2021 Special Feature
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REGINA LEADER-POST
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ELIMINATING RACIAL DISCRIMINATION Lori Campbell plans to advance Indigenous engagement and transformation through new role
Lori Campbell has dedicated her career to ensuring that Indigenous students can see themselves in post-secondary institutions. An intergenerational survivor of the Indian Residential School system and a child from the Sixties Scoop generation, Campbell grew up without a strong sense of who she was or where she came from. Being led to believe that Indigenous people did not attend post-secondary institutions, Campbell didn’t see herself attending university. It was Campbell’s basketball career that brought her to the University of Regina in 1991, where she played on the Cougars team. During her first year, she discovered the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (now First Nations University of Canada) and it gave her a completely new perspective. “That’s where I saw Indigenous scholars and Indigenous students. I found people who knew who I was and why I had been adopted,” says Campbell. “For the first time, I felt that as an Indigenous person I could be Indigenous and I could be at a university, and I could be successful.” Campbell is now returning to the University of Regina to fill the newly-created role of Associate Vice President (Indigenous Engagement). She sees it as an opportunity to be an Indigenous voice and decision maker within all areas of the campus community. “Indigenous peoples need to be at decision-making tables that affect all peoples within post-secondary in-
stitutions, not just invited to tables where the conversation relates to issues only for Indigenous peoples,” says Campbell. “I see these senior leadership roles at institutions as opportunities to be at those decision-making tables.” University of Regina Interim Provost Dr. David Gregory says the creation of the Associate Vice President (Indigenous Engagement) position was incredibly important to foster the integration of Indigenous ways of knowing within the University, including teaching and research. One of the focal areas within the University’s 2020-2025 strategic plan, All Our Relations or Kahkiyaw kiwȃhkomȃkȃninawak in Cree, is Truth and Reconciliation. Within this focus, the University’s goal is to take significant action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action relevant to post-secondary education. “Our work toward reconciliation is predicated on engaging Indigenous and non-Indigenous members of our community through honest and respectful relationships,” says Gregory. “University administration, along with our Elders and Knowledge Keepers, will walk with the Associate Vice President (Indigenous Engagement) in a collective effort to advance Indigenous engagement and transformation through communication and collaboration.” Gregory added that the University is a place for all people. “We need to ensure
Events Reel to Real Anti-Racism Film Festival March 18, 6:15 – 8:30 p.m. Online Includes panel discussion with Manuela Valle-Castro, PhD., and Russell McAuley, M.Ed. Reel to Real is SIA's annual antiracism film festival supporting March 21- International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Alanis Obomsawin’s remarkable 53rd film documents the story of Jordan River Anderson forced to spend all five years of his short life in hospital while the federal and provincial governments argued over which was responsible for his care, as well as the long struggle of Indigenous activists to force the Canadian government to enforce “Jordan’s Principle” — the promise that no First Nations children would experience inequitable access to government-funded services again. When Jordan, suffering from a rare muscle disorder known as Carey-Fineman-Ziter syndrome, died in 2005, he had spent all five years of his young life in hospital. Although doctors had permitted Jordan to move into special housing when he was two years old, the Canadian federal and Manitoban provincial governments disputed which one was responsible for his home-care costs. In 2007, facing criticism and in response to recommendations from Indigenous groups, Canada's Parliament passed a motion in support of "Jordan's Principle," a policy meant to ensure that
we are supporting all of our students, faculty, staff – and other members of the University ’s community – by truly committing to embracing the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.” T h e t a - t aw â w S t u d e n t Centre at the University of Regina recognizes that all students have the ability to be leaders, and their nitôncipâmin omâ Student Success Program (the OMA Program) helps firstyear Indigenous students cultivate their leadership skills on campus, and in their communities. Kenilee Pelletier participated in the program during her first year of university. She is now a third-year student, working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, and works with other students in the OMA Program as an English tutor. Pelletier was born and raised in Regina and is a member of the Cowessess First Nation. She was one of only a few in her peer group to attend university after high school. She credits the OMA Program for supporting her in her firstyear by providing the tools she needed to succeed and introducing her to other firstyear students who were experiencing the same challenges and experiences. “They helped me navigate through classes, introduced me to tutors, guided me through first-time experiences at University, and supported the first steps of my educational journey,” says Pelletier. “Now, as an
First Nations children h av e e q u i t a b l e a c c e s s to government-funded health, social, and educational services. Although practice took an exhausting 10 years to live up to the aspirations of the principle, we've finally reached a time when justice is possible. Living in Harmony Awards, Let’s Talk About Race by ACCT Foundation/ ACT2endracism March 20, 10:30 a .m . – noon Online webinar Let’s Talk About Race aims to help parents engage children in conversations about race by using art, drama, and experiences in school.
Lori Campbell begins her new role as Associate Vice President (Indigenous Engagement) on June 1, 2021. S U P P L I E D
Panelists include Lucy Lu, art therapist, Bill Yong, addic tions and drama c o u n s e l l o r, Je s i e b e l l e Salcedo, teacher. Magician Atsushi Ono will dazzle w i t h m a g i c . Id e a l f o r families with children ages five to 12. Visit Act2endracism.ca. Change Starts With Us by ACCT Foundation/ ACT2endracism March 20, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Online webinar We b i n a r t o e n g a g e youth and young adults in conversations about race by identifying and challenging discriminatory behaviours in school and sports. Panelists include Dr. Gina Ko, psychologist, Yo u n g In K i m , s o c i a l worker, Tom Chau, teacher
and coach. Magician Atsushi Ono will dazzle w i t h m a g i c . Id e a f o r children ages 13 and older, youth, and young adults. Visit Act2endracism.ca. What it Was Like to be Métis March 23, 1:30 – 3 p.m. S o u t h e a s t Ne w c o m e r Ser vices would like to invite you to hear Dawn Marie B. Sloan as she gives us a presentation on her Métis history and family. D a w n M a r i e ’s f a m i l y history is compelling and powerful as she shares stories of her three-times great-grandfather’s story of his land taken by the government of Canada to be redistributed to paying settlers, forcing him and his family to leave their
home and escape out of fear to Saskatchewan. S o u t h e a s t Ne w c o m e r Services is hosting a Zoom webinar on March 23 featuring Dawn Marie B. Sloan-Beahm as she presents “What It Was Like to Be Métis.” Dawn Marie is passionate about her culture, and If you know Dawn Marie, you know she has an extensive collection of First Nations and Métis cultural items, and we are excited she will be sharing them with us. Zoom in on Tuesday, March 23, 1:30 to 3p.m., and hear Dawn Marie share her knowledge and experiences of Métis culture and life. To register, please send an email to settlementadvisor. newcomer@sasktel.net.
can see themselves [here],” says Campbell. “It’s really an honour for me to come back to where I am from and take on this inaugural role.” Campbell will begin her new role as Associate Vice P r e s i d e n t ( In d i g e n o u s Engagement) on June 1, 2021. This story was provided by the University of Regina for promotional purposes. S p r i n g Fr e e Fr o m Racism – Saskatchewan Association on Human Rights Flavour of the Month Cultural Dinner Fundraiser March 25, 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. Tickets are $25. Flavour of the month fundraiser takes place the last Thursday of each month. This month the dinner features Turkish selections – shish kebab with rice, bread with ground beef, and Turkish baklava. Vegetarian option available. Food pick up location is 410 Victoria Avenue. For tickets email sffr-sahr@sasktel.net or call 306-537-9509.
TOGETHER
WE’RE BETTER
City of Regina Proclamation
WHEREAS provisions of Procedure Bylaw No. 9004 provide the Mayor with the authority to approve proclamations. NOW THEREFORE I, Sandra Masters, Mayor of the City of Regina, do hereby proclaim the day of March 21, 2021 as
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in Regina, and in issuing this proclamation, ask our citizens to recognize this day.
G E T T Y I M AG E S
in a s enior lead ers hip position and having an opportunity to create more systemic changes that are embedded in the institution’s policies and procedures. “I have a deep connection to the University of Regina, and the impact that it had on me really set the course for my career. I really wanted to be able to dedicate my career to ensuring that other Indigenous students
OMA tutor, I feel like I’m contributing to the next cohort of future leaders as they begin their educational journey. Like I once did.” During Campbell’s time as a student at the University of Regina, she completed a Bachelor of Indian Studies degree, a Bachelor of Psychology degree, and a Master of Adult Education. Now, she looks forward to returning to the University
Sandra Masters Mayor
LET’S END
RACISM & DISCRIMINATION
NOW!
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ELIMINATING RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Spring Free from Racism launches new initiative Racism it is obvious it came from the people thinking they are better than others who look different than them. But it is a time to recognize the significant achievements in advancing equality and justice in our communities, our workplaces, and organizations. We need to reach out for global acceptance and speak out against racism and discrimination and promote equality and acceptance of all. With many newcomers coming to Canada from many countries we need to open up our arms in acceptance and recognize all the skills and expertise they have and help mobilize them in our communities. The future is yet still not known with COVID-19 and what has happened over the past year with so many deaths and sickness and what the
Spring Free from Racism and Saskatchewan Association on Human Rights celebrates International Day for the Elimination of Racism every year to remember that on that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid. Proclaiming the Day in 1966 which signifies the struggle to end the policy of apartheid in South Africa, the General Assembly called on the international community to raise efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Now in 2021 looking at the COVID-19 pandemic and it has brought more racism towards the Blacks, Indigenous and Asian and other racialized communities. This increase shows how racism increases in marginalized populations. For the Pandemic of
future holds, but we can embrace each other for a better future and continue to welcome our diversity of cultures in Regina and accept each other’s differences no matter what race, what colour, what religious background, what sexual orientation and what age. We can fight this pandemic together as we move forward with acceptance of each other and our cultures. This year SFFR/SAHR again is postponing the Family Day event which is held at the Italian Club providing a free event to families which showcases hundreds of performers in entertainment, displays and food from around the year. We hope to have it later in the year. The committee has taken on a new initiative. We are hosting Flavour of the Month which is to be held the last Thursday of the Month to
assist in the fundraising that has been lost due to COVID-19. Each month features a different culture for a meal. You may order your meal by calling the number below or the email to order your tickets. You are given the numbers of your tickets once you e-transfer the monies. The day of the event you can pick up your take-out meal at a designated address. All food is prepared under the guidelines of public health. The first is March 25 serving Turkish food; April 23 is Chinese; May 27 is Ukrainian; June 24 is Indigenous; and other months are to be determined. Please help us help others in this time of need. Barb Dedi President of Saskatchewan Association On Human Rights barbadedi@hotmail.com 306-537-9509
Each year Spring Free From Racism hosts an event showcasing performances, entertainment, and food from various cultural heritages. This year the event has been postponed due to the pandemic. However, the committee has launched a new fundraising intiative: Flavour of the Month suppers. SUPPLIED
USask COVID-19 research to track online hate directed at Asian community USask Research Profile and Impact
USask linguistics researcher Zhi Li, partnered with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC), has been awarded almost $25,000 by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to lead a team in tracking the causes of online hate on Twitter directed at Asian people. “We will not only track the pattern and trend of anti-Asian xenophobia but also analyze the social and linguistic factors contributing to the development of such xenophobia in light of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Li. “Ours is the first interdisciplin-
ary data-driven study to measure this.” Li will work with USask sociologist Hongming Cheng, and USask adjunct computer scientist Roy Ka-Wei Lee, now faculty at Singapore University of Technology and Design, as well as two graduate students and one undergraduate student. The researchers will gather an estimated 80 million tweets, sent in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic, from October 2019 until present. Working with Darrell Seib, SHRC director of systemic initiatives, the research team will identify racist content in an existing database of tweets and
use that information to train an algorithm to automatically pinpoint offending posts in the COVID-19 data. “We’re looking at tweets, but also re-tweets,” said Li. “We intend to look at what makes the content ‘unfriendly’ or derogatory—the linguistic patterns behind the messages—as well as the patterns for how this information spreads.” The researchers will study the factors that influence the spread of online hatred directed at a specific group—in this case, the Asian community. “The importance of this type of research cannot be understated. An evidence-based
understanding of online hate and discrimination will illuminate social and structural divides in society, and help human rights agencies effect change,” said David Arnot, chief commissioner of the SHRC. “Online hate cannot continue to go unchecked. The more we understand it, the better equipped we will be to respond to this kind of racial discrimination.” The initial research will focus on the text content of hateful online tweets. In future projects, the researchers intend to comb through the same data, tracking hateful content in the form of memes, GIFs, and emojis.
Spring Free From Racism (SFFR) and Sask Association On Human Rights (SAHR) Each year on March 21st joins with other organizations to recognize
International Day For the Elimination Of Racial Discrimination It has been one year since the WHO declared a global pandemic! This has made it impossible to celebrate our cultural diversity through our Family Day but we continue to recognize and speak out against racial discrimination and intolerance and stand for unity, inclusion and respect for diversity.
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