YUFA
External
6-8 February 2009, Toronto, ON
by Mitzi G. Mitchell, York University, Faculty of Health, School of Nursing
11 Mar 09 – On the weekend of February 6-8, 2009, university teachers came together in Toronto, Ontario to discuss the recasting of equity. After opening remarks from Dr. Penni Stewart, CAUT President, the crowd was witness to a dramatic play created and performed by academics from the University of Alberta. The play, called “Equity in Your Face”, was funny, yet also disturbing. The actors highlighted discriminatory practices in the workplace and afterwards opened the floor for audience participation and feedback.
On Saturday February 7, 2009, Dr. Atleo, the first Aboriginal to receive a Doctorate in BC, spoke about the meaning of indigenous culture from Nuu-chah-nulth origin stories. Individuals then met in breakout rooms for discussions concerning equity and ways to recast or rethink equity about in the workplace. The goal was to develop and propose best practices in the work setting concerning equity and make recommendations for future work.
On Sunday February 8, 2009, a group of panelists discussed ideas and strategies for moving equity forward beyond number counting in order to create a culture of awareness. Finally, each group from the breakout sessions, came together to discuss proposals for action regarding equity in the workplace. The recommendations from this conference for equity in the workplace will be posted on the CAUT Website in the near future.
I would like to thank YUFA for providing me this opportunity to attend this informative conference.
Other Delegates from this Conference:
Deborah Brock
Peter Duerr
Eve Haque