinghouse (1304 Ellis Street) Cost: $150. Presented by syilx Elders, this workshop series is to help you understand the progress on the Truth and Reconciliation journey, set through four 3-hour workshops, participants access training in Indigenous cultural competency. Covers themes such as Syilx Indigenous Worldview, History of Contact, Current Affairs, The Way Forward. Registration required. HERE.
• U of Calgary- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation / Orange Shirt Day: Sept 29. Hosted by Dr. Shawna Cunningham, PhD, director of ii’ taa’poh’to’p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, with special remarks from UCalgary President Ed McCauley and Calgary Public Library CEO Sarah Meilleur, BA’01. Piikani Elder Reg Crowshoe, Hon. LLD’01, will open and close the event in a good way. MORE INFO HERE
• Walk for The Children: Sept 30 from 10-2pm. Join the Okanagan Nation Alliance for a 5 km Walk for Reconciliation on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation! We will be departing from the Penticton Peach and making our way along the channel to the SIRS Monument outside the Penticton Hatchery on En’owkin Trail. MORE INFO HERE
• Indigenous and Proud 2023: Sept 30 at 7:30 pm, Creekside Theatre, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Rd, Lake Country. Join Ella Lamoureux for this powerful evening of Indigenous Pride in recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day and in support of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society and 2 Spirits in Motion Society. TICKETS HERE
• Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund Information Session: October 10, 2023 The Office of Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (OISI) will discuss information about the Indigenous Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Fund. This information session will discuss Stream 1: Innovative Projects, Stream 2: Transformative Projects and Stream 3: Student-led Projects. The ISI Fund is open to UBC-Vancouver and UBC-Okanagan faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. MORE INFO HERE
• Indigenous Wellbeing Gathering Conference: Oct 13 and 14 in Kelowna at the Manteo Resort. Students, artists, scholars, health practitioners, and Indigenous community members are welcome to attend. Currently looking for volunteers.  MORE INFO 
• Cultural Competency Training at the Sncewips Heritage Museum: Oct 6- 27. Cost: $500 per person. A four-part series that is meant to expand your knowledge and awareness of colonial issues that affect our nation, delivered by our nation members. Our knowledge keepers will teach you about syilx worldview, the history of contact, current affairs, and the way forward. Each of the four sessions is three hours long and will provide you with the knowledge you need to begin your journey towards reconciliation. MORE INFO HERE
• 4 Seasons of Indigenous Learning: October 24, 2023 – June 28, 2024. This initiative encourages and empowers educators to deepen their understanding of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives while strengthening connections with the local land. The Outdoor Learning Store team have confirmed an incredible line-up of Indigenous presenters and learning content as part of this initiative running from October, 2023 – June, 2024. MORE INFO HERE
• 94 Calls to Action Reading Circle: Wednesday, October 25 1-3p.m. Parkinson Recreation Centre. Share in the reading of the 94 Calls to Action for Canadians outlined by the Truth & Reconciliation Commission. REGISTER HERE
• UNDRIP: A Reading Circle for Reconciliation: Wednesday, November 22 11:30-1:30pm Virtual (online) circle format. This virtual Reading Circle will enable participants to become familiar with the content of UNDRIP. REGISTER HERE. 
• The Indigenous public Health Training Institute is back! Applications are open: Explore Canada’s only Indigenous Public Health professional development opportunity at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine. MORE INFO 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)
• Check our Reports and Resources tab for: o The National Inquiry’s Final Report into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls 2SLGBTQQIA people and The 2021 Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan and 2022 Progress report
• 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
• Google search:
  • Annual Strawberry Ceremony- Feb 14th
  • No More Silence- It Starts With Us grassroots advocacy group
  • Red Dress Project- Métis artist Jaime Black and the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People- May 5th
• 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
• All-Ages List: 12 Indigenous Books to Expand Your Knowledge
• 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
• Recognizing Our Implicit Bias Towards Indigenous Peoples | Kelly Terbasket | TEDxBYU

Learning Opportunities: EDI, Accessibility and Anti-Oppression

Featured events: 

• IBPOC Faculty & Staff Get Together: Sept 18 from 10-12pm at UNC 200. MORE INFO HERE
• FHSD EDI Lunch and Learn Series: Sept 22 from 11:30-1pm at Fipke 204. Trans affirming and gender non-conforming competent healthcare and Allyship. MORE INFO- in the EDI L&L Series and Update Tab.
• Check out the 2SLGBTQIA+ start of the academic year programing by the Equity and Inclusion Office! Sept-Oct 2023. All events will be posted HERE
• Indigenous Wellbeing Gathering Conference: Oct 13 and 14.  MORE INFO 

Recurring events: 

• Staff and faculty- Disability Affinity Group (DAG) Meetings: Attend an informal, drop-in style Zoom meeting to discuss concerns, issues, strategies, advocacy, ideas, or just sit back and relax with your camera off in a safe and supportive environment. Community of Care Drop in Sessions are:
  • September 22, 2023 | 11am-12noon on Zoom
  • October 20, 2023 | 4-5pm on Zoom
  • November 24, 2023 | 11am-12noon on Zoom
  • December 15, 2023 | 2-3pm on Zoom

MORE INFO HERE

• Centre of Teaching and Learning- OER Accessibility Clinic: Online. REGISTER HERE
• Find out what is on your drugs- UBCO Harm Reduction Team (HaRT) at:
  • The Living Positive Resource Centre: Tuesday-Friday 2-5pm. 255 Lawrence Ave, Kelowna. (to drop samples off outside these hours or inquire about drug-checking call 778-753-5830 or email info@lprc.ca.)
  • Interior Health OPS: Wednesdays 5-7pm. 1649 Pandosy St.
  • UBCO: Sept-April. Picnic- UNC 1st floor

MORE INFO HERE

• This Space Belongs to You Gender Affirming Wear Drop-In: Stop by Living Positive Resource Centre the first Monday of every month from 11-2pm to drop off or pick up gender affirming wear! (Clothing and shoes (any size), Unused boxers, bras or any kind of underwear, Binders, Packers, Breast Forms, Breast/Chest Plates, Gaffs, TransTape and/or KT Tape etc) MORE INFO HERE
• Okanagan Regional Library- Spanish-English Intercambio: Recurring every Thursday until Mar 30 at the Okanagan Regional Library Kelowna Branch from 6-8pm. Spanish-English Intercambio is a relaxed meeting space for those looking to improve their Spanish or English and meet new friends while doing so. Practice your conversational language skills in this drop-in, weekly program. MORE INFO HERE
• Okanagan Regional Library- Book Club in French/Club de lecture en français: Si vous êtes un adulte curieux et passionné de littérature francophone, ce club de lecture est pour vous! Joignez-vous à nous chaque premier samedi du mois de 10h30 à 11h30. Le roman à discuter: “La part de l’autre” d’Éric-Emmanuel SchmittIf you like French literature, and enjoy discuss it in French, this Book Club is for you! Join us every first Saturday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The book to discuss: “The part of the other” by Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt. MORE INFO HERE
• Okanagan Regional Library-Mandarin Mondays: Mondays from 5-6:30 in Kelowna. A free Mandarin conversation club in Kelowna bridges east and west. Come meet with Mandarin speaking tutors every Monday.
  Everyone is welcome! MORE INFO HERE
• ASL Basics for Teens & Adults: Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am at the Okanagan Regional Library.  Sessions from May 20-June 17. Learn the basics of American Sign Language and gain exposure to Deaf culture in a fun, engaging, and immersive way. MORE INFO HERE
• Rutland English Corner: A conversational English group for people with beginner to intermediate English language skills. Drop on in! Everyone welcome. Meet others and improve your English with engaging conversation. MORE INFO HERE
• Drag Brunch: Saturday and Sunday mornings at Friends of Dorothy. Downtown, Kelowna.
  • See also ongoing events and Drag shows HERE and in the Kelowna Pride page HERE  
• Rebellious Unicorns Events: Rebellious Unicorns is a 100% 2SLGBTQ+ owned events, broadcasting and media production company, based out of Kelowna, BC. MORE INFO HERE
• Smashed Closet Comedy & Open Mic: Sundays. 19+ event. Cost:$10-$20 at Unleashed Brewing Company 880 Clement Avenue #207 Kelowna. Kelowna’s monthly 2SLGBTQIA+ night of comedy! A place for queer people to come and laugh without being made the punchline.
• UBCO Express STI Testing: In an ongoing effort to make STI testing more accessible and convenient, Student Wellness is providing express STI screening in the Nechako Residence at the Residence Wellness Hub (NCH 251). No appointment is needed. For more information about this event please visit the Residence Wellness Hub Website. **Remember to bring your Provincial Health Number or iMed so we can send your samples to the lab. We will also need your student number for registration. MORE INFO HERE
• Virtual Queer Community Book Club: The Virtual Queer Community Book Club features books written by 2SLGBTQ+ (2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) authors. The VQCBC strives to deepen our sense of community and ourselves in a queer centric space. Join us for a lively discussion about this months selection “Mama’s Boy” by Dustin Lance Black. Recommended for Young Adults and Adults. MORE INFO HERE
• Beyond the Music: Summer, Fall and Winter classes. Beyond the Music is a space to explore the joy of music while building connections! Led by a Certified Music Therapist, sessions will incorporate singing, music-making, group songwriting, and movement. They invite individuals living with disabilities and diverse abilities to join Beyond the Music. No musical experience is required. MORE INFO HERE

Date Specific Events:

• Black Student Success (BSS) Kickback: September 8, 5:30pm – 7:00pm. Free. Nechako Room 221 (1255 International Mews).
  This event is meant to intentionally create space for new undergraduate and graduate students who self-identify as Black. This event is meant to help students make connections, build community, connect with Black-identifying student groups, meet current Black community members, and receive tips for transitioning to UBC. Registration required. HERE
• Afro Hangout, Africans Meet and Greet: Sept 9 at 4pm at the RCA Kelowna. MORE INFO HERE
• Queer Intro to Bouldering Clinic: Sept 10 at 10am. Open to 2SLGBTQIA+ folx and allies. MORE INFO HERE
• OKGN MELA – South Asian Festival: Sept 17 3:30-9PM. Creekside Theatre, Lake Country. Cost: $20- $40. A one-day festival that celebrates South Asian cultures and identities featuring young artists. The event will have poetry, visual arts, musical performances, and a local market. Performances will be in Punjabi and English. MORE INFO HERE
• IBPOC Faculty & Staff Get Together: Sept 18 from 10-12pm at UNC 200. MORE INFO HERE
• We Believe You Campaign: September 20, 2:00-4:00pm. Library Building – Sawchuck Family Theatre.
  SVPRO staff and volunteers will set up a table in the theatre to provide information and answer any questions you may have. SVPRO will also be handing out buttons, stickers, and chocolates. The campaign is meant to raise awareness about sexualized and gender-based violence on campus and provide support for survivors. MORE INFO HERE
• Weeks of Welcome: Black Student Success Panel: September 21, 12:30pm – 3:00pm. UNC 200 (Ballroom) (3272 University Way). Panel discussion with campus leaders to focus on mental health, building community and connection with Black-identifying student groups. Space for new and returning Black-Identifying undergraduate and graduate students. Registration required. HERE
• Queer Consent 101: September 21, 6:30pm-8:30pm. UNC first and second year collegium (UNC 336). (3373 University Way).
  Queer sex education that will cover consent basics, tools for setting boundaries, and resources for exploring desire in queer relationships, through a harm reduction and trauma informed lens. Open to any 2SLGBTIQ students. Registration required. HERE
• U of Alberta- Courageous Conversations Speaker Series – EDI Trends in the Post-secondary Sector: Explore equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility trends in Canada and the US during this fall’s Courageous Conversations Speaker Series. MORE INFO HERE
• Sumer Wrap Up – Queer Mixer: Sept 24 from 7-9pm Cost: $15. These events are put on to continue to build relationships across the LGBTQ+ community in Kelowna, get ready to socialize and leave with a few more connections! MORE INFO HERE
• Queer Craft Club: Sept 24 from 12-4pm at Third Space Cafe Kelowna. Bring a craft or help yoursefl to our donated supplies. MORE INFO HERE
• Weeks of Welcome. BSS Financial Literacy Workshop: September 28. 3:00pm-4:00pm. UNC 334. (3272 University Way).
  Learn from Black faculty as they share tips and information on embedding financial literacy into your daily life. Aim is to equip Black-identifying students with skills and knowledge to feel financially confident and informed in terms of budgeting, saving, and credit.
  Registration required. HERE
• Feminist Horror Festival: MORE INFO HERE
  • Freak Scene vol. 2: Return of the Freaks: Oct. 7th, 7pm – 702 Bernard Ave. Hosted by the Okanagan Gender Identity Group – a night of music, live performance and much more, all ages, costumes welcome.
  • Chelsey Weber Smith of American Hysteria on Oct. 7 at 2on at the downtown library (ORL), co-sponsored by AMP Lab.
  • Queerphoria Into the Haunted Dream House @RCA: Oct. 21 Queerphoria hosts October 21 19+ performance at the Mary Irwin Theatre, Rotary Centre for the Arts, 6pm-9pm, tickets through RCA.

See asynchronous learning opportunities in our  Resources and Reports page.

FHSD Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Lunch & Learn Series & Monthly Update

2023/2024 EDI Lunch and Learn Series: 

Students, faculty, staff, instructors or colleagues from the School of Nursing, Social Work and Health and Exercise Sciences are invited to attend the Lunch & Learns, organized specifically for our Faculty as part of a series of EDI learning opportunities. For more information, please contact us or check CANVAS and/or calendar invites.

• September 22 from 11:30-1pm – Trans affirming and gender non-conforming competent healthcare and Allyship
• October- Oct 23 from 12:15 to 1:45pm- The Privilege of Disability
• November 22 from 11:30 – 1pm- CIHR SGBA: Funding 2SLGBTQIA+ projects?

EDI Monthly Update: 

Our FHSD EDI monthly update highlights UBC and non-UBC events and learning opportunities to foster community, support and continuous learning.

• Please stay tuned for our next update.

Past Updates:

• Please click HERE to see FHSD’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Monthly Update | July 14, 2023 featuring Disability Pride Month 
• Please click HERE to see FHSD’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Monthly Update | June 7, 2023 featuring Indigenous History Month and Pride Month

IBPOC Faculty & Staff Get Together

Kick-off the term with the IBPOC Faculty & Staff Meet & Greet! Enjoy refreshments while connecting with other IBPOC-identifying faculty, staff and postdoctoral scholars at UBCO. This event is organized by UBCO faculty and staff with support from the Equity & Inclusion Office. The FHSD EDI Team looks forward to connecting with you at this event!

RSVP HERE  

Event Details

• Start: 18 September 2023 10:00 AM
• End: 18 September 2023 12:00 PM
• Venue: UNC 200

What to expect

• Connect in a casual space and strengthen your community with other IBPOC-identifying community members
• Enjoy refreshments while mingling and expanding your networks

More about IBPOC affinity group @ UBCO:

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

***Please note that this is a space for faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students who identify as Indigenous, Black and/or Person of Color to build their support networks. We thank you for understanding and supporting this community initiative. For any questions please email: equity.ubco@ubc.ca

Would you like to learn more about why people who identify as IBPOC need their own spaces? Check out the article on the 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. 

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. 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.

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