Events

You Are On Indian Land: Crossing the Borders of Truth, Reconciliation and Redress

Watch the recording of “You Are On Indian Land: Crossing the Borders of Truth, Reconciliation and Redress.” In this Indigenous Speaker Series session, we had a conversation with Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell of the Mohawks of Akwesasne, and director of You Are On Indian Land and we learnt more about the broader reach of truth, reconciliation and redress.

Join us virtually on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “You Are On Indian Land: Crossing the Borders of Truth, Reconciliation and Redress” This virtual event is presented by the Indigenous Speakers Series. 

Watch the Recording

Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell

Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell
Knowledge Keeper, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (Bio)

Michael Kanentakeron Mitchell is one of the most respected First Nations leaders in Canada. Born in Akwesasne and raised by a traditional family, Kanentakeron had the benefit of a strong cultural and spiritual upbringing. Fluent in the Mohawk language, Kanentakeron has successfully applied traditional diplomatic skills in solving today’s challenges to First Nations on local, regional and national levels in all areas of development and renewal. For three decades, Kanentakeron served his people in a political capacity as Chief and Grand Chief in one of the most volatile, yet progressive First Nations communities in Canada. His vision to help restore the independence of the Mohawk people of Akwesasne is based on applying the best of both Hotinonshonni philosophy and modern democratic government systems.

Moderator

  • Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Indigenous Advisor

Description 

You Are On Indian Land is a documentary film that was made in 1969 and it underlines many of the outstanding issues we see today in our First Nations communities. The film is powerful and unapologetic in showing the white man’s indifference against Indians. The film’s message remains true today in exposing the attitudes from those colonial and new settlers who don’t want to see First Nations assert their legitimate place in Canada. You Are On Indian Land represents the long-standing tension between those who are from here and those who have arrived here as colonial and new settlers. This important film can better inform how we think about today’s common practice of land and territorial acknowledgments, and how we think about the broader reach of truth, reconciliation and redress.

I was a kid when I first watched the film You Are On Indian Land, and it was right after watching another film called The Land Is Our Culture. The latter was produced by the Union of BC Indian Chiefs in collaboration with the National Film Board, and it was about our continuing struggle to legitimize our rights and title in this province. Even as a kid, I was moved, and I didn’t know why but what I felt was a sense of dignity and strength. From that moment on my purpose in life was created, whether I knew it or not. It’s been one of my personal missions to meet and shake the hand of Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell for all that he has done, and continues to do, for his people and for First Nations across this country. In 2011, I met and shook the hand of Grand Chief Kanentakeron and he toured me around his community of Akwesasne and introduced me to members of his community, and nearly the entire time I felt like I did when I was a kid – transported to a time in which I felt a strong sense of dignity and strength.

Indigenous peoples are the only segment of Canadian society that are simultaneously trying to come to terms with the past and to try and find a good way forward. Grand Chief Mike Kanentakeron Mitchell of the Mohawks of Akwesasne said that, “Our leaders of the past talked about the importance of dignity – that a leader should not only know his own worth but also to be worthy to the community. Our elders talked about the importance of language – that a leader should know the value of teaching our languages to our children in every aspect of today’s education system. The great leaders of the past talked about the urgency for all of us as First Nations and Indigenous peoples to decolonize – that to be truly independent is to rid ourselves of the continuing legacy of oppression and to assimilate ourselves in our own culture, ceremonies and languages. There is a need for today’s leaders to return back to the ways of our Ancestors – that in this era there was an absence of arrogance and a strong foundation of humility that put the wellness of the community first. The leaders in our communities must focus on working with the people – that this work must reflect the true worth of a sense of belonging, strength of culture and the values of independence.”

So, to those who are Indigenous – First Nations, you also have an important role and you are worth every effort of purpose and determination to be happy and content in the world and free from the bounds of redress, telling the truth and reconciling for the future. Your job is to learn to be resilient and to make every effort to earn your place in the world for those that sacrificed their lives having been caught up in the trappings of colonialism, racism, oppression, and assimilation. And, to those who are colonial and new settler Canadians, you have an equally important role to learn, figure out and find ways to support the processes that we’ve committed to called Truth, Reconciliation and Redress.

Topic: You Are On Indian Land: Crossing the Borders of Truth, Reconciliation and Redress

Date: Wednesday, March 15th, 2023

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm PST

What Will I Learn?

You will learn about the unique perspectives of how to best approach the work in relation to the processes of Truth and Reconciliation.

Continue Learning

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

Learn more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives here

Discover more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series here

Find REDI’s Indigenous-Specific Resources here

IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Kishore Mulpuri

Join us virtually on Friday, March 17th, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm (PST), for “IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Kishore Mulpuri”. Dr. Kishore Mulpuri is the Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of British Columbia, as well as a Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon at BC Children’s Hospital.

This virtual event is part of the IBPOC Voices, a monthly series led by Dr. Neila Miled the anti-racism Advisor.

IBPOC Voices is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with guests who identify as Indigenous, Black and people of color. This series centers IBPOC experiences and knowledge, and highlights how they navigate the different challenges and how they engage with equity, diversity and inclusion. It is also a space where guests talk about their vision of an equitable and just environment. This series is an opportunity to open spaces where we know each other more and create a sense of community because “We are fully dependent on each other for the possibility of being understood and without this understanding we are not intelligible, we do not make sense, we are not solid, visible, integrated; we are lacking. So, travelling to each other’s “worlds” would enable us to be through loving each other” (Maria Lugones)

Register

Dr. Kishore Mulpuri is the Head of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of British Columbia, as well as a Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon at BC Children’s Hospital. He completed his medical and orthopaedic training at Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India, prior to pursuing orthopaedic fellowships at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, Australia, the Melbourne Orthopedic Group, and Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Dr. Mulpuri also completed a clinical research fellowship in orthopaedics at BC Children’s Hospital.

Dr. Mulpuri’s clinical practice and research interests focus on the pediatric hip and cerebral palsy. He regularly treats patients with a wide range of conditions, including developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), cerebral palsy (CP), Legg-Calvé-Perthes (Perthes) disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), and trauma.

Moderator

  • Dr. Neila Miled – Anti-Racism Advisor

Topic: IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Kishore Mulpuri

Date: Friday, March 17th, 2023

Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm PST

What Will I Learn?

You will learn more about IBPOC experiences and knowledge, and how IBPOC navigate the different challenges and engage with equity, diversity and inclusion.

Unlearning & undoing systemic white supremacy & Indigenous-specific racism within the BC OPH Officer

Black Lives, Black Voices and Black Identities in the Faculty of Medicine

To commemorate Black History Month and as part of REDI’s commitment to amplifying IBPOC voices, we invite you to join our panel “Black lives, Black voices and Black identities in the Faculty of Medicine” on Friday, February 17th, 2023, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST).

This virtual event is part of the IBPOC Voices, a new monthly series led by Dr. Neila Miled the anti-racism Advisor.

IBPOC Voices is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with guests who identify as Indigenous, Black and people of color. This series centers IBPOC experiences and knowledge, and highlights how they navigate the different challenges and how they engage with equity, diversity and inclusion. It is also a space where guests talk about their vision of an equitable and just environment. This series is an opportunity to open spaces where we know each other more and create a sense of community because “We are fully dependent on each other for the possibility of being understood and without this understanding we are not intelligible, we do not make sense, we are not solid, visible, integrated; we are lacking. So, travelling to each other’s “worlds” would enable us to be through loving each other” (Maria Lugones)

Panelists’ Bios

Donneil McNab, Black Student Initiatives Manager, MD Undergraduate Program and Admissions

Donneil McNab (she/her) is a Black settler from Jamaica who is currently the Black Student Initiatives Manager in the MD Undergraduate Program. She is passionate about providing specialized support for racialized students at the postsecondary level and was drawn to working in the equity, diversity, and inclusion sphere based on her own experiences with discrimination as well as those of her peers, family members and the students she supports. Donneil has been collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address systemic barriers that impede development and access in education and other sectors. Her focus has also been to build communities among equity-deserving groups by creating and sustaining safe and inclusive platforms for intersectional storytelling. 

Dr. Tatiana Sotindjo, Adolescent Medicine Specialist BCCH and Hudson Equity Diversity and Inclusion Scholar in the Department of Pediatrics
Dr. Tatiana Sotindjo, Adolescent Medicine Specialist BCCH and Hudson Equity Diversity and Inclusion Scholar in the Department of Pediatrics

Dr. Tatiana Sotindjo is currently part of the pediatric care team at the Provincial HIV care program and consultant Adolescent Medicine Specialist at BC Children’s Youth Health Clinic. She was appointed as inaugural Hudson Scholar for Equity Diversity and Inclusion for the UBC Department of Pediatrics.

Dr. Tatiana Sotindjo is an exemplary leader in equity, diversity and inclusion, and in her clinical work in pediatric HIV care and addictions care. As the Hudson, ‘Scholar for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion she has been a leader, a mentor and an inspiration to residents and fellows from pediatrics, infectious diseases, medical microbiology and adolescent medicine. She advocates tirelessly for patients and staff facing racism and discrimination; she constantly challenges us to do better and never accepted the status quo as sufficient – as such, those around her have all been raised to a higher bar because of her impact and influence.

Dr. Felix Durity, Professor Emeritus and past Head of the Division of Neurosurgery

Dr. Felix Durity, Professor Emeritus, UBC Department of Surgery and Head Emeritus, UBC Division of Neurosurgery, 1990 – 2002

Honorary Doctorate (D. LItt), Corpus Christi and St. Mark’s College, UBC Campus.

Born in Trinidad, West Indies, he came to UBC in 1956 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 1958 on the Dean’s Honor list of the 5 top graduates. Graduated at UBC MD class of 1963 and in 1966 became the first neurosurgical trainee at UBC and in Western Canada. Qualified as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgery, Canada (FRCSC) in Neurosurgery in 1969. Joined the full-time UBC Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, academic staff in 1974 and became Professor and Head of Neurosurgery, UBC 1990 – 2002. He was a founding member of the Trauma Association of Canada, dedicated to improving trauma to head and spine. He established Centers of Excellence in BC Neurosurgery and initiated fundamental critical aspects of head injury in Canada. He helped a Neurosurgical Centre in Ghana, West Africa. For these efforts, local and abroad, he was awarded the Order of BC, the province’s highest civilian award.  

 Retired from neurosurgical practice in 2005, he has remained very active in several Social Justice causes in Africa and BC and elsewhere and has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his work.

 Now also a proud member of the Black Physicians of BC and working with the Faculty’s Development Office in its EDI goals of addressing under-representation in the Faculty at all levels of the IBPOC group but with an emphasis on the Black Community

Dr. Michael Schwandt, Medical Health Officer, Vancouver Coastal Health, Assistant Clinical Professor School of Population and Public Health

Dr. Michael Schwandt is a specialist physician in Public Health and Preventive Medicine. He practices as a Medical Health Officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, and is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the UBC Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Schwandt works with health system and government partners, NGOs and community members to control communicable diseases, protect communities from environmental hazards, and promote health at the population level. Through his practice, teaching and research, he aims to promote action for antiracism and equity in public health. Dr. Schwandt is a proud descendant of emancipated Trinidadian and Barbadian people.

Gbolahan Olarewaju, MD Candidate 2023


Gbolahan is a 4th year medical student at the University of British Columbia and was inaugural Chair of the Black Medical Students Association of Canada (BMSAC). He hails from Nigeria and immigrated to Canada for university. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate education at the University of Guelph in Biomedical Science (BSc) and Human Health and Nutritional Science (MSc). As a queer Black immigrant, he has a keen interest in health access and equity for marginalized people including youth, immigrants, queer, Black, Indigenous and other people of color. Prior to medical school, this interest was cultivated into interdisciplinary advocacy and research work as the Coordinator of International, Multi-Faith and Refugee programs at the University of Guelph, and as the Vancouver coordinator for the national gay, bisexual and queer men’s health study Engage. While completing his medical education, he continues his advocacy work on various EDI advisory groups for the Faculty of Medicine, as chair of the BMSAC Research Committee and as the undergraduate rep for the Black Physicians of BC.

Moderator

Racism

Dr. Neila Miled – Anti-Racism Advisor

Description

Black History Month 2023: Experience and Identity


Since 1995 Canada has celebrated Black History month to focus on recognizing the daily contributions of Black Canadians in shaping Canada’s identity. An interesting question to consider is how being Black has shaped the identity and experience of Black people in our Faculty as they strive for meaningful engagement and belonging.


This year on February 17th, the Faculty of Medicine is honoured to host a panel discussion that will provide a space for an important conversation about the experiences of Black members of the Faculty and the challenges they face to find belonging. Our discussion recognizes that there is no single “Black Experience” that can explain identity development for all Black men and women.


The panel will be moderated by Dr. Neila Miled, Anti-racism Advisor in the office Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. This event is part of REDI’s monthly series, IBPOC Voices, hosted by Dr. Miled and broadcast across the Faculty. This series features conversations with IBPOC members of the Faculty to both highlight and promote diversity in our community.


Dr. Miled will invite panelists to reflect on their Black identity and how this has shaped their personal narrative – their education journey, work experiences and sense of belonging. A question and answer period will provide an opportunity to explore the ways non-Black members of our community can work in solidarity and allyship to create a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment for everyone working and learning in our community.

Topic: Black lives, Black voices and Black identities in the Faculty of Medicine

Date: Friday, February 17th, 2023

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm PST

What Will I Learn?

You will learn more about IBPOC experiences and knowledge, and how IBPOC navigate the different challenges and engage with equity, diversity and inclusion.

Memorial march to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people (February 14th)

My Privilege, My Responsibility: A Higher Calling To Do Better in an Era of Truth, Reconciliation & Redress with Sheila North

Join us virtually on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “My Privilege, My Responsibility: A Higher Calling To Do Better in an Era of Truth, Reconciliation & Redress with Sheila North“. In this sixth session of the Indigenous Speaker Series, we will learn about the activism of Sheila North who has been working tirelessly to bring urgent attention to systemic racism faced by Indigenous women and girls. She is the creator of the widely used hashtag #MMIW – a movement that advocates for the end of violence against First Nations/ Indigenous women and girls. This important conversation with Sheila North will bring to light some of the things and actions that we need to think about as we continue to reckon with the many truths and injustices committed against Indigenous – First Nations, Inuit, Métis – girls, women, peoples, and communities.

My Privilege, My Responsibility: A Higher Calling To Do Better in an Era of Truth, Reconciliation & Redress with Sheila North

Join us virtually on Wednesday, February 15th, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm (PST), for “My Privilege, My Responsibility: A Higher Calling To Do Better in an Era of Truth, Reconciliation & Redress with Sheila North” This virtual event is presented by the Indigenous Speakers Series. 

Watch the Recording
Sheila North

Sheila North, Grand Chief of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (2015), CBC Journalist and Anchor, Proud Mother and Grandmother, Activist, Author, Director & Community Leader

A member of Bunibonibee Cree Nation (also known as Oxford House), Sheila North is the former Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) 2015 to 2018 and achieved her lifelong goal of becoming a journalist/storyteller and worked in the media industry for 15 years. She is recognized for her efforts building bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities during with her work in and with media and during her time as the MKO Grand Chief. 

Most recently, Sheila was an anchor and journalist at CBC Manitoba. Formerly, she was the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Legacy Bowes and Political Commentator for CTV Network. Prior to becoming the Grand Chief of MKO, Sheila North worked as a journalist for CBC for seven years (2005 to 2012). She has also been an entrepreneur, a Cree translator, an economic development officer, a radio personality, a Chief Communication Officer at the Assembly for Manitoba Chiefs, and as a correspondent with CTV News until being elected as MKO Grand Chief in September 2015. 

One of Sheila’s passions is working with Indigenous and non- Indigenous communities to raise awareness about the national tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) and is the original creator of the commonly used hashtag, #MMIW. She continues to work closely with families, friends and Indigenous and non- Indigenous leaders to address the issue of violence against Indigenous women that has resulted in the current crisis. She has succeeded in engaging people in responding to the critical issue of MMIW through a variety of means, including her most recent project —a documentary she co-produced with Leonard Yakir titled “1200+” that highlights some of the systemic issues that place Indigenous women at greater risk for violence and sexual exploitation. With assistance from the Canadian Women Foundation, Sheila also commissioned a curriculum on MMIW that pairs with the film, 1200+. 

Sheila comes from proud and big family, is a mother of two and a Kookom of one. 

Moderator

  • Derek K Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Indigenous Advisor

Description 

Sheila North has been working tirelessly to bring urgent attention to systemic racism faced by Indigenous women and girls. She is the creator of the widely used hashtag #MMIW – a movement that advocates for the end of violence against First Nations/Indigenous women and girls.

Indigenous – First Nations, Inuit, Métis – women and girls face overwhelming circumstances in the areas of violence, poverty, lack of education, and within all of the historical context of racism against First Nations people and communities. The adverse experiences of First Nations women and girls in this country is unparalleled. There is no other segment of Canadian or Indigenous societies that are simultaneously trying to come to terms with the past and find a way forward than those faced by Indigenous – First Nations, Inuit, Métis – women and girls.

In 2021 she published her memoir – My Privilege, My Responsibility – to critical acclaim for her openness, insight and a roadmap for all of us to consider how to best come to terms with our relationship with Indigenous peoples and communities. Her memoir chronicles an achievement of the human spirit over the will to not settle for mediocrity, but to persevere with a resolve to set things right for all women and girls in our homes and communities. Her hope is for all of us to consider our own privilege and to answer the call to make this our responsibility and to live in the best way we can for a better future for all of us – as Indigenous peoples and as Canadians.

In an era of telling the truth and reconciling for the future there’s an urgency to find ways to uplift all of the girls and women in our communities. Every word, every action, every gesture, every utterance, and every energy must be an effort to uplift the girls and women in our homes and communities. This important conversation with Sheila North will bring to light some of the things and actions that we need to think about as we continue to reckon with the many truths and injustices committed against Indigenous – First Nations, Inuit, Métis – girls, women, peoples, and communities.

Topic: My Privilege, My Responsibility: A Higher Calling To Do Better in an Era of Truth, Reconciliation & Redress with Sheila North

Date: Wednesday, February 15th, 2022

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm PST

What Will I Learn?

You will learn about the unique perspectives of how to best approach the work in relation to the processes of Truth and Reconciliation.

Continue Learning

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

Learn more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives here

Discover more about REDI’s Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series here

Find REDI’s Indigenous-Specific Resources here

Equity in Medicine Virtual Fireside Chat: Tips for a Successful Search & Selection

Equity in Medicine is a community of Canadian physicians with the goal of embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into the culture of all Canadian healthcare organizations. We will be hosting a virtual fireside chat on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 4-5 PM PT on Tips for a Successful Search and Selection. Our panelists will discuss principles of inclusive hiring, and practical tips to achieve a more fair and equitable search and selection process.

Register

Pink Shirt Day (February 22)

IBPOC Faculty & Staff Get Together: Celebrating Black History Month

Making accessibility accessible to everyone