Educators have a critical role to play in creating anti-racist classrooms but also building a learning environment that supports student mental health and wellbeing. To support K-12 educators, this one-day virtual conference will build knowledge of practices to increase cultural competency and student wellbeing and explore how racism impacts mental health. Conference participants will develop their understanding and learn practical tools to create anti-racist classroom spaces.

This conference will:

  • Outline the impacts of racism on Black, Indigenous, and other racialized student mental health and wellbeing
  • Educate attendees on how to establish inclusive teaching practices in their classroom and improve the well-being of the school community
  • Create a space for attendees to engage in cross-cultural dialogue to foster solidarity across diverse communities. 
  • Go deeper into the learning and join us in person as we continue building our community on February 21, 2024 at the Old Mill Inn, Toronto, ON.
  • See full details and register for the in-person conference only here.

    Register for both the online and in-person event to save 10% or $40 on the ticket price.

Conference Agenda

Thursday, November 30th, 2023

Agenda

time iconNovember 30, 2023 09:40 am

Login and Mindfulness Activity

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Justine Hicks

time iconNovember 30, 2023 10:00 am

Keynote with Dr. Martin Brokenleg

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Dr. Martin Brokenleg

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Shafiq Aziz

Decolonizing Mental Health and Wellbeing

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:00 am

Large Group Activity

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Shafiq Aziz

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Justine Hicks

Deepen your understanding around your personal bias and the impacts racism has on mental health. 

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:00 am

Exploring the Intersections of Race and Mental Health

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Justine Hicks
Program Manager

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Shafiq Aziz
Director of Programs

Deepen your understanding around your personal bias and the impacts racism has on mental health. 

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Workshops

Participants will get to select a workshop to build their understanding on specific topics. Workshop registration will open in late October.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 01:00 pm

Lunch + Community Conversations

Bring your lunch and connect on specific topics or join an affinity group

time iconNovember 30, 2023 01:45 pm

Wellness Practice

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Justine Hicks

Connecting physical and mental wellbeing

time iconNovember 30, 2023 02:00 pm

Panel Discussion

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Dr. Kien Nam Luu
Superintendent of Education - York Region District School Board

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Claudette Rutherford

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Behduhbuhn Logan
Youth Hope Ambassador - We Matter

Best Practices on making classrooms healing spaces

time iconNovember 30, 2023 02:45 pm

Knowledge Exchange Activity

Join others in similar roles to you and work together to develop a plan on how you can embed learnings from today in your class or school tomorrow.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 03:15 pm

Closing

speaker headshot

Shafiq Aziz

time iconNovember 30, 2023 03:30 pm

Post Event Networking

time iconNovember 30, 2023 09:40 am

Connexion Et Activité De Pleine Conscience

time iconNovember 30, 2023 10:00 am

Keynote et questions-réponses

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Dr. Martin Brokenleg

Décoloniser la santé mentale et le bien-être

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:00 am

Activité en grand groupe

speaker headshot

Shafiq Aziz
Director of Programs

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Justine Hicks
Gestionnaire de programme

Approfondissez Votre Compréhension De Vos Préjugés Personnels Et Des Impacts Du Racisme Sur La Santé Mentale.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Ateliers

Les Participants Pourront Choisir Un Atelier Pour Approfondir Leur Compréhension Sur Des Sujets Spécifiques. Les Inscriptions Aux Ateliers Ouvriront Fin Octobre.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 01:00 pm

Déjeuner + Conversations Communautaires

Apportez Votre Lunch Et Connectez-Vous Sur Des Sujets Spécifiques Ou Rejoignez Un Groupe D'affinité

time iconNovember 30, 2023 01:45 pm

Pratique De Bien-Être

Relier Le Bien-Être Physique Et Mental

time iconNovember 30, 2023 02:00 pm

Panel

speaker headshot

Dr. Kien Nam Luu

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Behdahbuhn Logan

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Claudette Howell Rutherford

Meilleures Pratiques Pour Faire Des Salles De Classe Des Espaces De Guérison

time iconNovember 30, 2023 02:45 pm

Échange de connaissances

Rejoignez D'autres Personnes Exerçant Des Fonctions Similaires Aux Vôtres Et Travaillez Ensemble À L'élaboration D'un Plan Sur La Manière Dont Vous Pourrez Intégrer Les Enseignements D'aujourd'hui Dans Votre Classe Ou Votre École Demain.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 03:15 pm

Clôture De La Session

time iconNovember 30, 2023 03:30 pm

Mise En Réseau Post-Événement

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Decolonized Classrooms: Centering Equity and Belonging in your Practice and Pedagogy

speaker headshot

Ardavan Eizadirad
Assistant Professor - Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University

This workshop will discuss the importance and strategies for decolonizing the classroom by centering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to create better supporting environments that reflect the needs of vulnerable and minoritized students and community members. Although we will discuss the inequities and systemic barriers that impact students, families, and communities, the goal is to advance the dialogue and conversations beyond critique to discussing solutions and culturally sustaining pedagogies. The objective is to align policies and practices to meet the needs of students, families, and communities while navigating the hierarchical power dynamics of school environments. 

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Cultivating Safe Spaces in Education

speaker headshot

Robyn Ward
CEO and Founder - Rewarding Relationships

speaker headshot

Samuel Kwendo

The workshop will guide through practice the Cultivating Safe Spaces model and the conditions and protocols for Cultivating Safe Spaces. Robyn will explain how the guiding principles work together to Cultivate Safe Spaces inspired by Indigenous epistemology, worldview and values that align perfectly with a growth mindset. The conditions are understanding self, love-based practice, patience and discipline. The protocols are well-being, inclusion, validation, and freedom.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

A Call to Action: Teaching Through an Anti-Racist Framework

speaker headshot

Danielle McKay
Teacher - Halton Catholic District School Board

Uncover the history of why racial disparities exist in Canada and why it isn't enough to "not be" racist. An anti-racist framework acknowledges the role of the public educational system in Canada in producing and reproducing racial, gender, and class-based inequalities in society. Participants will learn to teach a curriculum through the “big ideas” in an attempt to combat biases that reinforce current systems of domination.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Using Picture Books in the classroom to build Anti-Racism and Critical Consciousness

speaker headshot

Rabia Khokar
Teacher, PHD Student

In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to critically think about the important role picture books play in the classroom and how they are often a springboard for literacy, joy, and healing practices. Through interactive components like whole and small group discussions, quote analysis, self-reflection, and other methods to bring theory to practice, we will think about how picture books can also be tools we can use to help our students engage in anti-racism and critical consciousness in meaningful, relevant and responsive ways. Participants will have the opportunity to consider how to select picture books critically for their students and learn cross-curricular ways on ‘how’ we can put the books to action to build inclusive classrooms.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Empowering Equity: Unpacking Barriers and Building an Antiracist Future

speaker headshot

Khulood Agha Khan
Elementary Teacher - Halton District School Board

speaker headshot

Rita Bhandari

This workshop delves into the experiences of women of color, providing insights into the scientific aspects of race, and unpacking biases and stereotypes, particularly within the realm of education. Throughout this workshop, we prioritize the concept of explicit teaching about race, encouraging participants to engage deeply with these critical issues. By bringing real-life scenarios into the discussion, we aim to foster a safe and open environment for dialogue. Our ultimate objective is to collaboratively develop effective strategies to actively combat racism in educational settings and beyond. Together, we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable future with the ultimate goal of collaboratively discovering strategies to confront and combat racism.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

The Power of Names: Fostering Self-Identity and Cultural Understanding

speaker headshot

Wonuola Yomi-Odedeyi
Experiential Learning Lead - Halton District School Board

This presentation seeks to explore the profound impact of knowing and understanding the meaning of one's name, especially in the context of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. In the broader framework of mental health, race, and racism in K-12 education, our workshop will delve into the significance of names as a fundamental aspect of personal identity and cultural heritage. By researching and embracing the meaning behind their names, individuals can experience a deeper connection to their cultural roots, enhanced self-identity, and increased resilience against racial bias and discrimination.

This presentation aims to complement the conference's focus by addressing the importance of names within the context of mental health, race, and racism, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of self-identity and cultural appreciation among attendees.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Between Us: Cross-Racial Solidarities as a Source for Survival, Healing, and Thriving

speaker headshot

Rizwana Kaderdina
Educator

speaker headshot

Nicole Ricketts
Vice Principal

speaker headshot

Initha Subramaniam
Vice Principal

In this workshop, a story-telling approach will be used to explore some of the ways cross-racial solidarities can serve as protective mechanisms against racial trauma, as sources of collective action, and as spaces for community and healing. Drawing upon the work of Rita Kohli, Bobbi Harro, and Geneva Gay, amongst others, we will examine the ways in which cross-racial solidarities, in protecting our own wholeness and well-being as educators, can positively impact our students, and help dismantle racial hierarchies.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

L'antiracisme en français… pour le bien-être de nos élèves et de nos collectivités

speaker headshot

Nathalie Sirois
Gestionnaire principale, Education - Centre mondial du pluralisme

speaker headshot

Nicole Ciza

Pour être efficace en matière d’antiracisme, il faut d’abord être capable de reconnaître le racisme… Ou s’agit-il plutôt des racismes? De quoi parle-t-on au juste lorsque l’on parle de racisme(s)? Un atelier qui aborde la question en se référant d’abord à des contextes francophones de manière à se doter de moyens d’analyser et d’agir au sein d’écoles de langue française qui sont véritablement transformatrices et qui favorisent la santé mentale d’élèves doublement minorisés : les élèves francophones racisés.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Cultiver le bien-être mental et la communauté dans les classes de français : Une perspective antiraciste

speaker headshot

Marika Kunnas
PhD Candidate / LTO - York University

This workshop will start with a reflection on what mental wellness and community looks like within education and specifically in French classes. We will share and question how teachers have fostered wellness and community, including successes and challenges. Principles of antiracism and anticolonialism will be presented and discussed. Collaboratively, we will consider how we can foster wellness from an antiracist, anticolonial lens in French courses. Participants will leave with a summary sheet of antiracist and anticolonial principles, suggestions for action, resources, and networking connections. This workshop is for those who are ready to or have already started integrating mental wellness and/or community strategies in their classrooms or with their colleagues.

Cet atelier commencera par une réflexion sur ce à quoi ressemble le bien-être mental et la communauté dans l'éducation et plus particulièrement dans les cours de français. Nous partagerons et questionnerons la façon dont les enseignants ont favorisé le bien-être et la communauté, y compris les succès et les défis. Les principes de l'antiracisme seront présentés et discutés. En collaboration, nous réfléchirons à la manière dont nous pouvons favoriser le bien-être dans une optique antiraciste dans les cours de français et entre nos collègues. Les participants repartiront avec une fiche récapitulative des principes antiracistes et anticoloniaux, des suggestions d'action, des ressources et des liens de réseautage. Cet atelier s’adresse à ceux et celles qui sont prêt.e.s (ou qui ont déjà commencé) à intégrer des stratégies et pratiques ciblant la santé mentale et/ou la communauté, soit dans les salles de classe, soit entre des collègues.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Cultiver le bien-être mental et la communauté dans les classes de français : Une perspective antiraciste

speaker headshot

Marika Kunnas
PhD Candidate / LTO - York University

This workshop will start with a reflection on what mental wellness and community looks like within education and specifically in French classes. We will share and question how teachers have fostered wellness and community, including successes and challenges. Principles of antiracism and anticolonialism will be presented and discussed. Collaboratively, we will consider how we can foster wellness from an antiracist, anticolonial lens in French courses. Participants will leave with a summary sheet of antiracist and anticolonial principles, suggestions for action, resources, and networking connections. This workshop is for those who are ready to or have already started integrating mental wellness and/or community strategies in their classrooms or with their colleagues.

Cet atelier commencera par une réflexion sur ce à quoi ressemble le bien-être mental et la communauté dans l'éducation et plus particulièrement dans les cours de français. Nous partagerons et questionnerons la façon dont les enseignants ont favorisé le bien-être et la communauté, y compris les succès et les défis. Les principes de l'antiracisme seront présentés et discutés. En collaboration, nous réfléchirons à la manière dont nous pouvons favoriser le bien-être dans une optique antiraciste dans les cours de français et entre nos collègues. Les participants repartiront avec une fiche récapitulative des principes antiracistes et anticoloniaux, des suggestions d'action, des ressources et des liens de réseautage. Cet atelier s’adresse à ceux et celles qui sont prêt.e.s (ou qui ont déjà commencé) à intégrer des stratégies et pratiques ciblant la santé mentale et/ou la communauté, soit dans les salles de classe, soit entre des collègues.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

L'antiracisme en français… pour le bien-être de nos élèves et de nos collectivités

speaker headshot

Nathalie Sirois
Gestionnaire principale, Education - Centre mondial du pluralisme

speaker headshot

Nicole Ciza

Pour être efficace en matière d’antiracisme, il faut d’abord être capable de reconnaître le racisme… Ou s’agit-il plutôt des racismes? De quoi parle-t-on au juste lorsque l’on parle de racisme(s)? Un atelier qui aborde la question en se référant d’abord à des contextes francophones de manière à se doter de moyens d’analyser et d’agir au sein d’écoles de langue française qui sont véritablement transformatrices et qui favorisent la santé mentale d’élèves doublement minorisés : les élèves francophones racisés.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Decolonized Classrooms: Centering Equity and Belonging in your Practice and Pedagogy

speaker headshot

Ardavan Eizadirad
Assistant Professor - Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University

This workshop will discuss the importance and strategies for decolonizing the classroom by centering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to create better supporting environments that reflect the needs of vulnerable and minoritized students and community members. Although we will discuss the inequities and systemic barriers that impact students, families, and communities, the goal is to advance the dialogue and conversations beyond critique to discussing solutions and culturally sustaining pedagogies. The objective is to align policies and practices to meet the needs of students, families, and communities while navigating the hierarchical power dynamics of school environments. 

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Cultivating Safe Spaces in Education

speaker headshot

Robyn Ward
CEO and Founder - Rewarding Relationships

The workshop will guide through practice the Cultivating Safe Spaces model and the conditions and protocols for Cultivating Safe Spaces. Robyn will explain how the guiding principles work together to Cultivate Safe Spaces inspired by Indigenous epistemology, worldview and values that align perfectly with a growth mindset. The conditions are understanding self, love-based practice, patience and discipline. The protocols are well-being, inclusion, validation, and freedom.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

A Call to Action: Teaching Through an Anti-Racist Framework

speaker headshot

Danielle McKay
Teacher - Halton Catholic District School Board

Uncover the history of why racial disparities exist in Canada and why it isn't enough to "not be" racist. An anti-racist framework acknowledges the role of the public educational system in Canada in producing and reproducing racial, gender, and class-based inequalities in society. Participants will learn to teach a curriculum through the “big ideas” in an attempt to combat biases that reinforce current systems of domination.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Using Picture Books in the classroom to build Anti-Racism and Critical Consciousness

speaker headshot

Rabia Khokar
Teacher, PHD Student

In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to critically think about the important role picture books play in the classroom and how they are often a springboard for literacy, joy, and healing practices. Through interactive components like whole and small group discussions, quote analysis, self-reflection, and other methods to bring theory to practice, we will think about how picture books can also be tools we can use to help our students engage in anti-racism and critical consciousness in meaningful, relevant and responsive ways. Participants will have the opportunity to consider how to select picture books critically for their students and learn cross-curricular ways on ‘how’ we can put the books to action to build inclusive classrooms.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Empowering Equity: Unpacking Barriers and Building an Antiracist Future

speaker headshot

Khulood Agha Khan
Elementary Teacher - Halton District School Board

speaker headshot

Rita Bhandari

This workshop delves into the experiences of women of color, providing insights into the scientific aspects of race, and unpacking biases and stereotypes, particularly within the realm of education. Throughout this workshop, we prioritize the concept of explicit teaching about race, encouraging participants to engage deeply with these critical issues. By bringing real-life scenarios into the discussion, we aim to foster a safe and open environment for dialogue. Our ultimate objective is to collaboratively develop effective strategies to actively combat racism in educational settings and beyond. Together, we strive to build a more inclusive and equitable future with the ultimate goal of collaboratively discovering strategies to confront and combat racism.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

The Power of Names: Fostering Self-Identity and Cultural Understanding

speaker headshot

Wonuola Yomi-Odedeyi
Experiential Learning Lead - Halton District School Board

This presentation seeks to explore the profound impact of knowing and understanding the meaning of one's name, especially in the context of individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. In the broader framework of mental health, race, and racism in K-12 education, our workshop will delve into the significance of names as a fundamental aspect of personal identity and cultural heritage. By researching and embracing the meaning behind their names, individuals can experience a deeper connection to their cultural roots, enhanced self-identity, and increased resilience against racial bias and discrimination.

This presentation aims to complement the conference's focus by addressing the importance of names within the context of mental health, race, and racism, ultimately fostering a stronger sense of self-identity and cultural appreciation among attendees.

time iconNovember 30, 2023 11:30 am

Between Us: Cross-Racial Solidarities as a Source for Survival, Healing, and Thriving

speaker headshot

Rizwana Kaderdina
Educator

speaker headshot

Initha Subramaniam
Vice Principal

speaker headshot

Nicole Ricketts
Vice Principal

In this workshop, a story-telling approach will be used to explore some of the ways cross-racial solidarities can serve as protective mechanisms against racial trauma, as sources of collective action, and as spaces for community and healing. Drawing upon the work of Rita Kohli, Bobbi Harro, and Geneva Gay, amongst others, we will examine the ways in which cross-racial solidarities, in protecting our own wholeness and well-being as educators, can positively impact our students, and help dismantle racial hierarchies.

Partners