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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Heritage Months

  • January

    Tamil Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Tamils began migrating to Ontario as early as the 1940s. Since that time, Tamil Canadians have overcome tremendous obstacles and have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of Ontario.

    January is an important month for Tamil Canadians. The Tamil Harvest Festival, Thai Pongal, as well as other Tamil artistic and cultural events, take place in January.

    By proclaiming the month of January as Tamil Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the valuable contributions that Tamil Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Tamil Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the inspirational role that Tamil Canadians have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.

  • February

    Black History Month

    National

    From the Canadian government:

    Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.

  • March

    Bangladeshi Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Bangladeshi community. Bangladeshi Canadians from across the province have made significant contributions to Ontario’s scientific, athletic, cultural and political development, and they continue to help foster growth, prosperity, and innovation throughout Ontario.

    The month of March is an important one for the Bangladeshi community. Every year on March 26, Bangladeshis around the world celebrate Independence Day in commemoration of their nation gaining independence in 1971. This day is often marked with music, parades, fairs, and various other public and private gatherings held to celebrate the history and traditions of Bangladesh.

    By proclaiming the month of March as Bangladeshi Heritage Month in Ontario, the province honours the many significant contributions Bangladeshi Canadians have made throughout the province, and highlights their important role in strengthening the multi-cultural fabric that keeps Ontario’s communities strong.

  • April

    Sikh Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Sikh Canadians have lived in Ontario since the middle of the twentieth century. They represent a growing and dynamic population. Sikh Canadians have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of Ontario.

    April is an important month for the Sikh community. In this month, Sikh Canadians celebrate Vaisakhi, which marks the creation of the Khalsa and the Sikh articles of faith. Sikh Canadians widely celebrate Vaisakhi, also known as Khalsa Day, across Ontario.

    By proclaiming the month of April as Sikh Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Sikh Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Sikh Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Sikh Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.

  • May

    Asian Heritage Month

    National and provincial

    From the Canadian government:

    Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity for us to learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage who, throughout our history, have done so much to make Canada the country we know and love.

    This month is a reminder for all Canadians to come together to combat anti-Asian racism and discrimination in all its forms.

    South Asian Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    South Asian immigrants began arriving in Ontario at the start of the 20th century. Working primarily in the sawmill industry, South Asian immigrants settled in various parts of the province. For South Asians, the month of May has been a time of celebration and commemoration of their arrival from the Indian subcontinent to the Americas beginning on May 5, 1838.

    While most South Asians came to our country from India, many others came to Ontario from such places as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, the United Kingdom, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Today, South Asians make up a significant proportion of Ontario’s population and are proud to draw upon their heritage and traditions, contributing to many aspects of culture, commerce and public service across this province.

    It is appropriate to recognize and pay tribute to the contributions South Asians have made, and continue to make, to the development and general welfare of Ontario.

    Dutch Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Ontario is home to about 500,000 Dutch Canadians. Since the early 1800s, the Dutch Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.

    By proclaiming the month of May as Dutch Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Dutch Canadians have made to the economic, political, social and cultural fabric of Ontario’s society.

    May is a historically significant month for the Dutch Canadian community. On May 5, 1945, the Canadian forces were instrumental in the liberation of the Netherlands from occupation during World War II. The Netherlands celebrates its independence and liberty, along with the heroic efforts of the Canadian forces, with a national holiday known as Liberation Day, which takes place annually on May 5.

    Jewish Heritage Month

    National and provincial

    May is a time to celebrate the richness of Jewish culture, heritage and history in Canada. Canada is home to the fourth largest Jewish community in the world. Jewish Canadian leaders are active in all parts of society and have helped shape the diversity found within it.

    Canadian Jewish Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate Jewish communities from coast to coast to coast for their valuable contributions in building a more open, diverse, and consciously more inclusive Canada for all.

  • June

    National Indigenous History Month

    National

    From the Canadian government:

    In June, we commemorate National Indigenous History Month to recognize the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada.

    Italian Heritage Month

    National and provincial

    June is a time to showcase the rich culture and heritage of Italian Canadians. Canada is home to more than 1.5 million Canadians of Italian descent, making it one of the largest Italian diasporas in the world. In Canada, Italian communities have contributed greatly through their achievements in all areas of society and have helped shape the Canada we know today.

    Portuguese Heritage Month

    National and provincial

    June a time to recognize and celebrate the contribution of Canadians of Portuguese descent to our country. Now home to one of the largest Portuguese diasporas in the world, Canada is enriched by its traditions, language and culture.

    Filipino Heritage Month

    National

    Canada is home to nearly one million people of Filipino descent, one of the fastest growing communities in the country. In June and beyond, let us recognize communities of Filipino descent and celebrate the important role they have played and continue to play in creating an open, diverse, and consciously more inclusive society.

    Pride Season

    National

    From the Canadian Government:

    Pride Season is a term that refers to the wide range of Pride events that take place over the summer (June to September) when 2SLGBTQI+ communities and allies come together to spotlight the resilience, celebrate the talent, and recognize the contributions of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Although special attention is put on the Pride events during the summer months, they happen throughout the year in many communities.

  • October

    Women's History Month

    National

    Learn about Women's History Month from the government of Canada.

    Islamic Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Muslims have been contributing to all aspects of Ontario’s prosperity and diverse heritage for generations.

    Islamic history and culture encompass a broad range of individual and collective experiences, as well as important contributions to literature, math, science, art and history.

    In 2007 the Government of Canada declared the month of October in each year as Canadian Islamic History Month.

    The Province of Ontario recognizes and wishes to affirm the important contributions that Muslims make in Ontario as part of the vibrant social, economic, political and cultural fabric of our province.

    Proclaiming a month to be Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario will provide all Ontarians, both today and in future generations, with an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and learn about the rich and longstanding Islamic history in the Province and the diverse roles and contributions of Muslim people in communities across Ontario. This new understanding will in turn help combat anti-Islamic sentiment.

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Ontario is home to more than 400,000 first-, second- and third-generation Canadians of Hispanic origin. As early as 1914, Canadians who originated from the 23 Hispanic countries began immigrating to the province and today the Hispanic community is one of the fastest growing in Ontario. Hispanic-Canadians represent a dynamic community that has made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.

    October is a significant month for the Hispanic community. Each year, during the month of October, peoples of Hispanic origin around the world come together and pay tribute to their shared culture. Celebrations are held around the world, such as Hispanic Day (Dia de la Hispanidad), the Day of the Cultures (Dia de las Culturas), Day of the Race (Dia de la Raza), Day of Respect for Cultural Diversity (Dia del Respeto a la Diversidad Cultural), Day of Indigenous Resistance (Dia de la Resistencia Indigena), and the commemoration of Hispanic Heritage Month in North America. In 2014, the City of Toronto joined in this commemoration and officially named October as Hispanic Heritage Month.

    By proclaiming the month of October as Hispanic Heritage Month in Ontario, the province recognizes the rich contributions of Hispanic-Canadians to our social, economic, political and multicultural fabric. Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the outstanding achievements and contributions of Hispanic people in the province.

  • November

    Hindu Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Hindu community. Since the first Hindu immigrants arrived in Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, Hindu Canadians from across Ontario have made significant contributions across all fields: science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture and sports. Hindu Canadians have helped build Ontario into the multicultural success story that it is. They continue to help foster growth, prosperity and innovation throughout Ontario.

    “Deepawali” or “Diwali” is the biggest of all celebratory festivals that members of the Hindu community celebrate. It falls in either November or October each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It’s observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Diwali commemorates the victory of good over evil. In addition, during this time of the year, Hindus also celebrate other significant festivals such as Navratri and Durga Puja.

    By proclaiming the month of November as Hindu Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Hindu Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Hindu Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.

    Albanian Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Ontario is home to more than 28,000 Albanian Canadians. Since the early 20th century, the Albanian-Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.

    November is a significant month for the Albanian community. Each year, during the month of November, people of Albanian origin celebrate the Albanian Declaration of Independence, which declared Albania an independent sovereign nation on November 28th, 1912.

    In November, Albania also commemorates Liberation Day, which is the day that Albania was liberated from Nazi Germany forces after the Albanian resistance on November 29, 1944.

    By proclaiming the month of November as Albanian Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the meaningful contributions immigrants have made in building Ontario’s communities and the social, economic, political and cultural achievements of Albanian-Canadians throughout the province. Albanian Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Ontario’s rich history.

    Lebanese Heritage Month

    Provincial

    From the Ontario government:

    Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Lebanese community. Ever since the late 19th century, when the first Lebanese immigrants arrived in Canada, the Lebanese Canadian community throughout Ontario has made and continues to make significant contributions across all fields including in science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, sports and culture. Lebanese Canadians play an integral role in communities across Ontario and truly enrich the multicultural diversity of the province.

    November is a significant month for the Lebanese community. Each year in November, Lebanese people around the world celebrate Lebanese Independence Day in commemoration of their nation gaining independence on November 22, 1943.

    By proclaiming the month of November as Lebanese Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the meaningful contributions Lebanese Canadians have made to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Lebanese Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Lebanese Canadians and their continuing role in helping to foster growth, prosperity and innovation throughout Ontario.

Books, Films, Podcasts, Social Media and Additional Resources

Diversity Resources

  • American Web-Based Diversity Resources

    Beyond Prejudice is a web site developed by American psychologist, Dr. Jim Cole, that offers a number of readings and resources for understanding and tackling prejudicial attitudes and behaviours.

    Center for Multicultural Education at the University of Washington Seattle focuses on research projects and activities designed to improve practice related to equity issues, inter-group relations, and the achievement of all students. Under the leadership of Dr. James A. Banks, the Center engages in services and teaching related to its research mission and has produced a number of excellent publications.

    Common Dreams     is a national non-profit citizens' organization working to bring progressive Americans together to promote progressive visions the future. Founded in 1997, they use the Internet as a political organizing tool, and create new models for activism. They are funded exclusively by members and supporters, and offer "Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community," an eclectic mix of politics, issues, and news with an emphasis on progressive perspectives.

    EdChange is a team of equity, social justice, multicultural education specialists who collaborate on workshops, consulting, and professional development for educators and activists. The site, designed and maintained by Dr. Paul Gorski, provides links to several of EdChange's projects, including SoJust, the Multicultural Pavilion, and the Social Justice Store.

    Human Rights Watch is an independent, nongovernmental agency dedicated to protecting human rights around the world.

    Interfaith Youth Core seeks to engage youth leaders from different faith communities in intercultural encounter, social action and interfaith reflection.

    International Journal of Multicultural Education is an online e-journal for scholars, students, and practitioners of multicultural education.

    Multiracial Activist is an online journal dedicated to social and civil liberties on race related issues.

    National Association for Multicultural Education is a dedicated group of American and international educators at all levels who are interested in multicultural and antiracist education. They also organize an awesome annual conference.

    Organization of American States is the world's oldest regional organization, dedicated to implement its four pillars: democracy, human rights, security and development.They also organize the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.

    Peace Jam is a global community established to create a new generation of young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their communities, and the world through the inspiration of Nobel Peace Laureates.

    Protest Song Lyrics is a website dedicated to make available, song lyrics for students, teachers, historians, labour unions, activists, or anybody with an interest in the history of social movements' protest songs, their origins and their uses in various political, human rights, and social justice movements.

    Rethinking Schools is a nonprofit independent publisher of educational materials, including an online magazine. They advocate the reform of elementary and secondary education with a strong emphasis on issues of equity and social justice.

    Southern Poverty Law Centre has a number of excellent resources available, including their outstanding Teaching Tolerance project.

    Syracuse Cultural Workers has a website with a number of resources and goods that all promote activism to sustain a culture that honours diversity, celebrates community, inspires and nurtures justice, sustainability, equality and freedom.

    Teaching for Change is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC, that provides teachers and parents with the tools and resources to transform schools into socially equitable centers of learning where students become architects of a better future.They also have an online non-profit Bookstore with great educational resources.

    Ten Things Everyone Should Know About Race is a resource based on the US video series, Race: the Power of an Illusion.

    Tools for Tolerance for Educational Professionals is an interactive, experiential program designed to help educators fulfill their potential, both as people and professionals. It is built upon the premise that school professionals are the front line in our efforts to shape a better future. The program offers a holistic approach to teaching acceptance in learning communities. Anti-bias education is articulated in terms of learning processes that promote self-reflection, critical thinking and social action.

    United for Peace and Justice is a coalition of more than 1300 local and national groups throughout the United States who have joined together to oppose their government's policy of permanent warfare and empire building. They welcome the participation of any and all national, regional and local groups who share their goals and wish to work with others.

    United States Holocaust Memorial Museum has a number of educational programs and initiatives for students, teachers, scholars and anyone who shares an interest in reflecting upon moral and ethical questions and upon their responsibilities as citizens of a democracy. Studying the history of the Holocaust can help people understand the effects of prejudice, racism, and stereotyping in any society while raising questions of fairness, justice, individual identity, peer pressure, conformity, indifference and obedience.

     

  • Canadian Web-Based Diversity Resources

    Access to Media Education Society (AMES) is a registered non-profit dedicated to helping people cultivate individual, group and mass communications skills. Their programs aim to put the tools of media creation in the hands of those from under-represented groups, enabling them to put forward their own stories and ideas, and help to increase public understanding towards issues of social exclusion and social justice.

    Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies (AMSSA) of BC offers a centralized resource for the settlement and immigration sector, regarding issues involving multiculturalism, immigration and human rights.

    Amnesty International Canada has a youth section that offers excellent support and resources on taking action on rights issues around the world.Anima Leadership offers innovative professional training centred around diversity and social justice issues that dares individuals to explore and develop their leadership potential. Through transformative educational processes, they nurture self-aware, empathetic and visionary leaders who are effective in building powerful, inclusive organizations and healthy communities.

    Black North Initiative is an initiative created by The Canadian Council of Business Leaders Against Anti-Black Systemic to increase the representation of Blacks in boardrooms and executive suites across Canada.

    Black Youth Helpline serves all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools.

    British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) has an ambitious Social Justice Program and their web site features a range of events, programs, links, lesson aids, resources, funding opportunities and more. They also have a provincial Committee for Action on Social Justice that has a number of action groups based on Antiracism, LGBTQ2S+, Peace and Global Education, Poverty and the Status of Women.

    Canadian Anti-racism Network has a website with useful links and ideas. CAER is a frontline, grassroots antiracist organization that tracks, monitors and fights racism and hate crime, lobbies governments and agencies to provide support for human rights, and supports other organizations and agencies that provide human rights education and research world-wide.

    Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is a made-in-Canada solution designed to help employers, diversity and inclusion/human rights/equity, and human resources practitioners effectively address the full picture of diversity, equity and inclusion within the workplace.

    Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity intersectionally promotes diversity in gender identity, gender expression, and romantic and/or sexual orientation in all its forms on a national level through services in the areas of education, health, and advocacy.

    Canadian Council for Refugees is a non-profit umbrella organization committed to the rights and protection of refugees in Canada and around the world and to the settlement of refugees and immigrants in Canada. The membership is made up of organizations involved in the settlement, sponsorship and protection of refugees and immigrants. They have produced the helpful brochure, Facing Facts: Myths and Misconceptions About Refugees and Immigrants in Canada.

    Canadian Diversity is a journal produced by the Association for Canadian Studies, which also has links and research information for students, professors and researchers with an interest in diversity issues.

    Canadian Ethnic Studies Association is a non-profit interdisciplinary organization devoted to the study of ethnicity, multiculturalism, immigration, inter-group relations and the cultural life of ethnic groups in Canada, and publishes a regular e-bulletin, a scholarly journal, and has other resources.

    Canadian Immigrant Magazine is a free monthly magazine, a vibrant and informative source of stories, resources, business and community links related to immigration and settlement in Canada. It features pieces on careers, housing, health, education and culture, among other topics.

    Canadian Race Relations Foundation is Canada's leading agency dedicated to the elimination of racism in the country. They host a national conference and awards program, and their website offers news, educational resources, funding programs and numerous publications on racism-related issues.

    Canadian Red Cross has various educational and youth programs aimed at preventing and eliminating violence, bullying, and abuse.

    Canadian Teachers' Federation has a number of programs and resources related to diversity, social justice, Aboriginal education and anti-discrimination.

    Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan is a volunteer solidarity network founded in 1996. Members from over ten chapters across Canada are committed to raising awareness to the plight of women in Afghanistan, and to support the empowerment efforts of Afghan women in education, health care and skills development.

    Centre for Culture, Identity and Education (CCIE) was established at UBC in 2005, and explores cultural studies and identity toward the promotion of local, national and global cultural and activist work and research.

    Centre for Social Justice conducts research, education and advocacy to enhance peace and security, to narrow gaps in income, wealth and power, and to promote greater equality and democracy. They are based in Montreal and have a number of good publications and events.

    Check Your Head is a youth-driven organization that provides education for young people on issues such as democracy, corporate power, globalization and climate change to encourage informed, empowered and active young people.

    Choose Your Voice is a free resource designed as part of the "Fighting AntiSemitism Together" (FAST) project. It helps students learn about the dangers of hatred and stereotypes, and find their voices to combat them. It encourages students not to be bystanders or perpetrators, but heroes, by speaking out. Although it was originally designed for junior high teachers based on provincial curriculum requirements, its lessons are readily adaptable for high school students and other learners.

    Classroom Connections is Canadian non-profit organization that develops free educational resources for schools, addressing areas that may not typically be covered in classroom text books, such as global citizenship, economic disparity, fair trade, sustainable development and peace education.

    Diversity Institute at Ryerson University has a useful resource list of grassroots, advocacy and affiliate groups promoting cultural or diversity issues.

    Federation of Black Canadians is a national, non-profit organization, driven by organizations across the country that advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent.

    GetDiversity is a Vancouver-based group offering professional consulting, educational and research services for individuals and organizations committed to antiracism, inclusion, equity, and diversity. Their website features a searchable database on related news items and articles.

    Harmony Movement is a not-for-profit organization to combat racism and discrimination, and promotes youth leadership through education. They offer a number of resources, programs, awards and post-secondary Harmony Scholarships.

    How Indigenous Knowledge Advances Modern Science and Technology takes a look throughout history, Indigenous peoples have been responsible for the development of many technologies and have substantially contributed to science.

    Human Rights Research and Education Centre is run by the University of Ottawa. Since May 1981, they have been exploring linkages between human rights, governance, legal reform and development, supporting national human rights institutions in Canada and abroad, and engaging in multidisciplinary research and education.

    Indigenous star lore: Night skies over Turtle Island takes a look at Frank Dempsy, an astronomy enthusiast and member of the Royal Astronomical Society, shared this Indigenous star story from the Pacific Northwest at the University of Toronto. He was joined by U of T's Hilding Neilson, an associate professor at Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Karyn Recollet, an associate professor of women and gender studies, in a panel discussion called Night Skies Over Turtle Island: Indigenous Astronomy.

    Indigenous Women and Science Knowledge: The First Voice and Climate Change discusses science knowledge and how we often neglect the contribution of indigenous peoples, particularly indigenous women. With nearly 200m indigenous women at the front line of climate change, their science knowledge is complementary, instructive and vital to scientific research in the ‘global North’. The ‘first voice’ of indigenous women is central to building ecological resilience and steering international action on climate change mitigation.

    Interfaith Unity Newsletter is a free newsletter of Interfaith activities, news and resources in Toronto, Southern Ontario and internationally.

    Jer’s Vision: Canada's Youth Diversity Initiative is Canada's national organization to support and encourage the work of youth to address discrimination in their schools and communities. Through art, community, education, youth initiatives and partnerships with a variety of established national and community organizations, they provide youth with the tools and the resources to promote diversity and end discrimination of all kinds.

    League for Human Rights of B'Nai Brith Canada has produced a number of educational programs and resources on anti-hate activity.

    Learning the Land program combines Indigenous teachings with scientific knowledge. Learning the Land, is a program created by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Treaty 4 Education Alliance. It combines Indigenous culture and teachings with scientific knowledge about conservation.

    Lillian Dyck is a Canadian senator from Saskatchewan. Before being appointed to the Senate, she was a neuroscientist and Associate Dean at the University of Saskatchewan.

    London Cross Cultural Learner Centre has been open for over 50 years and offers excellent listing of diversity resources and services.

    Media Smarts has a number of excellent resources for teachers and parents related to digital media and information literacy, on the themes of cultural diversity, racism, representation, and bias.

    Me to We is a for-profit venture offering products and services related to finding meaning in our lives and world by reaching out to others. Marc and Craig Kielburger, founders of Free The Children, have worked in numerous countries with some spiritual, political and social leaders of our time. Their WE Charity is an international charity that partners with communities through a holistic, sustainable development model that equips families with the tools and skills they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

    Morneau Shepell stands in support and solidarity against the injustices many communities face today, and we firmly denounce racism in all its forms. We acknowledge the responsibility we have as business leaders, as employers and as individuals, to ensure we do better on the path to social equality.  To support organizations, their employees, and leaders, we have developed a number of resources (webinars, reading, training) that are available to respond and educate about racism, allyship, and the importance of diversity and inclusion in all forms. 

    Multiculturalism through the Government of Canada celebrates and preserves the history and heritage of Canada’s various ethnic groups, and contains information on relevant resources and events.

    No Big Deal campaign is a positive and affirming response to the recent conflict around transgender peoples’ pronouns, including gender-neutral ones instead of she/her or he/him. Founder Dr. Lee Airton reminds us that using someone’s gender pronoun is an easy way to show your support for everyone’s right to live safely and well in their gender identity.

    Not in Our Town is a hate crime prevention initiative based in Surrey, BC. This project aims to involve residents in exploring issues related to hate activity (racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other form of discrimination that victimizes their community), to discuss their hopes, and develop action plans for the community.

    Ontario Black History Society is a non-profit registered Canadian charity dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage. The OBHS fosters the recognition, preservation and promotion of the contributions of Black peoples and their collective histories through education, research and cooperation, sponsoring educational conferences and exhibits, and including material on Black History in school curricula.

    Ontario Human Rights Commission has a number of good resources and guides around human rights and discrimination issues.

    Pflag Canada is proud to be Canada’s only national organization that offers peer-to-peer support striving to help all Canadians with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We support, educate and provide resources to anyone with questions or concerns. We promise to offer local, practical, and emotional peer-to-peer family support for individuals and their loved ones challenged by gender/sexual identity.

    Pride Education Network (formerly GALE BC) is a group of educators and advocates who value the importance of a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment for all. PEN offers support through resources, workshops, professional training, and policy development.

    Safe Harbour: Respect for All is a four-province initiative to assist businesses, institutions, agencies and entire municipalities to celebrate differences and create safer, more welcoming communities that reject discrimination.

    Statistics Canada has a wealth of information on Canadian ethnic diversity and immigration, including detailed results from the 2002 Ethnic Diversity Survey.

    Stop Racism and Hate Collective is a group that monitors hate group activity, helps young people leave hate groups, and provides information and advice to help stop hate motivated activity on the Internet and in communities.

    Students Helping Others Understand Tolerance (SHOUT) is a national organization, founded and governed by students. They promote genocide awareness and speaking out against racism and intolerance both across Canada and within the global sphere. Members share a mission to build bridges between diverse campus groups and spread awareness in eradicating social injustice and promoting respect and inclusion for all global citizens.

    The Black Liberation Collective is an international movement of students challenging anti-Black racism in post-secondary institutions in every way that it manifests.

    The Government of Canada has a dedicated page for Indigenous peoples and acknowledging their wide-ranging knowledge of the land and its ecology. Through collaboration with Indigenous partners, Parks Canada and Canadians are benefitting from traditional knowledge systems that have been handed down over many thousands of years.

    The Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) was established in 1977 by the government of Canada. It is empowered under the Canadian Human Rights Act to investigate and try to settle complaints of discrimination in employment and in the provision of services within federal jurisdiction.

    In light of the anti-racism protests taking place (May-June 2020) across the U.S., Canada and the world, Marie-Claude Landry, Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission releases the following statement:  Anti-Black Racism in Canada: Time to Face the Truth 

    Tolerance.ca is an online webzine that remains neutral on political and religious orientations, and aims to promote awareness of the major democratic principles on which tolerance is based.

    Youth Action Network is a national non-profit youth organization dedicated to helping youth become more informed and actively involved in order to move towards a just and sustainable society. They understand the need for a stronger voice and for greater participation of youth in local and global communities, to provide information and promote action.

    United Nations Association in Canada has a Canada's Diversity Advantage program that offers a multi-generational and multicultural initiative of Canadians’ lived-experiences, to cultivate a deeper understanding of how diverse cultures, faiths and ideas have contributed to building a diverse and inclusive society shaped by many cultures.

    University of Victoria’s Equity and Human Rights Office has a section within their website with resources for building an inclusive community.

    Vancouver Holocaust Education Centre (VHEC) is a non-profit society that combats prejudice, racism and anti-Semitism by educating the public, especially students and teachers, about the events and implications of the Holocaust. The VHEC mounts traveling educational exhibits, organizes scholarly and educational conferences, and produces and circulates outreach discovery kits, curriculum materials, Teachers Guides and online interactive media.

     

  • International Web-Based Diversity Resources

    Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.

    Children's International Summer Villages is a unique youth exchange organization that provides a range of educational group activities to develop cross-cultural understanding in children and youth from around the world. By encouraging respect for cultural differences and the development of self-awareness, CISV empowers each participant to incorporate these values into their lives as they become global citizens and strive for a more peaceful world.

    Global Giving is a web site that helps people locate and support relevant projects from around the globe, including human rights initiatives.

    Global SchoolNet offers teaching ideas and resources related to various online tools that assist young people around the world to become literate and responsible global citizens.

    Human Rights Education Associates is an international non-governmental organization that supports human rights learning, the training of activists and professionals, the development of educational materials and programming, and community building through on-line technologies. HREA is dedicated to quality education and training to promote understanding, attitudes and actions to protect human rights, and to foster the development of peaceable, free and just communities.

    International Association for Intercultural Education (IAIE) has brought together professional educators interested in diversity and equity issues in education since 1984. This includes intercultural education, multicultural education, anti-racist education, human rights education, conflict resolution and multilingualism issues. IAIE brings together academics and teachers from a variety of disciplines by organizing workshops, seminars and conferences, and by publishing the academic journal Intercultural Education.

    International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA) is a private, non-profit corporation headquartered in Washington, DC. The association was founded in 1949 and its membership consists of approximately 160 human rights agencies in the United States and Canada. The goals of IAOHRA are to foster human and intergroup relations, enhance human rights practices under law, and promote civil and human rights around the world.

    International Journal of Diversity in Organizations, Communities and Nations creates a space for discussion for anyone with an interest in mediating cultural difference and diversity. The journal examines the realities of difference and diversity today, empirically and critically as well as optimistically and strategically, touching upon the topics of difference, diversity and globalization. Also watch for this group’s annual International Diversity Conference.

    International Journal of Multicultural Education is a peer-reviewed open-access e-journal for scholars, practitioners, and students of multicultural education. Committed to promoting educational equity, cross-cultural understanding, and global awareness in all levels of education, IJME publishes a variety of writings such as reports of empirical research; literature-based scholarly articles that advance theories and scholarship of multicultural education; praxis essays that discuss successful multicultural education programs or practical instructional ideas and strategies; and reviews of visual arts, professional and children’s books, and multimedia resources.

    Society of Maori Astronomy Research and Traditions looks at the Māori who are the indigenous people of New Zealand who had extensive knowledge of the night sky. The movements of constellations, the heliacal rising of stars, the arrival of comets, the phases of the moon and many other astronomical phenomena were noted and examined by them. This detailed astronomical knowledge resulted in Māori having a precise understanding of the seasons and helped the ancestors of the Māori people to navigate across the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

    Taking It Global is an online community that connects youth to find inspiration, access information, get involved, and take action in their local and global communities. Based in Toronto, it invites educators and students from around the world to share resources and discuss relevant global issues.

    The Indigenous STEM Education Project is implementing an important new education project aimed at increasing participation and achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). There are six program elements to the project, which caters to the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students as they progress through primary, secondary and tertiary education, and into employment.

    The NAMMSAT is a collective group of Māori practitioners in New Zealand who supported the increased participation and achievement by Māori in the fields of mathematics, science, engineering and technology. NAMMSAT aimed to facilitate the participation and achievement of Māori in the educational and commercial sectors, and in Research, Science and Technology (RS&T).

    The Virtues Project aims to serve humanity by supporting the moral and spiritual development of people of all cultures, by helping them to remember who they really are and to live by their highest values. Their mission is to provide empowering strategies that inspire the practice of virtues in everyday life through programs of excellence and simplicity that support people of all ages to cultivate their virtues, the gifts of character. 

    World Youth Report is a UN document that explores young people's participation in economic, political and community life, and youth civic engagement in recent years among governments, young people and researchers. The Report provides thematic insights on economic, political and community engagement, coupled with expert opinion pieces so as to provide robust and varied perspectives into youth engagement, and is intended to serve as an impetus and tool for dialogue, policy discussion and action between youth and government.