[van-announce] Realities of Race in Canada

[ron]

     Realities of Race in Canada


     March 15th-19th
     A Week of Events Leading up to March 21st International Day for the 
Elimination of Racism
     www.ams.ubc.ca

     The Canadian government marks March 21st as the one day of the year 
dedicated to "eliminating racism," but genuine discussion and action is 
supplanted by rhetoric of "multiculturalism" and "diversity." Our events 
attempt to move beyond rhetoric and toward critical examination of the 
role of the Canadian state in perpetuating and sustaining racial 
hierarchy. Our hope is to create a space where neglected issues can be 
discussed: the dispossession of Aboriginal communities, the 
marginalization of immigrants and refugees, and increasing attacks on 
the civil liberties of Arab and Muslim communities. What are the 
barriers to equality and justice in Canadian society? How can we promote 
awareness and action towards creating change in our own communities?

     Please join us in a weeklong program of events exploring the 
different realities of racism in contemporary Canada: personal, 
historical, and institutional.

     Program
     Monday March 15th / 2-4 PM / SUB 207-209
     Unspoken Territory" Film Screening and Discussion
     Marusya Bociurkiw's film (60 min.) depicts the `lost', unspoken 
moments in Canadian history, told through the stories of First Nations, 
immigrant and Quebecois women. An open discussion on the role of racism 
in Canada today will follow the film screening.

     Tuesday March 16th / 4-6 PM / SUB 207-209
     Anti-Racism Workshop
     Facilitated by Phillipine Women's Centre

     Wednesday March 17th / 12-2 PM / SUB Ballroom
     Human Rights and Self-Determination Panel Discussion
     Guest speakers: Dr. Graham Smith (Professor in Indigenous Education 
Educational Studies), Lama Mugabo (Outreach Coordinator, Africa, Liu 
Institute for Global Issues), Aaron Mecredi (Mobilization Against War 
and Occupation) and Jayce Salloum (Multimedia Artist). Presented by 
International House.

     Wednesday March 17th / 4-6 PM / SUB 205
     Workshop on Residential Schools in Canada (still TBC)
     Facilitated by the Indian Residential School Survivor Society

     Thursday March 18th / 1-4 PM / First Nations House of Learning
     George Dei - "Unpacking Systemic Racism: The Possibilities of 
Anti-Racist Work in the Academy"
     Noted scholar George Dei will lecture on anti-racist approaches in 
higher education, followed by a discussion of key recommendations for 
change at UBC. Followed by
     1st Annual "Action to End Racism" Recognition Event*
     Ceremony recognizing UBC students, staff, faculty, alumnus, program 
or initiative for outstanding leadership and committment to addressing 
racism (link to nomination information below). Presented by SafeTogether 
@ UBC.

     Friday March 19th / 2-4 PM / SUB Norm Theatre
     Keynote Panel "Borders Within: Two-Tiered Citizenship Post 9/11"
     Featuring civil rights lawyer Amina Sherazee (Toronto), progressive 
Muslim activist and writer Tarek Fatah (Toronto), Hind Charkaoui 
(Montreal), sister of Adil Charkaoui, held under a "security 
certificate" since May 2003, and UBC faculty Sunera Thobani speaking on 
differential rights in Canada post 9-11 and impacts on Arab, Muslim, 
immigrant, and refugee communities.

     Friday March 19th / 8-12 PM / SUB 214-216
     RRC Wrap-Up Celebration and Beer Garden
     Featuring awesome line-up of local performers: DJ Drastic, DJ 
Kenya, emcee Ndidi Cascade, poet Sara Kendall, Emmanuel (from Heart and 
Soul), vocalist Cene Turner, and more TBA...

     Hope to see you there!
     For more information:march21ubc at yahoo.com 604-822-1421
     Please seewww.ams.ubc.cafor a detailed program.

     Presented by AMS Colour Connected in collaboration with the Equity 
Office, International House, Safe Together (AMS Safewalk, AMS Speakeasy, 
AMS Safety Coordinator, Sexual Assault Support Centre, Equity, 
Counselling, Wellness, Personal Security Coordinator, Access & 
Diversity, Campus Security and Student Development), and First Nations 
House of Learning.
     ____________________________________________________
     "Realities of Racism Week" is also happening in conjunction with 
International Week on campus. Check 
outwww.students.ubc.ca/internationalfor full program of events!
     ____________________________________________________________
     *To nominate UBC students, staff, faculty, alumnus, program or 
inititiative, please download form 
atwww.ams.ubc.ca/downloads/documents/elimination.pdf.
     Deadline for nominations: March 12th