Shab-e Yalda: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Shab-e Yalda, also known as Shab-e Chelleh, is an ancient celebration of the winter solstice, which is celebrated today in modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan amongst others. The winter solstice marks the beginning of winter, and the longest night of the year. On this day the sun is at the lowest point in the sky, so the day feels darker. From this point onwards, the length of daylight begins to increase each day, as the sun sets later. Shab-e Yalda translates to Night of Rebirth, referring to the “rebirth” of the sun, which will bring longer days after the winter solstice.
A Challenging Year for DEI, But a Hopeful One Ahead
The diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) sector had a challenging year, here in Canada but especially in the United States. It was a combination of social, economic, political, and organizational pressures.
Murray Sinclair – Canadian Leader
He was well-known as Justice Murray Sinclair, the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba and only the second in all of Canada. He became a Canadian senator, then chancellor at Queen’s University.
Under the White Gaze: Solving the Problem of Race and Representation in Canadian Journalism
He was well-known as Justice Murray Sinclair, the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba and only the second in all of Canada. He became a Canadian senator, then chancellor at Queen’s University.
Inclusive City Planning: Q&A with Alexandra Lambropoulos
Inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism (IDEA) are foundational to my work in urban planning because cities thrive when they reflect and serve the diverse populations that inhabit them. IDEA informs my personal research interests in community economic development because it focuses on building strong, resilient local economies that benefit all residents.
North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner
Marie Wilson’s newly-published “North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner” is a tour de force.
Richly woven, it is part memoir, part documentary. It’s also the kind of book you’ll want to read more than once – not only because it reveals an important part of Canadian history, but because the overall story is so compellingly told.
The book starts with a story about Wilson’s mother-in-law watching Canadian TV at home in the Northwest Territories.
Well, America, You Are Welcome!
“In Springfield, they are eating the dogs… [Haitians] are eating the pets of the people that live there.” – Donald Trump
Before we address the culinary habits of my Kin, I wanted to begin by raising the illustrious feat of winning a war without the trappings of conventional warfare, as Haitians are poised, once again, to fight in the war for democracy in the U.S. without any act of violence. This time our sheer migrant presence might be the weapon. Once done, we can then argue about whether dogs taste like chicken, or vice versa! Oh…the inhumanity of it.
Understanding the Mind-Body Connection to Make More Mindful Choices for Inclusion
Understanding the Mind-Body Connection to Make More Mindful Choices for Inclusion
As an interculturalist engaged in IDEA and intercultural capacity building, I see myself as a lifelong learner who recognizes that there is always more to discover and understand.
Reading for Reconciliation: Indigenous Reading List
As the Month of June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, it is a great time to explore the world of Indigenous literature. Reading books written by Indigenous authors serves as a gateway to understanding Indigenous culture and history. By exploring Indigenous literature, we can learn about the diverse experiences of individuals who have endured historical marginalization, and whose narratives are frequently excluded from mainstream discourse. In addition, we are amplifying indigenous voices and perspectives. Honouring Indigenous literature is crucial to decolonization and reconciliation efforts.
Indigenous peoples no longer invisible
Most Canadians are not aware that the overwhelming majority of people who identify as Indigenous in this country are more than likely their neighbours.
The most recent census figures revealed that over one million of the 1.8 million people in Canada who identify as First Nations, Inuit, and Metis are now living in urban centres. Only about one third of registered Indians still live on the reserve lands of 634 First Nations.
Once out of sight and out of mind, the result of assimilationist government policies for most of Canada’s first century, Indigenous peoples are becoming much more visible.