
Registration for the Summer Institute is now open: https://form.jotform.com/60697016608258
The Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies Summer Institute (online from 16 to 20 June 2025) will feature expert talks and hands-on workshops open to undergraduate and graduate students from York University and beyond. Registrations for the Summer Institute will be accepted until June 15, 2025. Participants will have the option of receiving a certificate of completion.
This event is open to everyone around the world. All sessions will be in English. There is no fee; it is free to attend. CLICK HERE to register.
Decolonization, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (DEDI) is a framework for fair and just environments within organizations and societies.
Decolonization recognizes and addresses colonialism's impacts, particularly how historical injustices continue to affect marginalized communities. It involves dismantling colonial structures and promoting Indigenous knowledge and perspectives.
Equity ensures fair treatment, access, and opportunities for all individuals, recognizing that different people have different needs and circumstances. It focuses on providing the necessary resources and support to overcome barriers.
Diversity recognizes various identities, perspectives, and experiences within a group or organization, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, and more.
Inclusion creates an environment where all individuals feel valued, respected, and able to participate fully. It involves fostering a culture that embraces diversity and actively seeks to include all voices in decision-making processes.
A robust DEDI strategy recognizes the many forms of oppression and discrimination that exist, each with far-reaching implications. Contexts are not fixed; identities are dynamic and intersectional, evolving over time and across different situations—sometimes even resisting classification. This Summer School will explore how to create a decolonizing, inclusive, diverse, and collaborative ecosystem that supports both individual and collective growth. Building an inclusive and equitable community is a continuous journey rather than a final goal, requiring persistent focus and action.
Specialized lectures will cover topics such as implementing DEDI in academe, DEDI pedagogies, and cultural humility. Workshops will address using AI in research and writing, exploring data analysis methods, and publishing practices in the humanities and social sciences. Confirmed speakers include Nadia Hasan of York University’s School of Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Robin Sutherland-Harris and Dr. Ameera Ali of York’s Teaching Commons, Rémi Vives of Glendon, and Patricia Ki, Executive Director of Toronto Art Therapy Institute.
For more information, or to leave your name and contact information to receive future updates, please email us at robarts@yorku.ca
*This web page will be reqularly updated with more details as they become finalized*
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Ena Dua
— Professor, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, York University
TALKS:
Integrating DEDI into Teaching
— Ameera Ali, PhD candidate, Sexuality and Women's Studies, York University
Islamaphobia in Canada
— Nadia Hasan, Professor, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, York University
Inspiring Creativity of All: A Dimension for Education Justice
— Altaf Qadeer, Independent Scholar
WORKSHOPS:
Gamification of Pedagogy
— Julianna Kowlessar, PhD student, Communication & Culture, York University
Interviewing
— Kathy Bischoping, Professor, Sociology, York University
— Spiro Vassalo, PhD candidate, Sociology, York University
Presenting at Conferences
— Griffith Cahill, PhD Student, Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, York University
— Marianne Laplante, Ph.D. Candidate, Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Research Associates
Refining the Design and Conduct of Ethical Research with Minoritized Populations
— Johanne Jean-Pierre, Professor, Sociology, York University
Research Opportunities Digital Data Presents for the Social Sciences
— Rémi Vives, Professor, Economics, Glendon College, York University
Using AI Responsibly in Research and Writing
— Robin Sutherland-Harris, Educational Developer, Teaching Commons, York University