Conversation about the past and future highlights Black History Month event

A dazzling display of traditional Caribbean and African dance at the Regent Theatre offered a powerful prelude to an informative discussion about historic cultural relationships as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology marked Black History Month.

The event on a snowy late-February night saw an engaged audience of 125 listen to leading social science researchers from across Ontario for a dialogue between African Black Canadians and Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and the historic legacy of these relationships.

“Equity, diversity and inclusion are core values that define our institution,” says Faculty of Social Science and Humanities researcher Wesley Crichlow, PhD. “Creating new and open space for conversations is vital step forward in building cultural relationships, deeper solidarity, love and mutual respect. Our distinguished panelists were catalysts for real change: changes in curricula that no longer overlook critical aspects of Canadian history, and true changes in workplace diversity.”

Following a reception and opening reflections by President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Steven Murphy, Dr. Crichlow, Associate Dean (Equity) and Chair of the President’s Equity Taskforce moderated the discussion featuring:

• Dr. Tamari Kitossa, Associate Professor, Sociology, Brock University
• Jill Thompson, Indigenous Cultural Advisor, University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• Dr. Barrington Walker, Associate Professor, Department of History, Queen’s University

The inclement weather on February 27 unfortunately hindered travel for two other scheduled panelists:

• Dr. Bonita Lawrence (Mi’Kmaw), Professor and Chair, Department of Equity Studies, and Co-ordinator, Indigenous Studies Program, York University
• Elder Shirley Ida Eliza Mary Immaculata Williams (Pheasant), Sitting Elder, President’s Indigenous Reconciliation Task Force, University of Ontario Institute of Technology

“I am particularly proud of the collective work the President’s Equity Taskforce members are accomplishing to inspire and nurture divergent thinking,” says Dr. Crichlow. “The Taskforce’s goal is to mobilize a diverse movement of people across the university to establish equitable and inclusive practices on our campus. We will build an internal system that drives innovation and excellence, and enhances quality and integrity, to help us achieve our potential as a university community.”

Gallery

Previous media items Next media items