OCTOBER 4, 2024

I&D Biweekly Update

Welcome to your source of EDIIA events and updates around Temerty Medicine and the University of Toronto. To share items for inclusion or suggestions for improvement, please use the button below to access an anonymous form where you can share further feedback.

This update is shared with members of Office of Inclusion & Diversity councils & committees and departmental communication officers. If you would like to unsubscribe from this list, please use the link at the bottom of the email.

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Community Supports and Resources

Mon Oct 7 - Tues Oct 15

Designated drop-in gathering spaces and onsite and virtual counselling are available for Jewish and Israeli and Palestinian, Arab and Muslim community members at the University of Toronto starting next week on Monday, October 7.

Additional personal safety and community supports are also available on the respective webpages.

Stone pathway surrounded by trees and plants in sunlight

1. Managing your Inner Critic (Self-Compassion)

Tues Oct 8

This workshop geared towards East Asian, Southeast Asian and South Asian students teaches about the theory and research supporting self-compassion to reduce self-criticism, respond to feelings of failure or inadequacy with self-kindness, and build resilience by developing self-compassionate strategies and behaviours.

2. Global Communities of Care @ MFC

Wed Oct 9

The Multi-Faith Centre will be hosting a drop-in nurturing communal space, staffed by caring peer supporters and staff, in a safe environment to seek solace and connect with others with personal connections to places and people affected by global issues.

Graphic with information about the Teaching Circle with Andrew Wesley

3. Teaching Circle with Andrew Wesley: Creating Sacred Space

Wed Oct 9

Rev. Andrew Wesley, a Mushkegouk/Omushkego Cree from James’ Bay, has been a recognized Elder at U of T for many years.

He will share teachings and knowledges with U of T students. This week's topic is Creating Sacred Space.

Trans and gender diverse students standing together in unity

4. Transcending: Therapy Group for Trans and Gender Diverse Students

Thurs Oct 10

This 8-week Cognitive Behavioural Therapy group strives to provide a space for trans and gender diverse students to share experiences and help them understand and work through the impact that gender-related minority stress may have on their lives.

Moon with information on the Full Moon Fire Mshkawji Giizis (Freezing Moon)

5. Full Moon Fire Mshkawji Giizis (Freezing Moon)

Thurs Oct 17

The First Nations House holds a full moon fire for Mshkawji Giizis (Freezing Moon) at the Earth Sciences Courtyard at 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

Four sacred medicines are available and all members of the U of T community are welcome to attend.

An outdoor wooden pavilion, surrounded by trees and various people sitting on the benches and in the grass

6. Ziibiing - Land-Based Workshop

Tues Oct 22

This land-based workshop is designed to deepen your understanding of Indigenous teachings, history, and connections to the land, allowing participants to explore the cultural and spiritual connections to the natural world, fostering a greater respect for and understanding of Indigenous perspectives.

Path leading to different coloured doors

7. Career Pathways Series for Neurodivergent Students

Tues Oct 22

The Career Pathways series is a career learning program designed to support students who identify as Neurodivergent as they develop career goals, learn strategies for navigating the jobs search process, and explore what it is they may want to do next after graduation.

8. Unconscious Bias 102: Workshop for U of T Faculty & Librarians

Closing Fri Oct 25

The Toronto Initiative for Diversity & Excellence (TIDE) will be offering its second in-person session for U of T Faculty and Librarians.

It will build on the learnings of the previous talk and provide concrete guidance on advancing equity and inclusion.

9. Supporting Learners Who Witness and Experience Mistreatment

Wed Oct 30

This interactive workshop will provide an overview of the role, scope, strategies and resources faculty/preceptors/supervisors/additional staff (as applicable) should consider in order to support learners who witness or experience mistreatment.

Dates of recognition, observance and celebration

The Office of Inclusion & Diversity’s Commemoration Resources webpage has been updated with resources for the year. You can also review the U of T Multi-Faith Centre’s Calendar of Significant Dates or U of T resources for Dates of Institutional Recognition and Inclusive Employer Guides.

Canadian Islamic History Month

Tues Oct 1 - Thurs Oct 31

Canadian Islamic History Month celebrates the longstanding and widespread contributions of Muslim communities to all areas of Canadian society and aims to expand knowledge of the history of Islam within a Canadian context to deepen understanding of the cultural diversity of local Muslim communities.

Jewish High Holy Days

Wed Oct 2-4, Fri Oct 11-12

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as “High Holy Days” in the Jewish faith and are celebrated with family and loved ones. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe. Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and is considered the holiest day in the Jewish faith

Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah

Wed Oct 16-18, Wed Oct 23-25

Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the Jewish people wandered in the desert, living in temporary shelters.

The two holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah mark the conclusion of Sukkot.

Diwali

Thurs Oct 31

Diwali, also known as Deepavali or the “Festival of Lights”, is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs from around the world.

This is also an important day for Sikhs who celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas or the “Prisoner Release Day” on the same day. In 2024, Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas will be celebrated on October 31.