News Articles

Waaban Indigenous Education Practicum: Learning Together

Waaban is an Anishinabe (Ojibwa) word meaning it is tomorrow. It signifies commitment to a holistic program of teaching and learning that acknowledges the impacts of colonialism, and draws on the wisdom of ancestral teachings and contemporary leaders to put Indigenous futures into Indigenous hands. Waaban Indigenous Teacher Education includes attention to contemporary urban, rural and reserve perspectives and teachings from a diversity of nations. Students are introduced to cultural and community resources and have opportunities to learn from and with Indigenous educators.

IN THE MEDIA: Calls continue to rename Ontario municipalities amid concerns over historical figures’ racist pasts

People advocating to change the names of municipalities signal how individuals are moving toward not accepting what was previously considered appropriate, according to the Faculty of Education Prof. Carl James. 

Initiative aims to address long-standing systemic disparities in Black Communities

Since its inception in 2018, the Network for the Advancement of Black Communities (NABC) has been active in creating the conditions to address the long-standing disparities in Black Communities in Ontario and across Canada.

IN THE MEDIA: Canadians on Pride in the pandemic: What ‘began as a protest continues to be a protest’

Keita, 30, immigrated from Sierra Leone to Edmonton with his family when he was 12. When he was 18, he moved to Toronto — home of one of the largest LGBTQ2 communities in the country. Keita is disappointed that pride is cancelled this year, but he’s glad to see it’s happening during a time of […]

IN THE MEDIA: Canada’s dire need for better race-based data

It’s clear that COVID-19 and racism are a dangerous combination. We need better information about how Indigenous, Black and other racialized people interact with Canadian health-care systems.

IN THE MEDIA: Why all parents need to talk to their kids about anti-Black racism

Sasha Exeter was out for a walk with her toddler trying to enjoy the beautiful Toronto weather last month when the two were affronted by ugly racist vitriol. It wasn’t the two-year-old’s first encounter with racism, and despite her efforts to protect her, Exeter knows it won’t be the last. Carl James, York University Faculty of Education Professor and Jean […]

IN THE MEDIA: Tips for LGBTQ Youths to survive in self-isolation

Associate Professor Jen Gilbert spoke with Breakfast Television Toronto to discuss how pride has changed this year due to the pandemic. “Online programming could increase accessibility for youth who may not live in Toronto and have access to the in person festivities,” she said. Gilbert also suggests that LGBTQ youth reach out to their support network. “It’s important for […]

IN THE MEDIA: COVID-19 puts Pride events on pause 

The cancellation of events for Pride Month poses a huge loss to the LGBTQ community. “Pride Month is a chance to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ lives, communities, histories and we are continuing to do that this year but it’s going to look a lot different” Faculty of Education Associate Professor Jen Gilbert said. “Pride parade and the festivities are a chance for young people to get out and receive some affirmation.” 

IN THE MEDIA: What might K-12 schools look like in the fall? Depends where you are, educators say

Sharon Murphy, a veteran educator based in Toronto who specializes in language, literacy and assessment, is keeping an eye on school re-openings across Canada and in other countries. Whether it’s staggered attendance to boosted cleaning to masks and Plexiglas dividers, variety in approach has been the common thread — and that’s a good thing, she […]

IN THE MEDIA: Experts encourage parents to speak to children about anti-Black racism, police brutality

Parents are being encouraged to speak to their children about anti-Black racism, police brutality and protests across North America. “People are angry, tired and in pain, and this generation of youth have not seen anti-Black racism at this level before,” said Carl James, York University Faculty of Education Professor and Jean Augustine Chair in Education, […]