UVic diversity forum celebrates critical conversations
The University of Victoria’s Provost’s Diversity Research Forum has made a space for critical conversations about diversity and social justice topics and community-engaged university scholarship since 2007. Registration is now open for the 10th anniversary event Re-Imagining Identities, Power and Privilege at UVic on Jan. 26 and 27.
“The conference provides a safe space to have conversations that can be difficult but are so necessary,” says Grace Wong Sneddon, conference chair and adviser to the provost on equity and diversity. “We can only move forward together to make our campus and our communities truly welcoming and inclusive if we talk about these issues.”
The event begins on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 26 in First Peoples House. The opening reception will include the screening of a video produced for the 10th anniversary, followed by the presentation of the Provost’s Advocacy and Activism Award, and readings by winners of the Diversity Writing Contest and Diversity Spoken Word Contest.
Unlike most academic conferences, the format of presentations is as varied as the subject matter. “We have featured theatre performances, world cafés, music, art, spoken word and writing performances—every year is different,” says Wong Sneddon.
Sessions on Friday, Jan. 27 include:
• “As Long as the Sun Shines, Grass Grows and Rivers Flow: A Century and a Half Measured through Artistic Activism”: In response to Canada’s 150th year celebrations, Christine O’Bonsawin, director of UVic’s Indigenous Studies Program with artists Marianne Nicolson and Lindsay Delaronde and UVic staff, will explore narratives of nationhood, resistance and resurgence through art.
• “Globalization, Migration and the University”: Victor V. Ramraj, director of the UVic Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives, with Jean McCrae, CEO of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, and other UVic faculty will consider challenges and opportunities for universities in an era marked by globalization and resistance.
The forum is free and open to the public; registration is required. Selected sessions will be webcast online. Forum information, registration and webcast link: www.uvic.ca/diversityforum
“The conference provides a safe space to have conversations that can be difficult but are so necessary,” says Grace Wong Sneddon, conference chair and adviser to the provost on equity and diversity. “We can only move forward together to make our campus and our communities truly welcoming and inclusive if we talk about these issues.”
The event begins on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 26 in First Peoples House. The opening reception will include the screening of a video produced for the 10th anniversary, followed by the presentation of the Provost’s Advocacy and Activism Award, and readings by winners of the Diversity Writing Contest and Diversity Spoken Word Contest.
Unlike most academic conferences, the format of presentations is as varied as the subject matter. “We have featured theatre performances, world cafés, music, art, spoken word and writing performances—every year is different,” says Wong Sneddon.
Sessions on Friday, Jan. 27 include:
• “As Long as the Sun Shines, Grass Grows and Rivers Flow: A Century and a Half Measured through Artistic Activism”: In response to Canada’s 150th year celebrations, Christine O’Bonsawin, director of UVic’s Indigenous Studies Program with artists Marianne Nicolson and Lindsay Delaronde and UVic staff, will explore narratives of nationhood, resistance and resurgence through art.
• “Globalization, Migration and the University”: Victor V. Ramraj, director of the UVic Centre for Asia-Pacific Initiatives, with Jean McCrae, CEO of the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria, and other UVic faculty will consider challenges and opportunities for universities in an era marked by globalization and resistance.
The forum is free and open to the public; registration is required. Selected sessions will be webcast online. Forum information, registration and webcast link: www.uvic.ca/diversityforum
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Photos
Media contacts
Grace Wong Sneddon (Office of the Vice-President Academic & Provost) at 250-721-6143 or gwongsne@uvic.ca
Melanie Groves (University Communications + Marketing) at 250-472-4357 or mgroves@uvic.ca