Monday December 8, 2008
8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Ryerson University
Jorgensen Hall, POD 250
8:30 to 9:00 am -- Registration
9:00 am to 10:00 am
Indigenous Elder to open the eventParkdale Activity & Recreation Centre Drummers
Kevin Smith, Clinic Director, Parkdale Community Legal Service: Welcome& Greetings
Ayshia Musleh, Parkdale Community Legal Services:Overview and Objectives of the day, why are we here, what do we want toachieve and what will happen during the day, Community Caucus highlights Ethno-Racial People with Disabilities Coalition of Ontario(ERDCO):Intersectionality: Experience and Perspectives from the Community
Panel Descriptions
10:00 am to 10:15 am
Indigenous Peoples’ Issues
Speaker: Bonita Lawerence, Professor York Unviersity
Ms Mohady, a community activist and Indigenous people’s speaker, willoutline the historical context to the current experiences of Indigenouspopulations’ interaction with the mental health and addiction systemsand its’ institutions.
10:15 am to 11:00 am
Immigration
Moderator: Claire Littleton, Parkdale Community Legal Services
Panellists: Ezat Mossallanejad Canadian Centre for Victims of TortureKwassi Kissi, Across Boundaries,Iliam Burbano, The Meeting Place
This panel will provide a historical and contemporary overview onCanada’s immigration policies and programs and their subsequent impacton the overall settlement and mental health conditions of racializedcommunities. Speakers will also highlight the specific ways in whichthese policies and programs in addition to existing mental healthlegislation exacerbate the stressors faced by immigrant and refugeepsychiatric survivor populations. By highlighting the various systemicbarriers this panel will help us to understand the importance ofapproaching social policy from an intersectional approach in order toenhance the opportunities for racialized populations to access justiceand successfully settle into Canadian society.
CCVT will address the experiences of those who are affected by PTSD andother forms of stress and trauma pre and post settlement and thespecific ways in which this impacts an individual’s ability to settleinto Canadian society.
Iliam Burbano will highlight the ways in which ones legal status withinCanada intertwined with the intersections of race and disability impactupon the daily lives of those struggling to call Canada their home.
Across Boundaries will speak about their work as a community-basedagency to address the issues and barriers experienced by racializedpsychiatric survivors. What are some of the solutions/programinitiatives, for immigrants? Where are the gaps?
11:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon)
EmploymentModerator: Chris Ramsaroop, Parkdale Community Legal Services
Panellists:Ajamu Nangwaya – Executive Member of CUPE Ontario Indigenous speaker Community memberWorkers’ Action Centre Representative
Studies confirm the growing numbers of racialized individuals who exist within precarious labour circumstances. With the ever growing body ofresearch being conducted there is a growing understanding andacknowledgement of the ways in which ones legal status subsequentlyimpacts on the mental health of those that are employed in the labourforce but who are not afforded basic employment rights. By examiningcurrent labour/employment legislation such as the Employment StandardsAct (ESA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) and migrant labourprograms, such as, the Domestic Workers’ Program, the SeasonalAgricultural Workers Program and the Temporary Foreign Workers Program;this panel will discuss the links between workplace rights, mentalhealth, and racialization.
Issues to Discuss:Precarious work and mental health statistics and historyDuty to Accommodate: are racialized psychiatric survivors trulyprotected? Where are the gaps and how can we improve upon sustainableand accessible workplace environments?
12:00 pm to 1:00 pm – LUNCH (provided)
1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Social Assistance/Poverty/Income SecurityModerator: (Angela Robertson, Executive Director, Sistering)
Panelists: Voices from the StreetAboriginal Legal Services of Toronto (TBA)Professor Grace-Edward Galabuzi (Ryerson University, Colour of PovertyCampaign)ODSP Action Committee
Over the last 13 years Ontario has been witness to the erosion of the“social safety net”, with the claw backs of social assistance programsand supports. The confusing and complicated employment programs that arepart of Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)create a disincentive to return to work ultimately creating situationsof continued and persistent poverty. Community-based research andcampaigns have highlighted how the experience of poverty has exacerbatedthe social stressors and stigma faced by racialized communities.Panelists will provide a critical analysis of Ontario Works and ODSPbenefits and programs: where are the gaps, how can it be improved, arethere existing models that currently can be used as a standard to follow?
Poverty Reduction Strategy/25in5 Campaign/Colour of Poverty Campaign,what do these campaigns mean for indigenous and racialized psychiatricsurvivors and their families? How do these campaigns address the issuesof homelessness and outreach to the most vulnerable in society?
Policing
Moderator David Reville (Ryerson University, School ofDisability Studies)
Panellists: Magaly San Martin (PCLS) -- Safe Streets Act and Ticketbusters –
Nadia Chiesa, CLASP (Osgoode Hall Law School, York University)
TBA Mental Health and Police Records Check –The use of tasers and theuse of force in dealing with individuals in distress No One Is Illegal Policing and immigration – undocumented anddeportation/criminalization Homeless, indigenous/racialized psychiatric survivors feel especiallytargeted by policing policies and procedures and often made to feel likecriminals for being in poverty and stigmatized due to their potentialmental health status. How do initiatives such as the “Safe Streets Act”,the use of tasers and the disclosure of mental health status during avulnerable person security police check impact upon the psychiatricsurvivor communities, and in particular indigenous and racializedmembers? What are programs and groups such as Ticketbusters and theMental Health Police Records Check Coalition doing to mobilize andadvocate for change?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
***DARC ORGANIZER’S MEETING***
Interested in organizing in a movement for anti-racism, decolonization, and social justice?
The Decolonization & Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC) is having a *new organizers meeting* that is open to people who identify as a person of colour and/or Indigenous.
When: Tuesday November 11, from 7-9 pm
Where: Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) office on 393 Water (across from Scotiabank, above the Funky Buddha)
The Decolonization & Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC) is having a *new organizers meeting* that is open to people who identify as a person of colour and/or Indigenous.
When: Tuesday November 11, from 7-9 pm
Where: Peterborough Coalition Against Poverty (PCAP) office on 393 Water (across from Scotiabank, above the Funky Buddha)
Saturday, November 1, 2008
POC genderTalk: Decolonizing Gender
Saturday, November 8
4:00-5:30
Peterborough Public Library
345 Aylmer Street N – Wheelchair Accessible
A closed discussion for people of colour put together by Decolonization and Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC) in Peterborough to explore issues of gender that we experience as people of colour, Indigenous people and radicalized communities.
This workshop is part of Bodies of Dissent: Trans Access.
To register for the conference, please see the link below:
http://www.trentwomenscentre.ca/trans/
4:00-5:30
Peterborough Public Library
345 Aylmer Street N – Wheelchair Accessible
A closed discussion for people of colour put together by Decolonization and Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC) in Peterborough to explore issues of gender that we experience as people of colour, Indigenous people and radicalized communities.
This workshop is part of Bodies of Dissent: Trans Access.
To register for the conference, please see the link below:
http://www.trentwomenscentre.ca/trans/
Bodies of Dissent: Trans Access
**********************
November 7th-9th, 2008
Peterborough, Ontario
**********************
Bodies of Dissent is focused on decolonizing ourselves from the racialization and gender norms present in our society, as well as from institutional practices of psychiatry and prison. We are calling for a rebuilding of 'trans access'.
The conference features workshops, presentations, talks, discussions, film screenings, performances and dancing. Topics include disability, race, barriers to access, youth, mental health, psychiatry, prison system, and more.
This conference is organized by the Trans Event's Committee in Peterborough
Check out the link below to register:
http://www.trentwomenscentre.ca/trans/
You can reach the organizers of the Trans Conference and the Trans Events Committee through:
Email: trans@trentwomenscentre.ca
Phone: (705) 742-7195
Mailing Address:
Trans Events Committeec/o Trent Women’s Centre
Suite 202, Sadleir House
751 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON, K9H 7P7
November 7th-9th, 2008
Peterborough, Ontario
**********************
Bodies of Dissent is focused on decolonizing ourselves from the racialization and gender norms present in our society, as well as from institutional practices of psychiatry and prison. We are calling for a rebuilding of 'trans access'.
The conference features workshops, presentations, talks, discussions, film screenings, performances and dancing. Topics include disability, race, barriers to access, youth, mental health, psychiatry, prison system, and more.
This conference is organized by the Trans Event's Committee in Peterborough
Check out the link below to register:
http://www.trentwomenscentre.ca/trans/
You can reach the organizers of the Trans Conference and the Trans Events Committee through:
Email: trans@trentwomenscentre.ca
Phone: (705) 742-7195
Mailing Address:
Trans Events Committeec/o Trent Women’s Centre
Suite 202, Sadleir House
751 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON, K9H 7P7
Saturday, September 27, 2008
DARC Responds to Racist Article Published in Absynthe Magazine and Calls for Accountability
***DARC Response to Racist Article Published in Absynthe***
The Decolonization & Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC), a group devoted to naming, challenging and reacting to systemic and everyday racism in Peterborough, are outraged by the overtly racist article published in Absynthe Magazine, September 2008 issue, entitled “Stephen Harper Doesn’t Care About White People”. To write and publish such a hateful article illustrates the fact that we live in a society that privileges white bodies and white voices. The article’s use of the language of ‘tolerance’, speaks to a power dynamic between White identity and racialized identities; wherein, those who are White have the power to choose whether or not to be tolerant. Further, the article speaks from a position of privilege that negates the oppression marginalized communities continue to face by appropriating the language of victimization and exclusion.
This article is also clearly violent; it essentializes and targets specific groups, shifts blame, and deflects attention away from white privilege and the fact that we live in a racist society. In so doing, this article acts as a rallying point for other racist students to express their hatred for racialized and Indigenous peoples.
What is more alarming than the article itself is the general lack of response; other than the problematic request for the Editor in Chief’s resignation. This approach closes avenues for dialogue and fails to address the underlying context, which gives people the impression that it is okay to make such hateful statements. As a means of fostering such dialogue, DARC will be holding an open discussion, A Call for Accountability: A Forum on the Racist Climate at Trent, Thursday October 2nd in the Lady Eaton College Pit at 5pm to 7pm. We have invited the members of Absynthe Magazines Board of Directors as well as Trent University’s administration to attend this discussion on the racist climate currently being fostered at Trent University.
***DARC also demands that the following actions be taken:***
1) Accountability of Absynthe Magazine Board members- Provide a statement explaining how and why racist content was published.
2) Abynthe Magazine adopt an anti-oppressive and ant-racist mandate
3) Any group affiliated with the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) adopt an anti-racist and anti-oppressive mandate
4) Abynthe Magazine Board members and staff as well as all groups affiliated with the TCSA attend anti-oppression and anti-racism workshops
5) An official response from the Trent University administration by President Patterson condemning the racist attitudes perpetuated in the article
6) Absynthe Magazine Board and staff as well as the Trent University administration attend the October 2nd forum
7) That Trent students write letters to Absynthe expressing their opposition to such articles, demanding that their letters be published.
8) That Trent students stand in solidarity against racism- do not financially support organizations that foster racism or refuse to be accountable for racism.
*** Public Forum ***
Due to the outrageously racist article published in Absynthe Magazine, September 2008 issue, entitled “Stephen Harper doesn’t care about white people,” the Decolonization & Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC) has organized A Call for Accountability: A Forum on the Racist Climate at Trent, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd, in the Lady Eaton College Pit from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Winston Husbands.
The Decolonization & Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC), a group devoted to naming, challenging and reacting to systemic and everyday racism in Peterborough, are outraged by the overtly racist article published in Absynthe Magazine, September 2008 issue, entitled “Stephen Harper Doesn’t Care About White People”. To write and publish such a hateful article illustrates the fact that we live in a society that privileges white bodies and white voices. The article’s use of the language of ‘tolerance’, speaks to a power dynamic between White identity and racialized identities; wherein, those who are White have the power to choose whether or not to be tolerant. Further, the article speaks from a position of privilege that negates the oppression marginalized communities continue to face by appropriating the language of victimization and exclusion.
This article is also clearly violent; it essentializes and targets specific groups, shifts blame, and deflects attention away from white privilege and the fact that we live in a racist society. In so doing, this article acts as a rallying point for other racist students to express their hatred for racialized and Indigenous peoples.
What is more alarming than the article itself is the general lack of response; other than the problematic request for the Editor in Chief’s resignation. This approach closes avenues for dialogue and fails to address the underlying context, which gives people the impression that it is okay to make such hateful statements. As a means of fostering such dialogue, DARC will be holding an open discussion, A Call for Accountability: A Forum on the Racist Climate at Trent, Thursday October 2nd in the Lady Eaton College Pit at 5pm to 7pm. We have invited the members of Absynthe Magazines Board of Directors as well as Trent University’s administration to attend this discussion on the racist climate currently being fostered at Trent University.
***DARC also demands that the following actions be taken:***
1) Accountability of Absynthe Magazine Board members- Provide a statement explaining how and why racist content was published.
2) Abynthe Magazine adopt an anti-oppressive and ant-racist mandate
3) Any group affiliated with the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) adopt an anti-racist and anti-oppressive mandate
4) Abynthe Magazine Board members and staff as well as all groups affiliated with the TCSA attend anti-oppression and anti-racism workshops
5) An official response from the Trent University administration by President Patterson condemning the racist attitudes perpetuated in the article
6) Absynthe Magazine Board and staff as well as the Trent University administration attend the October 2nd forum
7) That Trent students write letters to Absynthe expressing their opposition to such articles, demanding that their letters be published.
8) That Trent students stand in solidarity against racism- do not financially support organizations that foster racism or refuse to be accountable for racism.
*** Public Forum ***
Due to the outrageously racist article published in Absynthe Magazine, September 2008 issue, entitled “Stephen Harper doesn’t care about white people,” the Decolonization & Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC) has organized A Call for Accountability: A Forum on the Racist Climate at Trent, which is scheduled for Thursday, October 2nd, in the Lady Eaton College Pit from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Winston Husbands.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Forum & Rally in Support of Non-Status Women Fleeing Violence
FORUM: Supporting Non-Status Women Fleeing Violence
Thursday October 2, 2008
9:30am
Registration10:00am
Forum Location: Ryerson UniversityStudent Centre55 Gould StRm SCC115
** March and Rally to follow at 12:00pm **
* Learn about how recent changes to immigration law impact diverse women, including women without status
* Hear about attacks on safe spaces and community responses to support non-status women fleeing violence
* Q&A with immigration lawyer, front line workers and service providers
To register please contact Sonia at sonia@workersactioncentre.org or(416) 531-0778, ext. 221 by September 25, 2008
********************************************************************
MARCH and RALLY at the Immigration Refugee Board
Thursday October 2, 2008Meet 12:00pm at the corner of Yonge St. and Gould St.
Let Them Stay!
* Support domestic violence survivor Isabel Garcia and her children to stay in Canada
* Call for protection of women fleeing violence through the refugee determination process
Isabel Garcia, single mother and survivor of domestic violence, and herchildren are just one of many families whose lives have been put at risk as a result of negative decisions at the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Isabel came to Canada with her children 3 years ago seeking protection from her violent ex-husband in Mexico. Ignoring overwhelming evidence pointing to a lack of state protection for women surviving domestic violence in Mexico, the Immigration and Refugee Board heartlessly denied Isabel's claim for asylum.
By issuing an abrupt and last minute deportation notice, Immigration Enforcement ensured that Isabel and her lawyer did not have time for a fair review at the Federal Court for a stay on her removal. Isabel made the difficult decision to go into hiding rather than face further violence in Mexico.
Canada's failing Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is allowing huge numbers of women fleeing violence to fall through the cracks. The Federal Court of Canada has begun to question decisions of the Refugee Board and has recently overturned several decisions where women faced gender violence.
These women have been unable to access shelters, crisis centers, professional support, guidance or counseling because of Immigration Enforcement's targeting of these spaces.
Stand up against immigration decisions and policies that put women and children, like Isabel and her family, at risk of violence. Join us as we call on the government to:
* Let Them Stay! - Allow this family to stay in Canada while their Humanitarian Application is considered, and to grant their Humanitarian Application
* Ensure protection for women fleeing violence through the refugee determination process
** How can you help? **
1) Endorse the rally and help us mobilize. Organize a delegation from your church, union, or community center to come out to the forum and rally. Call us for help in spreading the word and for copies of flyers and posters or to make a financial or in-kind donation.
2) Write a support letter for Isabel Garcia and mail it to the Workers Action Centre. For a sample, see the letter below.
3) Invite campaign representatives to do a workshop or presentation at your organization, agency or community centre.
4) Make a financial or in-kind donation to help with this campaign.
Cheques can be made payable to Workers Action Centre.
For more information, or to send an endorsement or a letter of support, contact:
Workers' Action Centre - Sonia Singh: (416) 531-0778, ext. 221, mailto:%20sonia@workersactioncentre.org%20
Interim Place - Cindy Cowan: cindy@interimplace.com
No One is Illegal: nooneisillegal@riseup.net
Donations and support letters can be sent to:
Workers' Action Centre
720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 223
Toronto ON
M5S 2T9
***ENDORSED BY***
Centre for Feminist Research
Interim PlaceMennonite New Life Centre
METRAC
Mujer
Nellie's
No One Is Illegal - Toronto
North York Women's Shelter
Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses
OPSEU
Parkdale Community Legal Services
Step It Up Campaign
The Stop Community Food Centre
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
Toronto Women's Bookstore
Workers Action Centre
Thursday October 2, 2008
9:30am
Registration10:00am
Forum Location: Ryerson UniversityStudent Centre55 Gould StRm SCC115
** March and Rally to follow at 12:00pm **
* Learn about how recent changes to immigration law impact diverse women, including women without status
* Hear about attacks on safe spaces and community responses to support non-status women fleeing violence
* Q&A with immigration lawyer, front line workers and service providers
To register please contact Sonia at sonia@workersactioncentre.org or(416) 531-0778, ext. 221 by September 25, 2008
********************************************************************
MARCH and RALLY at the Immigration Refugee Board
Thursday October 2, 2008Meet 12:00pm at the corner of Yonge St. and Gould St.
Let Them Stay!
* Support domestic violence survivor Isabel Garcia and her children to stay in Canada
* Call for protection of women fleeing violence through the refugee determination process
Isabel Garcia, single mother and survivor of domestic violence, and herchildren are just one of many families whose lives have been put at risk as a result of negative decisions at the Immigration and Refugee Board.
Isabel came to Canada with her children 3 years ago seeking protection from her violent ex-husband in Mexico. Ignoring overwhelming evidence pointing to a lack of state protection for women surviving domestic violence in Mexico, the Immigration and Refugee Board heartlessly denied Isabel's claim for asylum.
By issuing an abrupt and last minute deportation notice, Immigration Enforcement ensured that Isabel and her lawyer did not have time for a fair review at the Federal Court for a stay on her removal. Isabel made the difficult decision to go into hiding rather than face further violence in Mexico.
Canada's failing Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is allowing huge numbers of women fleeing violence to fall through the cracks. The Federal Court of Canada has begun to question decisions of the Refugee Board and has recently overturned several decisions where women faced gender violence.
These women have been unable to access shelters, crisis centers, professional support, guidance or counseling because of Immigration Enforcement's targeting of these spaces.
Stand up against immigration decisions and policies that put women and children, like Isabel and her family, at risk of violence. Join us as we call on the government to:
* Let Them Stay! - Allow this family to stay in Canada while their Humanitarian Application is considered, and to grant their Humanitarian Application
* Ensure protection for women fleeing violence through the refugee determination process
** How can you help? **
1) Endorse the rally and help us mobilize. Organize a delegation from your church, union, or community center to come out to the forum and rally. Call us for help in spreading the word and for copies of flyers and posters or to make a financial or in-kind donation.
2) Write a support letter for Isabel Garcia and mail it to the Workers Action Centre. For a sample, see the letter below.
3) Invite campaign representatives to do a workshop or presentation at your organization, agency or community centre.
4) Make a financial or in-kind donation to help with this campaign.
Cheques can be made payable to Workers Action Centre.
For more information, or to send an endorsement or a letter of support, contact:
Workers' Action Centre - Sonia Singh: (416) 531-0778, ext. 221, mailto:%20sonia@workersactioncentre.org%20
Interim Place - Cindy Cowan: cindy@interimplace.com
No One is Illegal: nooneisillegal@riseup.net
Donations and support letters can be sent to:
Workers' Action Centre
720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 223
Toronto ON
M5S 2T9
***ENDORSED BY***
Centre for Feminist Research
Interim PlaceMennonite New Life Centre
METRAC
Mujer
Nellie's
No One Is Illegal - Toronto
North York Women's Shelter
Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses
OPSEU
Parkdale Community Legal Services
Step It Up Campaign
The Stop Community Food Centre
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre
Toronto Women's Bookstore
Workers Action Centre
Thursday, August 28, 2008
DARC Resistance: Empowerment through Self-Reflection
DARC Resistance Workshop
Wednesday, September 10th
5-8 pm in the Alternative Resource Library in Sadleir House
Decolonization and Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC) presents:
A workshop facilitated by Trent Alum and anit-racist educator Zahra Murad. This workshop is open to those who identify as being of colour and/or Indigenous; and will explore (according to participant interest) issues of racism, colonization, poverty, immigration, displacement, abuse, mental health, gender, sexuality, safety, friendship/relationships, self-love and their intersectionality through experiences of living in racialized and Indigenous bodies. Through mutual teaching and learning, involving art and writing, participants will be empowered by examining their lived experiences and developing tactics for resistance!
Wednesday, September 10th
5-8 pm in the Alternative Resource Library in Sadleir House
Decolonization and Anti-Racism Coalition (DARC) presents:
A workshop facilitated by Trent Alum and anit-racist educator Zahra Murad. This workshop is open to those who identify as being of colour and/or Indigenous; and will explore (according to participant interest) issues of racism, colonization, poverty, immigration, displacement, abuse, mental health, gender, sexuality, safety, friendship/relationships, self-love and their intersectionality through experiences of living in racialized and Indigenous bodies. Through mutual teaching and learning, involving art and writing, participants will be empowered by examining their lived experiences and developing tactics for resistance!
Tabling At Trent
DARC Tabling at Clubs and Groups Day
Wednesday, September 3rd
10-3 pm, Symons Campus
Come out to the DARC table at Clubs and Groups day to see what we are about, sign up for our mailing list, and speak with a member to find out how you can get involved in the movement against racism and colonialism!
Wednesday, September 3rd
10-3 pm, Symons Campus
Come out to the DARC table at Clubs and Groups day to see what we are about, sign up for our mailing list, and speak with a member to find out how you can get involved in the movement against racism and colonialism!
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