Events

Parts Known & Unknown: Exploring the Borders of Truth, Reconciliation and Redress

Every Child Matters

Parts Known & Unknown:  Exploring the Borders of Truth, Reconciliation and Redress

W. Kamau Bell joined Anthony Bourdain in Kenya in what was to be the final season of the CNN series, Parts Unknown. Kamau has roots in Kenya and this was his first time travelling to the motherlands of his people, and he stated something that I thought was interesting. He said something like, “coming to Kenya, you know, it’s nice to have a diasporic-kind-of-connection, even though I did not come from Kenya, but I have roots in Kenya, and even if that frame that the connection was built through was colonialism.”

It made me think about what it would be like for someone like myself to travel to the ancestral homes of my people. Well, this is my home. Certainly, more than it is your home, and in this era of truth and reconciliation, it is now both my home as much as it is your home. I come from no other place in the world than from right here, diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ – Ditidaht, we are the Nuuchahnulth and the seas for miles of shoreline and all of the land on the western side of our Vancouver Island home, from Point No Point in the south to Brooks Peninsula in the north, is Nuuchahnulth territory, our haahuulthii.

In the conclusion of that episode with W. Kamau Bell in Parts Unknown, Tony narrates an epilogue, “Who gets to tell the stories? This is a question asked often. The answer in this case, for better or for worse, is I do, at least this time out. I do my best, I look, I listen, but in the end, I know it’s my story. Not Kamau’s, not Kenya’s, or Kenyans’. Those stories are yet to be heard.”

It’s important for colonial settlers, and for new settlers, to Canada to consider who you are and where you come from, and what it means to live in British Columbia, and to think about your own frame of reference as being truly Canadian, even if that frame that the connection was built through was colonialism. The context, the narrative, the history, the good or bad of it, the story of what it means to be Canadian is apart and a part of your individual and shared story as a British Columbian, as a Canadian, as an unwelcomed or welcomed colonial settler, and as a new settler. The stories that have yet to be heard, and are now starting in some ways to be told, is our story, my story, of what it means to be diitiidʔaaʔtx̣, to be Nuuchahnulth, to be First Nations, to be Indigenous, and to also be Canadian in this country and in this province.

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a unique opportunity to bridge the divide of our individual and collective stories, our distinct and shared experiences, and our united effort to right and write a new history chaptered with the stories of a sincere determination to tell the truths of the past, to reaffirm and renew our commitments to reconcile all things oppressive, racist and insufferable, and to create an honest and just redress for all Indigenous – First Nations, Inuit, Métis – peoples. It would be momentous to proclaim someday that we all come from a country in which the frame that the connection was built through was equality, acceptance and compassion.

It’s fair to ask, “What will you do between October 1st, 2022 and September 29th, 2023, to recognize your part in this history, this story, and what will you actively do to shift the narrative?” We’re at an urgent time in our country’s history to thoughtfully and actively explore all parts known and unknown in our ongoing journey to come to terms with each other and with our past, and with the present day. I look forward to the work ahead this year, and I’ll look forward to us hearing each other’s stories next year and in the many years to come.

With Respect,

Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup
Indigenous Initiatives Advisor, Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Continue Learning

“The time to make things happen is now. The time to seek out our individual and shared power is now.”

Read the Message from the Indigenous Initiatives Advisor, Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, here

Discover REDI’s Indigenous-Specific Resources here

Welcome to REDI

International Women’s Day (2025)

Sharing Circle Resources

The Artwork & Artist

The artwork is a set of beads strung in a line as they would be when creating traditional beadwork. It was created to symbolize the coming together of various individuals, organizations or health professions in a way that contributes to a larger picture. The beads are the colours of the medicine wheel which is a symbol of balance and wellness. One of the beads is a blue-green colour to acknowledge the importance of the natural environment and water as the first medicine.

Hali McLennan is Cree and Metis through both of her grandmothers and she also has settler ancestry through her grandfathers. She uses digital and traditional art to tell stories about her culture and experiences. She works, learns and creates as an uninvited guest on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and is forever grateful for that privilege.

Events
About the Sharing Circle

Sharing Circle Events

Upcoming Events

In this event… [insert event description]

Register

Previous Events

In this event… [insert event description]

Browse additional past events on the old Sharing Circle website

About the Sharing Circle Project
Resources

About the Indigenous Sharing Circle

About the Project

Events
Resources

Community Partners

Musqueam Nation Logo

 xʷməθkʷəy̓əm 

(Musqueam, Vancouver)

Esquimalt and Songhees Nation Logo

Lək̓ʷəŋən 

(Esquimalt and Songhees, Victoria)

Sylix Okanagan Nation Alliance Logo

Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance

 (Okanagan)

Lheidli T'enneh Logo

Lheidli T’enneh

(Prince George)

This initiative is overseen by two Indigenous advisory groups. The Indigenous Health Leaders Advisory Group (ILHAG) consists of health directors from the four host nations where UBC Health Programs are administered These are xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam, Vancouver), Lək̓ʷəŋən (Esquimalt and Songhees, Victoria), Syilx Okanagan Nation Alliance (Okanagan), and Lheidli T’enneh (Prince George). The Knowledge Keepers and Elders Advisory (KKEA) consists of Knowledge Keepers from the four host nations as well as from Métis and Inuit communities.

Project Objectives

There are four main objectives of this initiative. These objectives overlap and inform one another.

1. Community Partnerships and Accountability

We will build connections with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and health directors from each of the four host Nations where UBC HPEPs are administered. These are: xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam, Vancouver), Syilx’s Okanagan Nation Alliance (Okanagan), Lək̓ʷəŋən (Esquimalt and Songhees, Victoria) and Lheidli T’enneh (Prince George). We will also build connections with Métis and Inuit Knowledge Keepers or Elders. From these connections, we will establish two advisory bodies: Indigenous Health Leaders Advisory Group (IHLAG); and Knowledge Keepers and Elders Advisory (KKEA). We will seek their guidance on the various aspects of our project and most importantly, how it can be made relevant and useful to these Nations and communities. Having two parallel Indigenous advising bodies will ensure our project is informed by diverse traditional and formal governmental perspectives.  

2. Mapping Current Practices and Efforts

We will conduct an Environmental Scan of current efforts to address the TRC calls to action and the UBC ISP in the eighteen HPEPs at UBC. We will gather the information from two sources: Program web pages, and interviews with leaders in these programs. Additionally, we will scan strategies created in similar programs across Canada as well as practices suggested by Indigenous scholarship. Finally, through series of Sharing Circles for Indigenous Clinicians, facilitated by Indigenous team members, we will further understand barriers to and supports for entering and maintaining Health Professions.

3. Interdisciplinary Learning and Sharing Circles

 These 3-hour circles will be hosted by Indigenous Elders and facilitated by our initiative team members. They are a collaborative gathering for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, staff and faculty from eight HPEPs. These Circles will focus on learning, knowledge-sharing and the implementation of efforts as mandated by the UBC ISP. We will evaluate the success of our Circles through pre-and post-surveys and a focus group with participants. 

Participants in the circles include Indigenous Elders and community members, initiative team members as well as students, staff and faculty from UBC Health Professional Programs. The represented programs include Dentistry and Dental Hygiene; Medicine; Midwifery; Nursing; Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy; Pharmacy; and Social Work.

Sharing Circle Event Timeline

(Click the image below to view the full size)

4. Reporting Back and Knowledge Sharing

We will seek to analyze the gathered data and generate a report on the findings. All data collected and works from this data will be shared with participants whom provided it to ensure their perspectives and thoughts are appropriately represented and the information provided is being used in the way it was originally intended by the participants. We will follow the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) regarding Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, and more specifically, Chapter 9 speaking to “Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada”, in addition to the “Ownership, Control, Accessing and Possession (OCAP)” principles ensuring that Indigenous peoples have control over data collection processes, and that they own and control how this information can be used. We will share the first draft of these reports with participants, health directors from host Nations, the Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders Advisory (KKEA), relevant communities and stakeholders for further feedback, scrutiny and direction.  Following approval from participants, health directors/managers and the KKEA, the research team may produce academic work to communicate with wider audiences

Team Members

Operative Core Team

  • Elder Doris Fox – xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam, Vancouver)
  • Tal Jarus, PhD, OT Professor, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy, Principal Investigator.
  • Derek Thompson (Thlaapkiituup), Indigenous Initiatives Advisor, the Faculty of Medicine Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (REDI) (diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ – Ditidaht First Nation)
  • Cheryl Aman, PhD, Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Medicine, Project Co-ordinator
  • Hannah Doyle, Project Assistant, Faculty of Science
  • Inbar Av-Shalom, Project Assistant, Faculty of Arts
  • Miles Schaffrick, Volunteer Project Assistant
  • Teah Bryce, Volunteer Project Assistant, Faculty of Science
  • Justin Turner, Project Assistant, PhD student, Rehab Sciences program, Faculty of Medicine (Métis Nation of BC)
  • Samantha (Sam) Medley, BSW Social Work Student, (the Métis Nation of Alberta, region 3, with Cree Ancestry)
Elders and Knowledge Keepers advisory group
  • Elder Doris Fox – xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam, Vancouver).
  • Elder Grouse Barnes – Sylix, (Okanagan Nation)
  • Pamela Barnes – Sylix, (Okanagan Nation)
  • Marcel Gagnon – Lheidli Tenneh, (Prince George)
  • Lou Demerais – Metis
Indigenous Health Leaders Advisory Group
  • Jennifer Lewis – Syilx’s Okanagan Nation Alliance (Okanagan)
  • Jessie Jim – Lək”ʷəŋən (Equimalt and Songhees, Victoria)
  • Tamara Seymour – Lheidli T’enneh (Prince George)
  • Coreen Paul – – xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam, Vancouver)
Winter 2020-21
  • Madeline Elder, Project Assistant, Faculty of Science (Tsimshian).  
  • Hali McLennan, BSW, Project Assistant, Graduate Student, School of Social Work (Cree-Métis).  
Summer 2020
  • Elisabeth Gross,Masters, Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy Work-Learn Student. 

Co-Applicants – Faculty of Medicine Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) and Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF)

  • Simon Albon (Pharmacy)
  • James Andrew,(Medicine, Indigenous Learner Initiatives Manager), (Lil’wat Nation)
  • Helen Brown (Nursing)
  • Katie Bunting (Occupational Therapy)
  • Allison Campbell (Midwifery)
  • Leeann Donnelly (Dentistry)
  • Cheryl Holmes (Medicine)
  • Ashley Lessard (Master Public, BDSc), (Klahoos First Nation)
  • Marie Nightbird (Social Work) (Saulteaux, Sioux and Ukrainian ancestry)
  • Ashley Quinn PhD, Assistant Professor, School of Social Work, (Anishinaabe, Ojibway)

Funding

The Decolonizing and Indigenizing UBC’s Health Profession Education Programs (HPEPs) Initiative is supported with funding from the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, funding from the UBC Faculty of Medicine Strategic Investment Fund (SIF) and funding from the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF). 

Advancing Inclusive Research in Medicine: Anti-Racist and Decolonial Approaches

How can medical and health researchers foster more reciprocal, collaborative, and inclusive research practices? How do we ensure our research environments and collaborations are culturally sensitive, anti-racist, and welcoming to communities from historically, systemically, and persistently marginalized (HSPM) backgrounds? Join us on Friday, May 16th, 2025, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (PST) for “Advancing Inclusive Research in Medicine: Anti-Racist and Decolonial Approaches.“ In this It Starts With Us session, we will have a discussion with researchers who are actively integrating anti-racist and decolonial principles into their work. This session will explore practical strategies for building meaningful research partnerships with marginalized communities and creating inclusive lab or research group environments. Whether you’re a principal investigator, graduate student, clinician, or health professional, you will gain tangible skills and inspiration to create more inclusive and collaborative research

Advancing Inclusive Research in Medicine: Anti-Racist and Decolonial Approaches
Register
Share Your Feedback

Speaker bios

Ninan Abraham (He/Him),

Ninan Abraham (He/Him), Ph.D.,
Dir. EDI&I, CoVaRRNet,
Professor Department of Microbiology and Immunology,
Professor, Department of Zoology

Dr. Ninan Abraham is a father, immigrant settler and Professor in the UBC Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Department of Zoology. His research focuses on the regulatory points in immune cell control in airway immunity to pathogens and in lung cancer. As the former Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at the UBC Faculty of Science, he had responsibility for EDI initiatives, including the training of faculty search committees, faculty data analysis and reporting on EDI progress for the Faculty of Science. He served as Director of EDI&I for CoVaRR-Net, a national network of COVID researchers and has keen interest in health equity, racial inequities in research and how science serves society equitably.

Nitasha Puri 

Nitasha Puri (She/Her), MD CCFP(AM) dipl.ABAM FASAM,
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Practice, UBC,
Staff Physician, Addiction Medicine and Substance Use Services, Fraser Health Authority

Dr. Nitasha Puri is a clinical assistant professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, and staff physician in the Department of Addiction Medicine and Substance Use Services at Fraser Health .

Her research interests broadly centre upon substance use among racialized populations, healing and recovery, and health equity. Originally trained in family medicine, she completed the clinical and research fellowships at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, and is currently involved in teaching, clinical research, clinical service provision, and policy and guideline development.

Scott Ramsay (He/Him),

Scott Ramsay (He/Him), PhD, RN,
Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Science, UBC
Nurse Clinician, The Neurological Care Centre, BC Children’s Hospital,
Investigator, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute,
Health Professional-Investigator, Michael Smith Health Research BC

Dr. Scott Ramsay is Métis, an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia, and a nurse clinician scientist within BC Children’s Hospital. He uses his lived experience having sustained multiple concussions and clinical experience providing care to children and their families to guide research, policy, care, and education for children with brain injury in British Columbia. Scott is committed to community-based research principles through active engagement of individuals, clinicians, service providers, and organizations. Dr. Ramsay directs a research programme on health care delivery and nursing practice with children and adolescents experiencing mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion. His focus is on preventing and reducing injury. As a specific interest within that he aims to measure the impact of concussions on children and youth, their families, and the health care system. He has expertise in population data, health services, and clinical research studies.

Moderators

Maï Yasué

Dr. Maï Yasué (She/Her),
Associate Director, REDI

Dr. Maï is the Associate Director of the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) in the Faculty of Medicine. She provides leadership to the REDI team in the development and delivery of our education and training programming. She collaborates with leaders in departments, centres, and administration units, and staff, and faculty to identify institutional and individual barriers to inclusion and to foster long-term socio-cultural change towards justice, equity, decolonization, indigenization, and inclusion (JEDII). Previously, she worked at the Equity & Inclusion Office at UBC, where she led initiatives such as the JEDII STEM Series and the IBPOC STEM Network and supported the integration of the JEDII principles into teaching, research, and faculty and staff recruitment. Prior to her work at UBC, she was a faculty member at Quest University Canada for over a decade, teaching interdisciplinary courses in conservation and geography and advocating for transparency, equity, and inclusion through various leadership roles.

Maï, a second-generation immigrant from Japan, holds an MSc in Zoology from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Geography from the University of Victoria. As an interdisciplinary scholar, she has published over 40 articles in academic fields such as conservation, geography, zoology, education, behavioral ecology, economics, and psychology. She is grateful for having spent most of her life on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Stó:lō Nations.

Topic: Advancing Inclusive Research in Medicine: Anti-Racist and Decolonial Approaches

Date: Friday, May 16th, 2025,

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm PT

Location: Livestream

Just Medicine Podcast Episode 32: Realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s health-related calls to action

Just Medicine Podcast Episode 32: Realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s health-related calls to action

Description

The Just Medicine podcast has released its 32nd episode featuring host Sandra in conversation with Derek K. Thompson – Čaabať Bookwilla | Suhiltun, a member of the diitiidʔaaʔtx̣ – Ditidaht First Nation and Director of Indigenous Engagement at the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine. They discuss the role of non-Indigenous medical learners and trainees in realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, and especially those that relate to health.

Through stories, history, and insights from his personal and professional experiences, Derek offers listeners practical strategies for honouring the Calls to Action in their work within the health care system. He discusses using trauma-informed approaches to care, creating space for knowledge systems about wellness and healing that go beyond the biomedical, and making an emotional commitment to kindness and understanding.

Tune in as we explore the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the unique part that you, as medical learners and trainees, play in advancing them.

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Youtube
Listen on Apple Podcast

REDI’s Black Authors Book List

REDI’s Black Authors Book List New Additions!

Celebrate the voices and stories of Black authors by exploring our curated book list. These works offer profound insights into the Black experience and its impact on history, culture, and society. Deepen your understanding of racial injustice and resilience, and join us in honoring the legacy of Black writers and their contributions to literature and beyond.

The Beautiful Struggle
Ta-Nehisi Coates


The Beautiful Struggle
by 
Ta-Nehisi Coates


Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies by Dick Gregory

Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies
by Dick Gregory

Washington Black
by Esi Edugyan

The Book of Negroes
by Lawerence Hill

Do Better: Spiritual Activism for Fighting and Healing from White Supremacy
by Rachel Ricketts

The Message
Ta-Nehisi Coates


The Message
by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race
by Reni Eddo-Lodge


Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race
by Reni Eddo-Lodge

The Skin We’re In by Desdmon Cole

How to Be an Antiracist
by Ibram X. Kendi

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou

Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto
by Tricia Hersey

The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love
bell hooks


The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love
by bell hooks

Finding Me

Finding Me
by Viola Davia

Half-Blood Blues
by Esi Edugyan

So You Want to Talk About Race
by Ijeoma Oluo

Angry Queer Somali Boy: A Complicated Memoir
by Mohamed Abdulkarim Ali

Beloved
by Toni Morrison

Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM (Feb 2025)

Room Change: This event will now take place in Room 9299.

Indigenous and Black staff, faculty and clinical faculty within the Faculty of Medicine are invited to an affinity lunch on Thursday, Feb 27th, 2025 from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm (PDT) at the Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (DHCC), Vancouver General Hospital, room 9299. This gathering, facilitated by REDI Equity Advisor Madison Tardif, offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and develop collaborative networks that can drive sustainable change. Connect with colleagues across the Faculty, share your valuable perspectives on future REDI initiatives, and strengthen professional relationships that foster both personal and professional growth. Come ready to inspire and be inspired, and leave with actionable ideas and expanded networks across the Faculty.

Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM (Feb 2025)

This event is specifically for Faculty of Medicine (FoM) staff, faculty and clinical Faculty who identify as Indigenous, Black, Afro-Indigenous, or of Afro-Caribbean descent. For more on the importance of dedicated spaces for IBPOC communities, read this article by Kelsey Blackwell. We appreciate your understanding and support. For questions or concerns, please contact REDI at redi.office@ubc.ca

Register for February 27th

Lunch and light refreshments will be provided.

Facilitator

Madison Tardif (She/Her/Hers), Equity Advisor,
Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI), Faculty of Medicine

Topic: Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM

Date: Thursday, Feb 27th, 2025

Time: 12:00 – 2:00 PM (PDT)

Location: Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (DHCC), room 9299, 2775 Laurel St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9. View VGH Hospital map. Google maps location.

Audience: Faculty of Medicine (FoM) staff, faculty and clinical faculty who identify as Indigenous, Black, Afro-Indigenous, or of Afro-Caribbean descent.

What Will I Gain?

You will have the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the Faculty, be inspired, and leave with actionable ideas and expanded networks that empower sustainable change.

REDI Best Practices: Writing Inclusive Case Studies

Support learners and colleagues during Ramadan

Support learners and colleagues during Ramadan

Written by Catalina Parra

Many Muslim staff, learners and faculty will be observing Ramadan which entails fasting. Those taking part in Ramadan typically have two meals per day. One before the sun rises Suhoor, and iftar which is a fast-breaking evening meal.

As noted by Nour Youssef in an interview to the Ubyssey, “Ramadan gives me some much needed time to sit with myself and reflect on how I spend my time, and the things I value the most. By giving up things that usually seem so essential to us – food and water being the biggest – we are encouraged to replace the time we used to spend on these things with things that are more beneficial to our inner spiritual state. Things that make us better family members, better friends, better worshippers and better humans.” 

How to support friends/colleagues observing Ramadan?

  • Extend Ramadan greetings such as: Ramadan/Ramzan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem. Arabic sayings that translate to blessed Ramadan and generous Ramadan. 
  • The end of the month is marked by the new moon and Eid- al – Fitr is celebrated in order to show gratitude for the previous month of reflection. Common greetings are Eid Mubarak and Eid Sa’id which translates to Blessed Eid and Happy Eid.
  • Do not be apologetic for eating in front of your friend/colleague while they are fasting. To be more inclusive, avoid organizing events focusing on food during this time of the year (e.g. “lunch and learns” or “coffee hours”).
  • If you supervise self-identified Muslim staff, be flexible and mindful when scheduling for time off, events and meetings.  Consider flex time options. 
  • During fasting, Muslims are not allowed to drink water. Be thoughtful of this when scheduling long presentations or meetings.  
  • Educate yourself and raise awareness in order to create a more inclusive working/learning environment.
  • Do not assume every Muslim is fasting. If one of your Muslim colleagues/friends is not fasting it might be due to illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, amongst other reasons. Abstain from asking why.  
  • Do not treat fasting as suffering. Many Muslims look forward to Ramadan; it is a sacred and deeply personal practice. 

Ramadan Mubarak!

Sources