On Monday 14 November 2016 YCAR co-sponsored the Transnational Filipinx Studies workshop which brought together scholars and community members from both the United States and Canada to explore the similarities and differences in the immigration histories, life trajectories, and experiences of (un)settlement and (un)belonging of different groups of Filipino im/migrants in both countries.
Workshop organizer Professor Ethel Tungohan opening the event.
The first session looked at community engaged research within Canada. These projects were undertaken by academics and community organizations on at-risk and marginalized Filipino youth in Vancouver (Kababayan Mentorship Program), second-generation Filipino youth across Canada (Filipinos Youth in Transition- Canada), current and former live-in caregivers across Canada (Gabriela Transition Experiences Survey), current and former caregivers based in Ontario who have left their children behind (Caregivers Journey), and Filipino seniors in the Greater Toronto Area (Filipino Elderly Well-Being Project). Presentations included:
- Kababayan Academic Mentorship Program (John Paul Catungal – University of British Columbia, Maureen Mendoza – KAMP Coordinator)
- Filipino Youth in Transition Canada (Philip Kelly – York University, Jennilee Austrial)
- Gabriela Transitions Experiences Survey (Rupa Banerjee – Ryerson University, Petronila Cleto – Gabriela-Ontario)
- Activism and Dance in the GTA – (Patrick Alcedo, York University)
- Filipino Elderly Well-Being Project (Fritz Pino – University of Toronto, Monica Batac - McGill University)
The second session examined the Philippine diaspora in Canada and the USA. Presenting the American perspective was Allan Isaac (Rutgers University) and Robyn Rodriguez (UC – Davis). Presenting the Canadian perspective was Robert Diaz (University of Toronto), Conely De Leon (York University).
Dr. Robyn Rodriguez (UC-Davis) also provided the keynote speech: "Alternative Genealogies and Trajectories of 'Community Engaged Scholarship': A Critical Filipinix Studies Agenda." The audio from this speech can be listed to BY CLICKING HERE.
The second panel session with Robert Diaz (University of Toronto), Allan Isaac (Rutgers University), Conely De Leon (York University), and Robyn Rodriguez (UC – Davis).
CLICK HERE for more photos from the workshop. Photos by Alex Felipe.