Indigenous Perspectives
- To Bear Witness: A Meaningful Conversation about my Mom on Belonging and Perseverance
Join us on Wednesday, April 23, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM for a conversation with Maï Yasué, Associate Director of the REDI Office, about Derek’ mother, Maude Thompson. Maude was a Haisla First Nations woman, a Survivor of the Indian Residential School experience, and a cook at the Tsow-tun Le Lum Society – Substance Use and Trauma Treatment Centre for nearly 40 years. - REDI’s Book & Media List on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People
In recognition of Red Dress Day on May 5, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the disproportionately high rates of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people in Canada, we invite you to explore our curated selection of books, media, and resources. Engaging with these resources is a step toward acknowledging the injustices faced by Indigenous communities and supporting the ongoing efforts for justice and reconciliation. - The First Page of a New Chapter: Leading Transformative Change for Indigenous Peoples in an Era of Truth and Reconciliation
Watch a recording for a conversation with Dr. Alika Lafontaine, an award-winning physician, social innovator, and the first Indigenous physician listed by the Medical Post as one of Canada’s 50 Most Powerful Doctors. Grounded in a mixed Indigenous ancestry of Métis, Oji-Cree, and Pacific Islander, Dr. Lafontaine has served in provincial and national medical leadership positions for two decades. - Just Medicine Podcast Episode 32: Realizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s health-related calls to action
Listen to an episode of Just Medicine, where host Sandra speaks with Derek Thompson about the role of non-Indigenous medical learners and trainees in advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action, particularly those related to health. - Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM (Feb 2025)
FoM Indigenous and Black staff, faculty and clinical faculty are invited to join us on Feb 27, from 12:00– 2:00 pm at the Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (DHCC), Vancouver General Hospital. This affinity lunch offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop collaborative networks with colleagues across the Faculty. - Women’s Memorial March (Feb 14): Honouring the lives of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Join the 34th annual Women’s Memorial March in Vancouver to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people (MMIWG2S+). This is an opportunity to come together to grieve the loss of beloved sisters and relatives in the Downtown Eastside. - Weaving Relations for Meaningful and Genuine Change
Watch a recording for a conversation with Dana-Lyn Mackenzie, a member of the Hwlitsum First Nation, lawyer, and Senior Manager, EDI & Indigeneity, at the Faculties of Applied Science and Land and Food Systems. Dana-Lyn was instrumental in creating the Intergenerational March to Commemorate Orange Shirt Day, the Weaving Relations course, and the Cascades of Change program. - Now You Know Me: Seeing the Unhidden Truth in Settler Colonialism
Join PHSA on Thursday, January 30, from 10:00 to 11:30 am for a conversation with authors Joe Gallagher (k’wunəmɛn) and John Matterson. This discussion offers an opportunity to delve into the stories of two men whose lives were shaped by different dimensions of settler colonialism. The session will highlight how reconciliation demands both confronting the truth and taking meaningful actions to foster systemic change. - We Are What We Eat: Digesting the Merits of Indigenous Food Systems & Sovereignty
Watch a recording for a conversation with Jared Williams – Qwustenuxun, an Indigenous Foods Educator from Quw’utsun (Cowichan Tribes). In this discussion, you will learn about Indigenous food sovereignty and security. - Nawh whu’nus’en – We see in two worlds: Trauma sensitive practices for collectively healing in relationship
Join CPD on Wednesday, January 29 from 5:30–8:30 pm for a virtual workshop that introduces trauma-sensitive practices as a basis for offering respectful and appropriate health services for Indigenous peoples. The course supports health professionals to meet provincial standards and expectations around providing culturally safe care. - A Tribute to the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair: Champion of Justice and Reconciliation
With deep respect and gratitude, we honour the life and legacy of the Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair, Mazina Giizhik (One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky), who passed away on November 4, 2024. Mazina Giizhik’s legacy extends across generations, communities, and sectors, leaving an indelible impact on Indigenous rights, justice reform, and reconciliation in Canada. - Postponed | Through the Lens: Portraits of Who We Are and Where We Come From
*** Event postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, our apologies *** Join us on Tuesday, Nov 26th, 2024 from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (PST), for a conversation with Melody Charlie, a Nuu-Chah-Nulth photographer and guest curator of the Matriarchs Seen and Unseen exhibition at the Bill Reid Gallery. - Unbroken: My Fight for Survival, Hope, and Justice for Indigenous Women and Girls
Watch a recording for a conversation with Angela Sterritt, an award-winning investigative journalist, TV, radio, and podcast host, and national bestselling author for her book Unbroken. Angela is from the Wilp Wiik’aax (we-GAK) of the Gitanmaax (GIT-in-max) community. - Coming Home: Honouring the Resiliency of All Survivors of the Indian Residential School Experience
Watch a recording for our first in person Indigenous Speakers Series session. In this unique event, we were honoured to welcome Survivors, and children of Survivors, of the Indian Residential School Experience. - Anchored To All That Is Good
Derek Thompson — Čaabať Bookwilla | Suhiltun, Director, Indigenous Engagement, reflects on family, community and the responsibility passed from one generation to the next. - REDI’s Media List: Indian Residential School Experiences
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours the children who never returned home, and the Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. We invite you to watch films and documentaries that delve into the experiences of Indian residential schools and reflect on the strength, courage, and resilience of Indigenous peoples. - Reconciliation
Reconciliation is an ongoing commitment that requires action from each of us. Learn more about the meaning of reconciliation and concrete actions you can take individually and as a unit or department. - Navigating Indigenous Tokenism, Saviourism, and Appropriation
In the era of Truth and Reconciliation, organizations across Canada are on a journey towards systemic transformation. In this webinar, Len discusses common pitfalls to reconciliation: Indigenous tokenism, saviourism, and appropriation. - Just in! New resources by the National Consortium for Indigenous Medical Education
Check out the extensive array of new resources by the National Consortium for Indigenous Medical Education. - Walking the path of reconciliation together
UBC Medicine and the Australian National University sign historic agreement to collaborate on efforts to help improve the health and wellness of Indigenous populations. - Centering Indigenous voices in the culture of medicine
How the Indigenous Speaker Series is helping to transform culture inside the Faculty of Medicine — and beyond. - Indigenous Intelligence Training with Maynard Angus
In honour of National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the SBME Indigenous Engagement Committee would like to invite you to attend the workshop “Indigenous Intelligence Training” with Maynard Angus on June 21st, from 9 AM to 12 PM. - REDI’s Indigenous Musicians List
June 21st marks National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada, a time to “recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities across Canada” (Government of Canada). In honour of this day, we are thrilled to share a curated list of our favourite Indigenous musicians. - Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami: The National Voice of All Inuit in Canada
Watch the recording for a conversation with Natan Obed, Canada’s National Inuit Leader. Natan Obed is the president of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the national representational organization protecting and advancing the rights and interests of Inuit in Canada. - Red Dress Day (May 5)
Red Dress Day, also known as the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People, is observed on May 5th. - Camp Suzuki At Chá7elkwnech: Walking With The Squamish
Faculty and post-secondary educators are invited to join Camp Suzuki on April 24-25 at Chá7elkwnech for a rare opportunity to learn about Átl’ka7tsem’s (Howe Sound) rich history, Squamish Nation culture and language, canoeing, conservation leadership and coastal ecosystems. You’ll leave the retreat with a deeply enriched understanding of this place. - Rez Rules: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples
Watch the recording for a conversation with Chief Clarence Louie, Osoyoos Indian Band and author of REZ RULES: My Indictment of Canada’s and America’s Systemic Racism Against Indigenous Peoples. - Our Shared Vision: Leading Transformative Change in Health for BC First Nations
Watch the recording of this Indigenous Speaker Series session, which brought together a panel of senior political representatives working across the four pillars of BC First Nations Health governance: the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), the First Nations Health Council (FNHC), the First Nations Health Directors Association (FNHDA), and the Tripartite Committee on First Nations Health (TCFNH). - The Circle Game: Shadows and Substance in the Indian Residential School Experience in Canada
Watch the recording for a conversation with Dr. Roland Chrisjohn – Kanakalut, Onyota’a:ka of the Haudenausuanee; author of “The Circle Game: Shadows and Substance in the Indian Residential School Experience in Canada” and “Dying to Please You: Indigenous Suicide in Contemporary Canada.” - Valley of the Birdtail: An Indian Reserve, A White Town, and the Road to Reconciliation
Watch the recording for a conversation with Andrew Sniderman and Douglas Sanderson (Amo Binashii), authors of Valley of the Birdtail. In this Indigenous Speakers Series session, we learnt about what it means to be Indigenous in Canada, what it means for all of us to be Canadians in a newly reformed Canada, if we choose to be on the road to reconciliation. - Exploring Indigenous Care Practices with Esk’etemc: A Student Researcher’s Journey
Join a conversation with graduate student Cara Basil from Secwepemcúĺecw on Nov 29t at 12:30 Pm. She will share her research journey, collaborating with Esk’etemc, and discuss the next steps for research on palliative care for Indigenous Peoples. - UBC Orthopaedics Staff and Residents Engage in the KIAROS Blanket Exercise
UBC Orthopaedics recently participated in the transformative KIAROS Blanket Exercise, walking the path of Indigenous and non-Indigenous history to deepen empathy and underscore the crucial role of trainee involvement in shaping a more empathetic and informed healthcare community. - Reveal: Coast Salish Two-Spirit Pride Mosaic
Celebrate and amplify Two-Spirit pride by witnessing the unveiling of the Coast Salish Two-Spirit Pride mosaic on Tuesday, November 14th, 11:30am – 1:30pm at Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall, First Nations Longhouse. - Musqueam Day (Nov 1)
Every year, Musqueam recognizes November 1 as Musqueam Day. On November 1, 1984, Musqueam won R v. Guerin, a Supreme Court of Canada case that changed the law regarding how Canada must uphold Aboriginal title. UBC IRSHDC recognizes Musqueam and their celebrations and remembrances on this day. Illustrations by Kenzie Littlelight. - In the Midst of Grief We Are Healing: An Affinity Event for Indigenous Staff, Faculty and Students in STEM
Indigenous Staff, Faculty and Students are invited to come together on October 11th from 12:30- 2:00 PM for informal conversations, community building and healing as we navigate the ongoing journey of truth, reconciliation, and redress in our communities. - An Affliction of Our Stories: Contemplating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Reflections by Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Director, Indigenous Engagement, in commemoration of the National day for Truth and Reconciliation. - Thank You Message: We Welcome the Children Back Home
On Wednesday, September 20th 2023, we were honored to welcome an esteemed panel of Survivors of the Indian Residential School Experience in Canada. We are absolutely honored and grateful for their courage, wisdom and generosity of heart and soul. Read our Thank You Message. - We Welcome The Children Back Home: The Burden of Sorrow and Survival of the Indian Residential School Experience in Canada
Watch the recording for this Indigenous Speaker Series session which brought together a panel of survivors of the Indian Residential School experience in Canada. This important session welcomed and honored these brave and resilient survivors as they lead us in a discussion about the urgency and motivation to right and write a new history in Canada that is based on a proper redress for Indigenous peoples and communities. - REDI’s Reading list for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is observed annually on September 30th to honour Residential School Survivors and their families, and to remember those who did not make it. The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes. We invite you to listen with open ears to the stories of survivors and their families. - Indigenous History Month 2023
June is Indigenous History Month in Canada, a month to learn about, appreciate and acknowledge the rich history, contributions and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across the country. Explore a collection of UBC and community events. - Transformation, Inspiration and Guidance: Celebrating 20 Years of Indigenous Excellence in Medicine
Watch the recording for a conversation with James Andrew, a member of Lil’wat Nation’s Mount Currie Band and Associate Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the Faculty of Medicine. James Andrew has been a source of inspiration and guidance in helping to create and transform the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Indigenous MD Admissions Pathway. - The Men We Need To Become
In recognition of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit people, Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, Indigenous Advisor, reflects on his Grandmother’s legacy and the journey through personal and transformative changes. - IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Jorden Hendry
Watch a recording for a conversation with Jorden Hendry. Jorden is Tsimshian/settler and a member of the Lax Kw’alaams band. As a PhD student in the School of Population and Public Health, Jorden studies Indigenous Public Health and the systems that drive health disparities. - UBC 23 24 Indigenous Cultural Safety: Creating Excellence in the Arenas of Truth, Reconciliation and Academia
Watch the recording for this Indigenous Speakers Series session with Dr. Nadine Caron, Dr. Gwendolyn Point and Courtney Smith to learn more about the work of cultural safety, cultural humility, and the broader work in regards to the recommendations from In Plain Sight, Truth and Reconciliation, and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan. - Laxgalts’ap Village of Nisga’a Nation marks the start of Hoobiyee celebrations with traditional totem pole raising on the morning of Friday Feb. 24
Hoobiyee is when the Nisga’a Nation marks a new season of harvest beginning with the arrival of saak, a breed of oolichan fish that is a staple of the traditional Nisga’a diet. - 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 event, 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. - Unlearning & undoing systemic white supremacy & Indigenous-specific racism within the BC OPH Officer
Watch the recording “Unlearning and undoing systemic white supremacy and Indigenous-specific racism within the BC Office of the Provincial Health Officer With Dr. Kate Jongbloed and Dr. Danièle Behn Smith” organized by the UBC Learning Circle. - Memorial march to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people (February 14th)
Feb. 14 marks a day of remembering, grieving, healing, and honoring the Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse peoples who are missing or murdered. - My Privilege, My Responsibility: A Higher Calling To Do Better in an Era of Truth, Reconciliation & Redress with Sheila North
Watch the recording of “My Privilege, My Responsibility: A Higher Calling To Do Better in an Era of Truth, Reconciliation & Redress with Sheila North” to learn about the activism of Sheila North, the creator of the widely used hashtag #MMIW – a movement that advocates for the end of violence against First Nations/ Indigenous women and girls. - REDI Empower Hour | Parts Known and Unknown: Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup Talks About the Bits and Pieces of a Meaningful Conversation
Join us for the November 17th REDI Empower Hour from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. We invite you to bring your favorite meal, pull up a virtual chair, and we’ll talk about the bits and pieces of a meaningful conversation, and chew on the many and layered flavors of telling the truth and reconciling for the future. - Recording: We Are All That Is Possible: Indigenous Principles and Perspectives of Disability & Belonging with Joanne Mills
Watch the recording for a conversation with Joanne Mills. In this fourth session of the Indigenous Speaker Series, we had an opportunity to better inform our sensibilities and perceptions about Indigenous peoples whom are both challenged with, and gifted with, developmental disabilities. - Recording: Transformative Change According to Doug Kelly: Creating the BC First Nations Health Authority
Watch the recording of a conversation with Grand Chief Doug Kelly – Cheam First Nation. In this third session of the Indigenous Speaker Series, we learnt about the work and leadership of GC Doug Kelly in the creation of the First Nations Health Authority, and his experiences and insights as the former Chair of the First Nations Health Council. - All-Day Sacred Fire Ceremony at the xʷcı̓cəsəm Garden at UBC Farm
The Indigenous Research Partnership, Faculty of Land and Food Systems, and The First Nations House of Learning invite you to an All-Day Sacred Fire Ceremony at xʷci̓cəsəm Garden at UBC Farm, on Friday September 30th, as one way to acknowledge, commemorate and appreciate the Canadian National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (TRC). - Recording: Diagnosing Truth, Healing and Conciliation Inside BC Health Care Systems with Dr. Danièle Behn Smith
Watch the recording of a conversation with Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous Health. In this second Indigenous Speaker Series session, Dr. Behn Smith’s shares her unique perspective on how health and academic systems can best approach the work in relation to the processes of Truth and Reconciliation. - In Honor and Gratitude for All Children of Indian Residential School Survivors
On September 21st, we were fortunate to host Omeasoo Wāhpāsiw, Dorothy Burn, April White, Jenny Gardipy, Darren Thompson, Jacob Hamilton, Nicki McCarthy, and Charles Nelson. Each of these great good people showed us all how to be truthful, compassionate and dignified. Despite the difficulties of their past, they also demonstrated an individual and shared resilience, a deep humility and a wry sense of humor about the human condition. - UBC Faculty of Medicine 2022 Commemorative Event for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Orange Shirt Day
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 | 10:00 am – 11:30 am PT | Virtual - Recording: We Are Children of Indian Residential School Survivors: Awakening Our Spirits, Our Purpose & Our Confidence
Thank you for joining us on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm (PST), for “We Are Children of Indian Residential School Survivors: Awakening Our Spirits, Our Purpose & Our Confidence”, the first session in this year’s Indigenous Speakers’ series. For those unable to attend a video recording is available. - Parts Known & Unknown: Exploring the Borders of Truth, Reconciliation and Redress
Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup, REDI Indigenous Advisor, reflects in the lead-up to the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. - REDI Empower Hour: Snapshots of our Ancestors with Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup
Join us for the September 15th REDI Empower Hour. In this session, Derek Thompson- Thlaapkiituup will talk about some of the history and the tensions that live there still, and to reimagine a past that is simultaneously accurate and works to empower those that have been dispossessed in the trajectory of our shared and unique pasts. - Niw_Hk_M_Kanak | All My Relations
Seeking Inspiration in Our Own Histories and Stories with Paul LAH Chartrand - Snapshots of Our Ancestors: Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup Talks About the Pretense of Truth, Reconciliation and Redress
Join us for the May 12 REDI Lunch & Learn session. - Invitation to Ni tipeyihtenan ōhi acimōwina
We own these stories. The marrow. - Invitation to Parts Known and UnknownJoin us on March 10 for the inaugural event of the REDI Lunch & Learn series.
- Healing Our Spirit
Enduring the work of Grief, Hope, Truth & Reconciliation in our Communities - Ni tipeyihtenan ōhi acimōwina | We Own These Stories. The Marrow.Thank you to everyone who joined us on March 25, 2022 for the REDI Indigenous Initiatives Speakers Series. This series continues the important conversation that was started during the October 28, 2021 It Starts With Us: Truth Telling event to commemorate Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. REDI was honored to welcome Louise Bernice Halfe – Sky Dancer, Parliamentary Poet Laureate, who helped us learn about the need for creative and meaningful connections with Indigenous peoples.
- Sorry, Not Sorry
The Importance of Showing Up in an Era of Truth and Reconciliation - It Starts With Us: Truth Telling Has Launched
A first step toward truth and reconciliation - Orange Shirt Day 2021
Join us on September 30 in acknowledging and learning - Introducing Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup: Our New Indigenous Initiatives Advisor
REDI welcomes the newest member of our team
Anti-Racism
- REDI’s Refugee Experiences Book List
April 4th marks Refugee Rights Day, a time to reflect on the challenges faced by refugees. Explore a curated collection of diverse books that capture the resilience, courage, and humanity of refugees from around the world. These narratives can empower you to deliver compassionate care that respects the dignity and humanity of each individual you serve. - REDI’s Black Authors Book List
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. - Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM (Feb 2025)FoM Indigenous and Black staff, faculty and clinical faculty are invited to join us on Feb 27, from 12:00– 2:00 pm at the Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre (DHCC), Vancouver General Hospital. This affinity lunch offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop collaborative networks with colleagues across the Faculty.
- REDI Best Practices: Writing Inclusive Case Studies
Case studies shape how future clinicians understand patient care, but do they reflect the diversity of the people they will serve? This guide offers strategies for writing inclusive cases that challenge stereotypes, highlight systemic factors affecting health, and ensure all patients are seen as complex individuals. By integrating these principles, educators can foster more equitable and effective clinical learning. - World Hijab Day
February 1st marks World Hijab Day, which serves as an opportunity to foster understanding, promote reflection, and celebrate the differentiated experiences of women who choose to wear the hijab. - National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia
In honour of January 29th, the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, we invite you to deepen your understanding of anti-Arab and anti-Muslim discrimination by exploring the EIO’s latest guide. - Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoM
FoM Indigenous and Black staff, faculty and clinical faculty are invited to join us on Wednesday, Oct 30th, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. This affinity lunch offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and develop collaborative networks with colleagues across the Faculty that can drive sustainable change. - Capitalizing on Black People’s Strengths, Black Health Leaders and Health Professionals to Improve Health Service Delivery
Black Opportunity Fund (BOF), is hosting the third national Black health session on July 18th at 3:00 PM (PST). This events aims at spotlighting the work of Black health professional organizations and leaders, while engaging in critical discussions on leveraging community assets and strengths for improved health outcomes. - Managing Fragility and Saviourism Reactions in EDI work
Watch the recording for a conversation on combating racism in healthcare. The panel features Derek Thompson, Maria Hubinette, Oakley Ramprashad, co-moderated by Saleem Razack and Harpreet Ahuja. - Black Imaginaries – Worldbuilding Towards a New Public Health
Join the Black Public Health Collective on April 11th at 6 pm for an event on the world of Black imaginaries and their impact on public health. This in-person gathering will take place at the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue and also will be live-streamed. Get ready to explore new perspectives and ideas that can shape the future of healthcare. - Beyond Representation: Celebrating Black Excellence in BC Healthcare
Watch the recording for a conversation with Black healthcare professionals from BC. In this session organized by Vancouver Coastal Health and REDI, panelists shared their experiences navigating the healthcare work environment and emphasize the importance of recognizing and promoting Black excellence in healthcare. - Black History Month (February 2024)
February is Black History Month. While we should celebrate Black history and excellence every day, this is an opportunity for a focused, intentional and elevated reflection and recognition of Black history and achievement. Learn more by attending one of many UBC events happening this month. - গল্প – golpo: “Story; Conversation” – An IBPOC Community and Justice Care Circle
As part of the Climate Emergency Week, join for a free dinner, destressing, and networking at this intergenerational and interdisciplinary dialogue circle on February 13th at 6:30 PM at the Hatch Art Gallery. This event is for IBPOC students, faculty, and community members interested in solidarity, climate, education, organizing, research, art, and beyond – all fields are welcome! - Appointment of Dr. Saleem Razack as Senior Faculty Advisor in REDI
The REDI Office is pleased to welcome Dr. Saleem Razack, Professor, Division of Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics as the Senior Faculty Advisor, Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion. - Anti-Racism Awareness Week (May 22-26 2023)
The Province of BC has officially declared May 22-26, 2023 as Anti-Racism Awareness Week. In collaboration with Providence Health Care, and the Fraser Health Authority, the Faculty of Medicine REDI office is organizing events and resources to commemorate this important week and foster anti-racism action across the healthcare sector in BC. We invite you to read our Anti-racism in Health Care Zine. - Embracing Anti-racism in Health Care
Watch the recording for this panel which aims to shift the focus from mere awareness of racism to concrete anti-racism actions. The panel discussion will focus on practical ways we can promote anti-racism in our healthcare environments, education, and research. - Ramadan events at UBC Vancouver
As Ramadan begins, we wish Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe this spiritual time of fasting, worship & reflection. Throughout Ramadan, student clubs will be hosting Iftars & Taraweeh Prayers for Muslim students at the UBC Vancouver campus. - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960. - Yom HaShoah commemoration
Join the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver and Temple Sholom Synagogue for a community-wide commemoration of Yom HaShoah. This event will be held in person on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 7 PM at the JCC Wosk Auditorium. - EDI Champions and Allies
Read the stories of our FoM EDI Champions & Allies, and be inspired by their experiences and journeys. Our goal at the REDI Office is to highlight the diverse voices of those who are leading projects and research with the aim of fostering safe and respectful environments in our community and beyond. - IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Kishore Mulpuri
Watch the recording for 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. - 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 watch our panel “Black Lives, Black Voices and Black Identities in the Faculty of Medicine.” - View Government of Canada resources on Black History Month
The 2023 theme for Black History Month is: “Ours to tell”. This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs. - Watch: Where are all the Black People?: Underrepresentation in the Academy
Watch recordings of this UBC speakers series which foregrounds Black voices in fields where Blackness is particularly underrepresented, and provide actionable and measurable strategies to UBC to increase Black representation and Black excellence in these fields. - Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrate the Black History Month and engage with these events and programs happening across the university! - It Starts With Us: Contextualizing and Educating about the Holocaust
Watch the recording of “It Starts With Us: Contextualizing and Educating about the Holocaust,” in commemoration of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. - Roadmap for change: Implementing anti-racism commitments at UBC
Join this UBC-wide forum on January 25th, from 2:00 – 3:15pm, to learn about next steps for implementing the recommendations from the Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Task Force Final Report, and how you can build a more equitable and anti-racist UBC. - IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Anita Palepu
Watch the recording for “IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Anita Palepu”. Dr. Palepu, MD, MPH, FRCPC, MACP, FCAHS is a Professor and Eric W. Hamber Chair, Department of Medicine at UBC and Providence Health Care. - IBPOC Voices: A conversation with Dr. Kiran Veerapen
Watch the recording for a conversation with Dr. Kiran Veerapen. Dr. Veerapen is the Assistant Dean of Faculty Development, and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine. She is committed to remaining responsive to emerging needs in undergraduate and postgraduate education in the Faculty of Medicine. - Recording: IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Adrian Yee
Watch the recording for a conversation with Dr. Adrian Yee. IBPOC Voices is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with guests who identify as Indigenous, Black and people of color. - REDI Empower Hour: The journey from “I am not racist “to I am anti-racist” with Dr. Neila Miled
Join us for the October 13th REDI Empower Hour. In this session we will open the conversation on different strategies to engage deeply with anti-racism and become true allies and anti-racists. - Race Ideology: Historical Perspectives,Current Realities and Re-imagining the Future
Watch a recording of our first annual symposium which explored how racist ideology led to the categorization of people into “races” and how centuries of medical knowledge, health care, research and health professions education have perpetuated systemic racism. You will learn Anti-Racism strategies and pedagogies aimed to dismantle racist structures and support re-engagement in a more equitable future. - Unpacking Racism and Engaging with Anti-RacismJoin us for the April 14 REDI Lunch & Learn session.
- The UBC Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence Task Force
Learn about this group and the recommendations they have put forward - Watch ‘Ninth Floor’
Discover the documentary that explores a watershed moment in Canadian race relations - Letter to the UBC Community
Islamophobia, racism, hate, and discrimination are not tolerated here - Message from the Indigenous Initiatives Advisor
Read the statement from Derek Thompson – Thlaapkiituup - Canadian Multiculturalism Day 2021
Join us on June 27th in celebrating and learning about multiculturalism in Canada
Diverse Abilities
- Disability in the Workplace! Interactive workshop
Are you ready to deepen your understanding of disability awareness and inclusion in the workplace? Join this interactive virtual workshop developed specifically for faculty, staff, and leaners at the Faculty of Medicine, led by Dr. Jon Breen, Equity Advisor with the Dean’s Office. - R&R Series Session: Neurodiversity: Insights for Teaching in Health Professions Education
Join the Office of Faculty Development virtually on January 28, at 5:30PM for a discussion on neurodiversity and its relevance to the teaching and learning context. Hear from health professionals with lived experience of neurodiversity in the learning environment, and from those with experience providing support and accommodations. - Increasing awareness and understanding of disability in the workplace
How a new workshop developed by Dr. Jon Breen and Dr. Susan Forwell is helping to reframe disability and increase inclusion at UBC and beyond. - REDI’s Media List for Dis/Ability Arts
The third week of October is Invisible Disabilities Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the experiences of people living with invisible disabilities. For medical professionals, developing a deeper understanding of these experiences is crucial for delivering compassionate, patient-centred care. One powerful way to gain that insight is through disability arts. - New CWA Course Available: Accessible Interviewing & Accommodations
The Centre for Workplace Accessibility’s new course Accessible Interviewing & Accommodations provides guidance to hiring managers and others involved in recruitment on making interviews more accessible, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where all job candidates can showcase their strengths and skills. - “Disability in Genetic Counselling” Panel Discussion
Join the Genetic Counseling Education Series virtually on May 17, 2024, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM PST for a discussion on awareness and support for individuals living and working with a disability or chronic condition within the medical profession, including genetic counseling. The session will cover interactions with both patients and colleagues, as well as inclusiveness in the education and training of new students. - Universal Design
Universal Design (UD) calls for the removal of barriers to support everyone, not only people with disabilities. It can be applied to a variety of contexts, including learning and the workplace. - REDI Best Practices: Inclusive and Accessible Meetings
Foster inclusivity in every meeting guided by this tip sheet tailor-made for administrative assistants, coordinators, and managers dedicated to creating spaces where every voice resonates. Discover practical strategies on how to prepare, structure, and chair meetings that prioritize accessibility. - EDI Action Network: Building a Culture of Accessibility
Join the next gathering of the EDI Action Network on Dec 4th to explore how you can build a culture of accessibility in your unit. Members of the UBC Accessibility Committee and Disability Affinity Group will share their perspectives on promising accessibility initiatives and practices at UBC and the complex intersectionality between disability and other forms of identity, including, but not limited to, gender, race and sexual orientation. - Enhance your disability inclusion literacy with these online UBC events
Join the UBC Centre for Workplace Accessibility in recognizing the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) by participating in a series of online webinars to enhance your disability inclusion literacy. The event series, running from November 27 to December 1, aims to raise awareness and promote inclusive practices in UBC workplaces - JEDII STEM Series: How flexible workplaces can support retention, recruitment, collaboration and innovation
Join facilitators from the Centre for Workplace Accessibility, Skylight and the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion on June 22nd from 2-3:30 pm for tips and tricks on creating a more flexible and accessible workplace for marginalized and/or disabled faculty and staff members. - National AccessAbility Week 2023: Social Media challenge
May 28 – June 3 is National AccessAbility Week! We encourage you to think about what you are doing to make clinical world more accessible to patients, staff and doctors with disabilities. - A Guide to Enhancing Visual Acessibility
In commemoration of National AccessAbility Week, read this post to learn about how to enhance designs for people with visual impairments. - Building Autistic Acceptance in the Workplace: Accessibility over Accommodations
April is Autism Acceptance Month! Join the UBC Centre for Workplace Accessibility and Autism Nova Scotia on April 27th for “Building Autistic Acceptance in the Workplace.” In this webinar, speakers emphasize a lived experience perspective on building autistic acceptance in the workplace, accessibility as an act of care rather than burden, and how to build spaces with autistic people in mind. - Making accessibility accessible to everyone
Learn how UBC’s Centre for Workplace Accessibility is supporting inclusion at work.
EDI 101
- Community Agreements for Guiding Conversations Among Diverse Participants
Whether you’re leading a discussion or participating, this tip sheet offers practical guidance for fostering respectful and inclusive discussions, especially when conversations touch on complex or sensitive topics. Adapted from radical inclusivity practices, these agreements help participants navigate power dynamics, listen mindfully, and engage with openness and empathy. - Advancing Inclusive Research in Medicine: Anti-Racist and Decolonial Approaches
In the lead-up to BC Anti-Racism Awareness Week, join us on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:30 pm for a discussion on how medical and health researchers can cultivate more reciprocal, collaborative, and inclusive research practices that are culturally sensitive, anti-racist, and welcoming to historically, systemically, and persistently marginalized (HSPM) communities. - Building a More Welcoming Movement Toward a Just Culture
What motivates real cultural change? How can we create movements that feel hopeful and actionable? Join REDI’s Fourth Annual Symposium on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, to learn about evidence-based approaches in psychology, social change, and transformative education as we explore new pathways to creating lasting, inclusive change—grounded in science, compassion, and care. - Employment Equity Advisor (EEA) Training
Join the EIO for the Employment Equity Advisor (EEA) Training on April 9, 2025, at the UBC Vancouver campus (with a synchronous online option). This one-day capacity-building retreat is designed for faculty and staff involved in hiring, equipping them with the expertise to support equitable, inclusive, and accessible recruitment. - REDI Best Practices: Receiving Feedback Well
Feedback is essential for growth, yet receiving it gracefully—especially when it involves EDI—can be challenging. This tip sheet provides actionable strategies to overcome common barriers—such as defensiveness, emotional reactions, and binary thinking. It supports you in transforming difficult conversations into meaningful opportunities for personal reflection and professional growth. - REDI Best Practices: Writing Inclusive Case StudiesCase studies shape how future clinicians understand patient care, but do they reflect the diversity of the people they will serve? This guide offers strategies for writing inclusive cases that challenge stereotypes, highlight systemic factors affecting health, and ensure all patients are seen as complex individuals. By integrating these principles, educators can foster more equitable and effective clinical learning.
- Support learners and colleagues during Ramadan
This year, Ramadan begins on Friday, February 28, or Saturday, March 1, depending on the moon sighting. Many Muslim learners, faculty, and staff will be observing this month of fasting. Learn how you can support your fellow learners and colleagues during Ramadan. - Research Voices from the Field with Saleem Razack
Saleem Razack, Paediatric Intensivist, BC Children’s & REDI Senior Faculty Advisor, reflects on why he co-authored “Cutting Close to the Bone: Student Trauma, Free Speech, and Institutional Responsibility in Medical Education” and how it can be relevant to those in medicine, healthcare, and beyond. - Inclusive Professionalism in Medicine
As our working and learning environments become more diverse, it’s worth questioning which elements of “professionalism” are essential for competent and effective education and care, and which perpetuate gatekeeping, exclusion, and various forms of oppression. Watch a recording of a conversation with health professionals and educators examining the concept professionalism. - Moving from Harm to Healing in EDI, Medical Education, and Clinical Practice
Watch a recording for a conversation on reimagining conflict in medical education, clinical practice, leadership and EDI through restorative justice. This It Starts With Us session explores the possible limitations of retributive justice and the transformative potential of alternative conflict engagement practices. - Shaping Praxis: REDI’s Essential Book and Podcast List
Shaping Praxis is a curated collection of influential books and podcasts that have shaped the REDI team’s approach to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization, and Indigenization. These pivotal works offer insights, tools, and inspiration for advancing meaningful change in education, medicine, healthcare, and beyond. - Share research on the praxis of REDI in medicine
Whether you’ve published or come across valuable research on the praxis of REDI in medicine, we invite you to share it. We especially welcome submissions of research articles that explore equity, diversity, inclusion, justice, decolonization, Indigenization, or trauma-informed practices in medicine and healthcare. - Explore REDI Picks during the Winter Break
Wrap up the year by unwinding with REDI Picks—a curated collection of readings, films, and music designed to deepen your understanding of EDI. Whether you’re exploring the resilience of Indigenous communities, the lived experiences of refugees, the narratives of individuals with invisible disabilities, or the powerful voices of Black authors, each selection offers a window into unique perspectives and histories. - REDI Best Practices: Mitigating Cognitive Biases in Awards Adjudication
This tip sheet offers practical strategies to help committees mitigate conscious and unconscious cognitive biases, ensuring a fairer and more equitable awards decisions. - REDI Best Practices: Adjudicating Awards through an EDI lens
This tip sheet guides you in structuring and refining the awards process through an EDI lens. From encouraging diverse applications and nominations to creating transparent, bias-aware adjudication stages, it provides best practices to ensure fairness at every step. - Inclusion
Inclusion refers to “the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded (because of their race, gender, sexuality, or ability).”¹ In a workplace context, inclusion is about creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected, and provided with opportunities to flourish, thrive, and succeed. - Introduction to the REDI Office: Resources for Learners
Discover a wealth of resources from the REDI Office designed to support your learning journey. Join upcoming events, access over 40 hours of recorded events, and find guidance for navigating mistreatment in the learning environment. - Introduction to the REDI Office: Resources for Faculty and Staff
Are you new to UBC or the Faculty of Medicine? Learn about the REDI Office’s range of resources to support your role, from professional development and EDI best practices to strategies for fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. - Support Units for Navigating Disclosures of a Serious Concern in the Learning Environment
When a learner discloses a serious concern affecting their learning environment, knowing how to respond or where to seek help can be challenging. This guide summarizes the various FoM and UBC units that support faculty, staff, and administrators in navigating disclosures and prioritizing student well-being. - Creating a medical program that is equitable and accessible to all
How UBC’s Indigenous and Black Student MD Admissions Pathways are transforming medical education — and health. - REDI Best Practices: Effective Feedback Strategies for Addressing EDI Mistakes
This REDI Best Practices resource offers a thoughtful guide on navigating those tricky moments when someone makes an EDI-related mistake. With a focus on preparation and empathy, it helps you determine if feedback is the right approach and provides strategies for having constructive, respectful conversations. Dive in to learn how to turn these challenging situations into opportunities for growth and understanding. - Generational Othering: How popular stereotypes impact our teaching and a scientific way forward
Join the Faculty Development R&R session on Friday, September 13th. Connect with colleagues from all corners of the Faculty of Medicine during this exciting half-day event held in person at sites across the province. In addition to the Webber Lecture on Intergenerational Teaching, this event will feature local discussions and networking opportunities. - New CWA Course Available: Accessible Interviewing & AccommodationsThe Centre for Workplace Accessibility’s new course Accessible Interviewing & Accommodations provides guidance to hiring managers and others involved in recruitment on making interviews more accessible, and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where all job candidates can showcase their strengths and skills.
- Beyond Diversity: Embedding a Culture of Inclusive Excellence in Medicine
Watch a recording of REDI’s Third Annual Symposium on embedding inclusive excellence into various domains of academic medicine. We addressed topics including teaching, mentorship, leadership, research, and patient care. - EDI Joint Interest Group
Staff and faculty leading EDI initiatives in their units across the FoM are invited to join our EDI Joint Interest Group or drop in for a session. Learn more about our upcoming sessions. - REDI Best Practices: Designing a Faculty In-Person Interview Experience for Success
This tip sheet outlines the essentials of structuring an effective and inclusive faculty interview process at UBC. The in-person interview is a critical step in hiring, involving traditional Q&A sessions, teaching demonstrations, and strategic meetings with leadership and potential colleagues. It ensures that every candidate feels valued and has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities. - Intergroup dialogue
Intergroup dialogue is a face-to-face, structured, and facilitated group experience that creates opportunities for participants to listen deeply, engage in self-reflection, and gain new perspectives on polarizing societal issues. - Jewish Heritage Month
May is recognized in Canada as Jewish Heritage Month. The intention is to remember and honour the contributions of Jews and Jewish communities that have made a difference to Canadian lives. - Asian Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month offers us an opportunity to learn more about the history of Canadians of Asian heritage and to celebrate their diverse contributions to our society. - Universal DesignUniversal Design (UD) calls for the removal of barriers to support everyone, not only people with disabilities. It can be applied to a variety of contexts, including learning and the workplace.
- REDI Best Practices: EDI Criteria & Interview Questions in Faculty and Staff Searches
This tip sheet offers a structured framework for reflecting on essential EDI considerations when developing a faculty hiring process, offering guidance to consider before writing the job posting, before reviewing applications, and before selecting interview questions. Offering several lists of selection criteria and interview questions, it is a prompt for hiring committees to think deeply about the meaning of “excellence” and approach the entirety of the hiring process with inclusion in mind. - REDI Best Practices: The 5 D’s of Bystander Intervention
Imagine you witness harassment unfolding before your eyes. What steps can you take? This tip sheet breaks down the crucial elements of intervention, starting with a thoughtful consideration of timing. Is it safe to act immediately, or is it wiser to wait for a safer opportunity? Discover the five key actions you can take from direct intervention to delegation, each “D” offers a strategic approach tailored to various scenarios. - Affinity Spaces
An affinity group is a community of peers that offers support, guidance, resources, and mentorship to its members, who identify as like-minded with the group. Affinity groups are particularly valuable as they provide a sense of belonging, community, and collective empowerment to members of historically, systemically, and perpetually marginalized groups. - The Restorative Imperative in Healthcare: Broadening the Definition of Healing
Join a keynote lecture on restorative justice by Dr. Pedro L. Flores on April 19th at 10 am, hosted by the UBC Midwifery Program. - International Women’s Day (March 8)
In honour of International Women’s Day (IWD), meet some of the outstanding women in the UBC Faculty of Medicine — learners, faculty and staff members — who are transforming health for everyone. - EIO Employment Equity Advisor Pilot Program: Call for Participants
Faculty and staff members are invited to participate in the next round of training for the Employment Equity Advisor program to develop their expertise in accessible and equitable hiring practices. This pilot program is currently focused on faculty hiring. Register for our upcoming training on March 18th, from 9:00-4:30 PM. - Polarization
According to Courageous Dialogues: Moving Beyond Polarization project, “Polarization is a complex social dynamic that occurs when an issue that involves many different people, concerns and opinions is reduced to two opposing sides— ‘for or against’ or ‘us vs them.'” Learn more - Black History Month (February 2024)February is Black History Month. While we should celebrate Black history and excellence every day, this is an opportunity for a focused, intentional and elevated reflection and recognition of Black history and achievement. Learn more by attending one of many UBC events happening this month.
- New Year, New You: REDI’s New Year Book List
Explore a compilation of books that have deeply inspired the REDI team in their work. Immersing yourself in the stories, lived experiences, and perspectives of individuals from various historically marginalized groups can foster empathy, understanding, and even aid in mitigating bias in your teaching and clinical practice. - REDI Best Practices: Managing Power Dynamics
In the intricate world of hiring, power imbalances within a committee can shape outcomes. Master the art of inclusive chairing practices in hiring decisions with this guide and transform hiring deliberations into a collaborative journey where every perspective is valued. - REDI Best Practices: Inclusive and Accessible MeetingsFoster inclusivity in every meeting guided by this tip sheet tailor-made for administrative assistants, coordinators, and managers dedicated to creating spaces where every voice resonates. Discover practical strategies on how to prepare, structure, and chair meetings that prioritize accessibility.
- Restorative Justice and Transformative Justice
Restorative and transformative justice approaches are most commonly applied in criminal justice reform, but they have also been applied to academic and healthcare institutions to help units navigate how to address differences, disagreements, conflicts, and harm. Learn more - REDI Deep Dives
Lead your unit in diving deep into Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with the REDI Deep Dives—a dynamic series of team-facilitated activities designed to infuse EDI principles into your unit’s core practices. These engaging slide decks empower leaders and EDI champions to guide their teams through meaningful discussions, fostering competencies that drive positive change. - REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos
Introducing REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos – your shortcut to sparking EDI conversations! Perfect for EDI champions and leaders, these bite-sized slide-decks are ideal for kicking off team meetings (in 15-mins or less), delivering ongoing reminders about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and infusing professional development in digestible chunks. - REDI Deep Dives: Mastering Conflict with the O’DEAR Framework
Master the art of conflict resolution with our REDI Deep Dive slide deck, where we unpack the O’DEAR framework. It features a series of interactive activities designed to hone your team’s ability to provide constructive feedback, preventing “smallish” conflicts from snowballing into bigger issues. Whether you’re onboarding new staff, setting norms, or addressing post-conflict scenarios, the O’DEAR framework is your compass for fostering a harmonious work environment. Ideal for any team seeking proactive conflict management strategies, this resource supports creating a harmonious work environment where concerns are addressed with finesse. Transform the way your team navigates conflict with this essential resource and turn conflicts into opportunities for growth! - REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos: Navigating Multiple Truths with The Dress
Introducing REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos short slide deck – an express route to team harmony! Unleash the power of respectful disagreement within your unit with our 15-minute activity, “The Dress.” Watch as an optical illusion sparks diverse perspectives, providing the perfect stage to practice navigating multiple truths. Whether your team is in the midst of conflict resolution or welcoming new members, this activity is tailor-made for fostering understanding and unity. Simple and impactful, “The Dress” is your go-to resource for transforming disagreements into opportunities for understanding. - REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos: Team Bonding
Ignite team spirit and forge stronger bonds with our REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos slide deck—introducing the InsideOutside Activity! This engaging 15 min activity goes beyond the surface, providing a platform for team members to truly get to know each other. Tailored for any team seeking to enhance social cohesion, and especially helpful for units in the midst of onboarding new members. Break down barriers and discover new dimensions of teamwork with the InsideOutside Activity—a catalyst for creating meaningful connections within your group. - 14 Not Forgotten Ceremony
Join UBC students, staff and faculty on December 6 at 11 am for the Annual 14 Not Forgotten Ceremony to remember the 14 women who lost their lives and stand against violence towards women. This event is organized by the Engineering Undergraduate Society and the Faculty of Applied Science EDI.I Office. It will be held at the Kaiser Atrium. - Unconscious Biases
Unconscious (implicit) biases are pre-judgments or mental shortcuts we make about others. We all harbor beliefs about members of various social and identity groups. Learn more - IBPOC STEM Network: Garden walk
Enjoy a walk on June 20th from 3-4:15 pm through Nitobe Memorial Garden while connecting with other IBPOC women, transgender and non-binary persons working at UBC. - JEDII STEM Series: How flexible workplaces can support retention, recruitment, collaboration and innovationJoin facilitators from the Centre for Workplace Accessibility, Skylight and the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion on June 22nd from 2-3:30 pm for tips and tricks on creating a more flexible and accessible workplace for marginalized and/or disabled faculty and staff members.
- National AccessAbility Week 2023: Social Media challengeMay 28 – June 3 is National AccessAbility Week! We encourage you to think about what you are doing to make clinical world more accessible to patients, staff and doctors with disabilities.
- SSC Leadership and EDI Workshop
Join other physician leaders for an insightful and informative in-person workshop organized by the Specialist Services Committee on Saturday June 10, 8:45 am – 5:00 pm. Hear keynote speaker Dr Sanjiv Chopra discuss Leadership styles in the 21st Century and participate in a series of reflection activities and learn how to work through unconscious biases. - Disrupting the Status Quo: Intersecting Inequities Impacting Women in the FoM and Opportunities for Change
Watch the recording for REDI’s 2nd virtual Annual Symposium. Hear from a diverse group of women about their perspectives on leadership, opportunities and barriers in the context of health professions practice, education and research. This symposium centred intersectionality and the differentiated experiences of women as we critically examined how current academic systems and hierarchies create additional barriers for women and ideas for change. - Embracing Anti-racism in Health CareWatch the recording for this panel which aims to shift the focus from mere awareness of racism to concrete anti-racism actions. The panel discussion will focus on practical ways we can promote anti-racism in our healthcare environments, education, and research.
- The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 17)
The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia raises awareness of the realities of members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities’ lives and to help erase these phobias through understanding. - Climate Change and Health Equity
This Earth Day, the UBC Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) calls specific attention to climate justice, which seeks to address the inequities associated with the impacts, causes, and solutions to climate change. - UBC Orthopaedics READI Spotlight – Charles Bouchard
UBC Department of Orthopaedics READI Spotlight series features an in-depth conversations with a department member about how respect, equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion (READI) appears in their life. In this spotlight, we speak with UBC Orthopaedics Trauma Fellow, Dr. Charles Bouchard. - Ramadan events at UBC VancouverAs Ramadan begins, we wish Ramadan Mubarak to all who observe this spiritual time of fasting, worship & reflection. Throughout Ramadan, student clubs will be hosting Iftars & Taraweeh Prayers for Muslim students at the UBC Vancouver campus.
- International Day for the Elimination of Racial DiscriminationObserved annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.
- Happy Nowruz!
What is Nowruz? and how is it celebrated? - Meet WOW (Wonderful Orthopaedic Women)
In celebration of International Women’s Day (March 8, 2023), the Orthopaedics Department would like to recognize WOW: Wonderful Orthopaedic Women. - Meet Women in the Faculty of Medicine
In honour of International Women’s Day, meet some of the outstanding women in the UBC Faculty of Medicine who are transforming health for everyone. - IBPOC Connections faculty & staff lunch: Create joy and play (March 9)
IBPOC Connections is co-hosting a staff and faculty lunch with St. John’s College on March 9th from 12:00 – 1:30pm. Focused on creativity and connection, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a prepared menu by the St. John College culinary team, build community, and engage in some arts, crafts, and other expressions of joy. - Yom HaShoah commemorationJoin the Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre, the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver and Temple Sholom Synagogue for a community-wide commemoration of Yom HaShoah. This event will be held in person on Monday, April 17, 2023 from 7 PM at the JCC Wosk Auditorium.
- EDI Champions and AlliesRead the stories of our FoM EDI Champions & Allies, and be inspired by their experiences and journeys. Our goal at the REDI Office is to highlight the diverse voices of those who are leading projects and research with the aim of fostering safe and respectful environments in our community and beyond.
- IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Kishore MulpuriWatch the recording for 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.
- Black Lives, Black Voices and Black Identities in the Faculty of MedicineTo commemorate Black History Month and as part of REDI’s commitment to amplifying IBPOC voices, we invite you to watch our panel “Black Lives, Black Voices and Black Identities in the Faculty of Medicine.”
- Equity in Medicine Virtual Fireside Chat: Tips for a Successful Search & Selection
Equity in Medicine will be hosting a virtual fireside chat on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, 4-5 PM PT. Our panelists will discuss principles of inclusive hiring, and practical tips to achieve a more fair and equitable search and selection process. - Pink Shirt Day (February 22)
Join us as we celebrate and promote Pink Shirt Day at UBC! - IBPOC Faculty & Staff Get Together: Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrate the last day of Black History Month with an IBPOC Faculty and Staff Get Together organized by the UBC Equity office on February 28, 12:00 – 1:00 PM. - Making accessibility accessible to everyoneLearn how UBC’s Centre for Workplace Accessibility is supporting inclusion at work.
- View Government of Canada resources on Black History MonthThe 2023 theme for Black History Month is: “Ours to tell”. This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs.
- Watch: Where are all the Black People?: Underrepresentation in the AcademyWatch recordings of this UBC speakers series which foregrounds Black voices in fields where Blackness is particularly underrepresented, and provide actionable and measurable strategies to UBC to increase Black representation and Black excellence in these fields.
- Lunar New Year
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and engage with these events and programs happening across the university and in the community! - It Starts With Us: Contextualizing and Educating about the HolocaustWatch the recording of “It Starts With Us: Contextualizing and Educating about the Holocaust,” in commemoration of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
- IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Anita PalepuWatch the recording for “IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Anita Palepu”. Dr. Palepu, MD, MPH, FRCPC, MACP, FCAHS is a Professor and Eric W. Hamber Chair, Department of Medicine at UBC and Providence Health Care.
- EDI Champions and Allies Series: A Conversation with Dr. Tal Jarus
In this edition of the EDI champions and Allies, meet Dr. Tal Jarus, Chair of the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (JEDI) - IBPOC Voices: A conversation with Dr. Kiran VeerapenWatch the recording for a conversation with Dr. Kiran Veerapen. Dr. Veerapen is the Assistant Dean of Faculty Development, and Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Medicine. She is committed to remaining responsive to emerging needs in undergraduate and postgraduate education in the Faculty of Medicine.
- Recording: IBPOC Voices: A Conversation with Dr. Adrian YeeWatch the recording for a conversation with Dr. Adrian Yee. IBPOC Voices is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with guests who identify as Indigenous, Black and people of color.
- Invitation to Demystifying Equity, Diversity and InclusionJoin us for the REDI Lunch & Learn session on March 17.
Environmental Justice
- From planetary health to planetary healthcare
This #EarthDay, learn how the Planetary Healthcare Lab at UBC, the only academic entity of its kind in the world, is reimagining healthcare systems to make them better for both the patient and the environment. 🌎 - গল্প – golpo: “Story; Conversation” – An IBPOC Community and Justice Care CircleAs part of the Climate Emergency Week, join for a free dinner, destressing, and networking at this intergenerational and interdisciplinary dialogue circle on February 13th at 6:30 PM at the Hatch Art Gallery. This event is for IBPOC students, faculty, and community members interested in solidarity, climate, education, organizing, research, art, and beyond – all fields are welcome!
- How do we future-proof healthcare in a changing climate?: Interactive Explainer
How do we build healthcare systems that are adaptable, equitable, and environmentally sustainable? Learn more in the new issue of Pathways. - Protecting our future health
Climate hazards such as heat domes, wildfires and flooding put our most vulnerable communities at risk. Discover how UBC FoM researchers are developing practical solutions to protect our health in a changing climate. - Transforming health in a changing climate: Dean’s message
“We must act now to future-proof our health and our healthcare systems — countless lives depend on it.” – Dr. Dermot Kelleher. UBC researchers are tackling the urgent impacts of climate change. Learn how in the latest issue of Pathways. - UBC student cycling across Bangladesh to raise awareness of climate change impacts
UBC student Abul Bashar Rahman is preparing for an epic bike ride across Bangladesh to produce a documentary about how those most vulnerable to climate change in the country are experiencing and preparing for its impacts.
Gender Diversity
- Pride
Learn and celebrate with us during this Pride season. - Trans-inclusive reproductive health care: Interview with Dr. A.J. Lowik
March 31st is International Transgender Day of Visibility. 🏳️⚧️ Explore how Dr. A.J. Lowik, a University of British Columbia postdoctoral fellow, is working to shape more trans-inclusive, gender-affirming reproductive health care for British Columbians. - Gender-affirming Care in Action: Stories and Insights from the Frontline
Watch a recording for a conversation with a panel of healthcare professionals and individuals with transgender lived experiences. Gain valuable insights into the healthcare needs of transgender and gender-diverse individuals and expand your understanding of how to deliver compassionate and high-quality care to all your patients. - Reveal: Coast Salish Two-Spirit Pride MosaicCelebrate and amplify Two-Spirit pride by witnessing the unveiling of the Coast Salish Two-Spirit Pride mosaic on Tuesday, November 14th, 11:30am – 1:30pm at Sty-Wet-Tan Great Hall, First Nations Longhouse.
- Pride Month Fireside Chat: Supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community as Allies
Join a ‘fireside chat’ on Thursday, June 29th at 3 pm with Sheryl Staub-French, Julia Staub-French and Kim LaForest in a conversation about supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community through compassion, understanding, and allyship. - JEDII STEM Series: How flexible workplaces can support retention, recruitment, collaboration and innovationJoin facilitators from the Centre for Workplace Accessibility, Skylight and the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion on June 22nd from 2-3:30 pm for tips and tricks on creating a more flexible and accessible workplace for marginalized and/or disabled faculty and staff members.
- PRIDE 2023
🏳️🌈Happy #PrideMonth! June kicks off Pride season in Canada. Explore opportunities to celebrate, build connections and find resources to learn how you can support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. - The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 17)The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia raises awareness of the realities of members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities’ lives and to help erase these phobias through understanding.
- New legislation will reduce barriers for people
British Columbia will become the first province in Canada to systematically amend provincial laws to remove outdated gendered and binary language, better reflecting the diversity of the province and ensuring everyone can access provincial programs and services. - Out and Proud: Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ People in Clinical Spaces
Join us on virtually on Tuesday, June 14 from 5-7 PM for Out Loud and Proud: Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ People in Clinical Spaces - Thanks for Joining Us for ‘Let’s Talk about Sex (And Gender)’
Access the event recording and transcript here. - Invitation to Let’s Talk about Sex (and Gender)Join us on February 22 for this virtual session
Respectful Environments
- Building a More Welcoming Movement Toward a Just CultureWhat motivates real cultural change? How can we create movements that feel hopeful and actionable? Join REDI’s Fourth Annual Symposium on Tuesday, June 10th, 2025, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, to learn about evidence-based approaches in psychology, social change, and transformative education as we explore new pathways to creating lasting, inclusive change—grounded in science, compassion, and care.
- REDI Best Practices: Receiving Feedback WellFeedback is essential for growth, yet receiving it gracefully—especially when it involves EDI—can be challenging. This tip sheet provides actionable strategies to overcome common barriers—such as defensiveness, emotional reactions, and binary thinking. It supports you in transforming difficult conversations into meaningful opportunities for personal reflection and professional growth.
- Research Voices from the Field with Katherine Wisener
In this edition, Katherine Wisener, Associate Director, Faculty Development, reflects on why she co-authored “Upward Feedback: Exploring Learner Perspectives on Giving Feedback to their Teachers” and how it can be relevant to educators in medicine. - World Hijab DayFebruary 1st marks World Hijab Day, which serves as an opportunity to foster understanding, promote reflection, and celebrate the differentiated experiences of women who choose to wear the hijab.
- Inclusive Professionalism in MedicineAs our working and learning environments become more diverse, it’s worth questioning which elements of “professionalism” are essential for competent and effective education and care, and which perpetuate gatekeeping, exclusion, and various forms of oppression. Watch a recording of a conversation with health professionals and educators examining the concept professionalism.
- Moving from Harm to Healing in EDI, Medical Education, and Clinical PracticeWatch a recording for a conversation on reimagining conflict in medical education, clinical practice, leadership and EDI through restorative justice. This It Starts With Us session explores the possible limitations of retributive justice and the transformative potential of alternative conflict engagement practices.
- Conflict Engagement
The UBC Office of Equity and Inclusion’s Conflict Engagement Initiative defines conflict as “a difference that matters.” When conflict arises within a group or team, it can be either constructive or destructive. When destructive, it can create division, shut down communication, and lead to resentment. Recognizing the signs of destructive conflict is key to addressing and preventing them. Ultimately, conflict engagement skills encourage reframing conflict as constructive—a pathway to innovation and stronger relationships—rather than a recipe for division and blame. - Applying Learning from Grounding Anti-Oppression: Workshop by UBC Applied Science EDI.I
Expanding on learning materials from Grounding Anti-Oppression course, this session on July 16th provides an opportunity to connect with values-aligned colleagues engaged in this critical work. Join us to engage in interactive learning and build practical strategies for integrating your learning from the Grounding Anti-Oppression canvas course into your teaching practice. - REDI Deep DivesLead your unit in diving deep into Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with the REDI Deep Dives—a dynamic series of team-facilitated activities designed to infuse EDI principles into your unit’s core practices. These engaging slide decks empower leaders and EDI champions to guide their teams through meaningful discussions, fostering competencies that drive positive change.
- REDI Grab ‘n’ GosIntroducing REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos – your shortcut to sparking EDI conversations! Perfect for EDI champions and leaders, these bite-sized slide-decks are ideal for kicking off team meetings (in 15-mins or less), delivering ongoing reminders about Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and infusing professional development in digestible chunks.
- REDI Deep Dives: Mastering Conflict with the O’DEAR FrameworkMaster the art of conflict resolution with our REDI Deep Dive slide deck, where we unpack the O’DEAR framework. It features a series of interactive activities designed to hone your team’s ability to provide constructive feedback, preventing “smallish” conflicts from snowballing into bigger issues. Whether you’re onboarding new staff, setting norms, or addressing post-conflict scenarios, the O’DEAR framework is your compass for fostering a harmonious work environment. Ideal for any team seeking proactive conflict management strategies, this resource supports creating a harmonious work environment where concerns are addressed with finesse. Transform the way your team navigates conflict with this essential resource and turn conflicts into opportunities for growth!
- REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos: Navigating Multiple Truths with The Dress Introducing REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos short slide deck – an express route to team harmony! Unleash the power of respectful disagreement within your unit with our 15-minute activity, “The Dress.” Watch as an optical illusion sparks diverse perspectives, providing the perfect stage to practice navigating multiple truths. Whether your team is in the midst of conflict resolution or welcoming new members, this activity is tailor-made for fostering understanding and unity. Simple and impactful, “The Dress” is your go-to resource for transforming disagreements into opportunities for understanding.
- REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos: Team BondingIgnite team spirit and forge stronger bonds with our REDI Grab ‘n’ Gos slide deck—introducing the InsideOutside Activity! This engaging 15 min activity goes beyond the surface, providing a platform for team members to truly get to know each other. Tailored for any team seeking to enhance social cohesion, and especially helpful for units in the midst of onboarding new members. Break down barriers and discover new dimensions of teamwork with the InsideOutside Activity—a catalyst for creating meaningful connections within your group.
- Postponed: Conflict Theatre: Spotlight on Rural Medicine
Conflict Theatre: Spotlight on Rural Medicine - Conflict Theatre
Conflict Theatre offers faculty and staff the opportunity to explore and embrace conflict in the workplace using the tools of theatre. Learn more and register for one of the upcoming sessions. - JEDII STEM Series: How flexible workplaces can support retention, recruitment, collaboration and innovationJoin facilitators from the Centre for Workplace Accessibility, Skylight and the Office of Respectful Environments, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion on June 22nd from 2-3:30 pm for tips and tricks on creating a more flexible and accessible workplace for marginalized and/or disabled faculty and staff members.
- It Starts With Us: ‘Rock the Boat’
Join us on Tuesday, October 25th for It Starts With Us: Rock the Boat. Relevant to graduate students, staff, and faculty in supervisory relationships, this interactive event will illustrate the challenges that arise from the power dynamics inherent to supervisory relationships. The session will include watching videos of scenes of dramatic situations that can arise in supervisory relationships and discussing them in small groups. This session will prompt dialogue about how to foster healthy and respectful supervisory relationships and improve wellbeing for all while demonstrating a research-based theatre resource. - Engaging in Difficult Conversations & Exploring Conflict EngagementJoin us for the June 9 REDI Lunch & Learn session
- Understanding Upstander Engagement & Skill Building
Join us for the April 21 REDI Lunch & Learn session - Reporting Respectful Environment Concerns: The Process From A-ZJoin us for the next REDI Lunch & Learn session on March 24.
- It Starts With Us: Conflict Engagement, Part 3
Learn about our latest session and watch the recording - Invitation to It Starts With Us: Conflict Engagement, Part 3Register in this module to learn how to effectively address conflict
- It Starts With Us: Conflict Engagement
Introducing the newest module in our series to help build a strong, safe, and supportive community
Wellbeing
- Building Networks for Lasting Impact: An Affinity Lunch for Indigenous & Black Staff, Faculty, & Clinical Faculty in the FoMFoM Indigenous and Black staff, faculty and clinical faculty are invited to join us on Wednesday, Oct 30th, 2024 from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. This affinity lunch offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange insights, and develop collaborative networks with colleagues across the Faculty that can drive sustainable change.
- Unpacking identity, care & healing: An IBPOC-only wellbeing workshop series
IBPOC faculty and staff at UBC are invited to register for a workshop series taking place online March 12–21, 2024. These workshops, led by psychotherapist Meghan Watson, aim to unpack the importance of identity, culture and histories of systemic racism in topics related to wellbeing. Attendees will have the chance to engage in reflective practice, develop insights, and apply practical tools to support your own wellbeing.