This is an ONLINE EVENT, open to all and FREE with registration.
Registration for the Summer Institute is now open: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/Tkuo5rnDRhuCM_2ZukUE5gThe 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.
Supported by York University's Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and the Office of the Vice-President of Research and Innovation.
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 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.
*This web page will be reqularly updated as details are finalized*
SCHEDULE (all times are EST / Toronto-time)
MONDAY, 16 June 2025
Keynote Address | DEDI At Crossroads: The Mainstreaming of Decolonization, Equity and Diversity in the Context of Right-wing Attacks | 9 to 1030am
— Ena Dua, Professor, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, York University
Workshop: Refining the design and conduct of ethical research with minoritized populations | 11am to 1230pm
— Johanne Jean-Pierre, Professor, Sociology, York University
Reinterpreting Public Spaces in Toronto with the Black Presence in Mind | 130 to 300pm
— Natasha Henry, Professor, History, York University
Workshop: How to conduct research through interviews | 330 to 500pm
— Kathy Bischoping, Professor, Sociology, York University
— Spiro Vassalo, PhD candidate, Sociology, York University
TUESDAY, 17 June 2025
Workshop: How to present at conferences | 9 to 1030am
— Griffith Cahill, PhD Student, Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, York University
— Marianne Laplante, Ph.D. Candidate, Linguistics & Applied Linguistics, Research Associates
Research Talk: (Un)Disciplining Inquiry: Art, Education, and The Biyuti Project with Filipinx Youth | 11am to 1230pm
— Korina Jocson, Associate Dean, Professor, Education, York University
— Marissa Largo, Professor, School of Arts, Media, Performance and Design, York University
Workshop: Using Digital Data in the Social Sciences | 2 to 330pm
— Rémi Vives, Professor, Economics, Glendon College, York University
WEDNESDAY, 18 June 2025
Revisiting Guest Responsibilities | 9 to 1030am
— Ruth Green, Professor, Social Work, York University
Research Talk: Islamophobia in Canada | 11am to 1230pm
— Nadia Hasan, Professor, Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies, York University
Gamification of Pedagogy workshop: Collage: The Art of Intersecting Identities | 2 to 330pm
— Julianna Kowlessar, PhD student, Communication & Culture, York University
THURSDAY, 19 June 2025
Research Talk: “Integrating DEDI in Teaching” | 9 to 1030am
— Ameera Ali, Educational Developer of EDI at York’s Teaching Commons, York University
Workshop: How to Publish Journal Articles | 11am to 1230pm
— Elaine Coburn, Sociology, York University
Workshop: “Responsible AI in Research, Writing, and Teaching” | 2 to 330pm
— Robin Sutherland-Harris, Educational Developer, Teaching Commons, York University
FRIDAY, 20 June 2025
Research Talk: Inspiring Creativity of All: A Dimension for Education Justice | 9 to 1030am
— Altaf Qadeer, Independent Scholar
Art, Action, Art Therapy: Thinking with Disability Justice | 11am to 1230pm
— Patricia Ki ,CDS Adjunct faculty, PhD Critical Disability Studies, MSW, York University
WRAP-UP SESSION – WHAT DID WE LEARN? | 2 to 330pm
— The organizers