Sharing Experiences and Strategies for Effectively Addressing Racism in Post-Secondary – Featured Expert and Virtual Panel Discussion

To combat racism, we must address racism in all forms and in all areas of our daily lives. How can you help? It’s simple. Listen, learn and act. 

RRC Polytech’s Anti-Racism Committee presents the first in a four-part speaker series featuring champions of equity, diversity, and inclusion in a post-secondary setting, accompanied by a moderated panel discussion designed to inspire change.

Keynote speaker, Dr. Leela Viswanathan, an award-winning educator and anti-racism advocate, introduces several themes – accountability, practices to address bias, and ways to support the journey of all students to see them flourish.

A panel representing RRC Polytech’s senior leadership team, distinguished alumni, and the student body then join the discussion to share their experiences and suggestions and respond to questions. 

Event Recorded

April 14, 2022

Speaker

Dr. Leela Viswanathan, PhD, RPP, MCIP, Viswali Consulting

Panel

• Jamie Wilson, Vice-President, Indigenous Strategy and Business Development 
• Kyra De la Ronde, Student, Social Innovation and Community Development
• Jackie Wild, President, Manitoba Filipino Business Council – Senior Community Investment Manager, TELUS – RRC Polytech Graduate, Creative Communications 2013                       

Moderator

Ginger Arnold, Instructor, Social Innovation and Community Development 

A week of live events and self-guided resources that explore LGBTQ2+ inclusion and the Two-Spirit experience.

We are excited to offer a week of opportunities for us to gather as a community, create safer spaces and learn together.

June is Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, and at the College we have very strong Indigenous supports as well as powerful commitments through diversity and inclusion for LGBTQ2+. However, we witnessed the opportunity for education, enlightenment, and further inclusion for Two-Spirit persons. During Pride 2021 we have decided to highlight Two-Spirit identity, and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing and the creation of safe(r) spaces as we work towards enhancing inclusion and equity at the College.

The week features three live virtual opportunities as well as self-guided films and resources for you to take in. The live events will provide opportunities for you to engage in the conversation, share in our Healing Lodge, and hear lived experiences with special guests that will help us learn more about the meaning of Two-Spirit — from pre-colonization to the present. Live events will be held by either WebEx or Microsoft teams.

As you participate in this week’s events strong emotions may arise. Be sure to take breaks and practice good self-care. To assist you in this we invited Adriene Shum to record a guided video meditation on the theme of acceptance. Watch the recording here>

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.