Introduction to the Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series

Join us for the April 07 REDI Lunch & Learn session.


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Introduction to The Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series: Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup Talks About the Importance of Persona & Persuasion in an Era of Truth and Reconciliation. The Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series is an original and important platform to begin, continue and advance the conversation about telling the truth and reconciling for the future. In many of the presentations that I provide in my role as the Indigenous Initiatives Advisor I am often asked about how to best approach these important conversations, how to talk about these complex issues, and how to be mindful of those on both sides of the dialogue – as Indigenous peoples and as Canadians. I think that it’s always a useful exercise to consider why we choose to bring our self into this story, this chapter, this narrative between the pages of history and our modern times. Consider how you want to fit into the story, the stories, and what you are willing to contribute, and to think about how we inform and form our perceptions about Indigenous peoples and communities.

We all come from some place in the world, we are all connected to a lineage that’s anchored to history, and these contexts all have a story, and you are a singular chapter to these narratives. Who we are, where we come from and what our territories mean to us all shape and define ourselves as Canadians. These stories provide the opportunity for people to come together in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, redress, and celebration of the unique characteristics that make up the individual and collective purpose to want to understand each other. So, bring your favorite lunch, pull up a virtual chair, and we’ll talk about the bits and pieces of the importance of persona and persuasion in an era of truth and reconciliation. This is part of the REDI Lunch & Learn Series.

Facilitator: Derek Thompson

Date: Thursday, April 07, 2022

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm PDT

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Please note that the event will not be recorded


What Will I Learn?

You will learn about how to best approach the many conversations about telling the truth and reconciling for the future.

Please note that the event will not be recorded

Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup is an advisor in the Faculty of Medicine Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI). Thlaapkiituup is from the diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ – Ditidaht First Nation, one of fourteen Nuuchahnulth Nations on the west coast of Vancouver Island. As the REDI Indigenous Initiatives Advisor, Derek provides leadership and support across the Faculty to help create and sustain learning and work environments that incorporate standards of cultural safety and humility and that are free from Indigenous specific racism and discrimination. Derek promotes inclusion of an Indigenous perspective in all Faculty initiatives. Derek also works closely with the Director, Indigenous Engagement to implement the Faculty’s response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action in a way that will best support the formal commitments made to Indigenous peoples for a better and just future. This important work will also create opportunities for students, staff and faculty to engage with Indigenous people and communities in meaningful ways, and to begin anew the creation of redressing what we believe ourselves to be - as Indigenous peoples, and as Canadians.

Read the Message from the Indigenous Initiatives Advisor

indigenousinitiatives.advisor@ubc.ca


What is the REDI Lunch & Learn Series?

The Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion is proud to present a new REDI Lunch & Learn series featuring our team of advisors: Robyn Campol, Dr. Neila Miled and Derek Thompson. This fresh and informative series will be spontaneous and conversational in its approach to talk about issues that are timely and relevant. These sessions will also highlight the importance of showing up to these necessary conversations with presence and persona – so bring your very best of curiosity and energy!

Each session will also provide an opportunity for the participants to engage in a Q & A or to simply to reflect on the merits of the conversations. This exciting series will be offered weekly starting in March 2022, with each advisor presenting their own one hour session.


Upcoming Sessions

Check the REDI Events page for updates on this series and all REDI offerings.

Unpacking Racism and Engaging With Anti-Racism

  • Thursday, April 14, 2022
  • 12:00 – 1:00 pm PDT
  • Facilitator: Dr. Neila Miled