[Jasmyne]

Something that I’ve noticed in professional spaces and personally while growing up as a Black female, is that the voices of Black people were not often included in the discussion about what Black young people need. If Black youth were included in the discussion, their voices weren’t seriously considered. It is hard to come up with programming that benefits or aims to improve outcomes for Black youth if Black youth voices aren’t heard.
I think that this is partially why many Black youths don’t feel comfortable utilizing services that are geared towards their demographic. Many approaches that some organizations use do not resonate with the experiences of Black youth. Additionally, some of these programs don’t consider the historical factors that are deeply embedded in the Black youth experience today. It is only recently that many companies and organizations have begun to adopt a framework that is mindful of the impacts of systemic racism, oppression, and ABR.

In the work that I do, I advocate for Black youth voices by speaking on their behalf and translating their thoughts and ideas to community spaces and forms. I think one way that I can enhance this work is by coaching and educating Black youth on how to advocate for themselves. Personally, I came from a family that was uncomfortable with and fearful of speaking out about some inequities that Black people experiences. Because of this sheltered approach, it took me a long time to truly understand what was going on around me and what I could to challenge these injustices. I think that through educating Black youth about how to use their voices in impactful ways, we can empower them to be confident leaders.

Of course, in educating Black youth about the different ways they can use their voices, we definitely need to construct safe spaces for them to use their voices. Again, because many forums geared towards Black youth aren’t operated by Black people, it steers Black youth away from using these resources, because they feel like they won’t be understood. The tables and spaces intended to help Black youth should be operated by people that look like them. Additionally, they need to be consulted when created these spaces if we want to ensure that we optimize the outcomes and opportunities available to them.

[Jane]

Something that has really stayed with me in terms of the history of our country is how our very shaping of a nation was built on racism, and our institutions (like schooling, policing) were built as tools of genocide. I had no idea of the history of slavery in Canada and the erasure of that part of our history and the erasure of notable Black Canadians in our history. We had a discussion on the documentary Journey to Justice at work and I had no idea the civil rights struggle was in Canada to the extent that it was and how advances have been relatively quite recent (i.e. I thought that we were more advanced, and a lot of that assumption was because of our reputation as a safe place for American slaves to escape to). It’s given me a lot to think about.

[Jane]

I was surprised and disappointed to hear about various microaggressions my colleagues have faced, and this training has made me question how I exist in a space and how much my existence rests on privilege that I didn’t earn. I feel like when I was in university and everything came at me so fast it took me weeks to digest it, far past when term was over. I know processing this content will take a lot of personal work and I will sit with that discomfort with an open heart.

[Jane]

While I don’t work directly with Black youth, the lecture about good practices for supporting Black youth resonated with me, in not trying to be something you’re not, to admit your ignorance and try to be authentic. And not to compare your life with someone else’s (or put your own definitions on things) but to ask for their descriptions and terms for their experiences. This will help inform my perspective.

[Jane]

I am not a clinician and don’t work directly with Black youth. I’m a communicator and a big thing that has stayed with me in this training is how we favour Eurocentric definitions of success, experience, family, etc. I am going to focus on making sure I am not promoting those assumptions and definitions in my writing and images. I am also committing to leaving space for other voices and committing to listening. I considered myself socially aware but this training has peeled back a lot of assumptions I didn’t know I had, like an onion. Thank you so much for this and for giving me a lot to think about and to challenge.

[Kelly]

In thinking of evaluation, I believe it encompasses a full analytical review of the practices and policies that are existing. If done effectively, with strong valid and reliable findings respective to relatable factors, then there would not only be a ‘proving’ of practice/policy effectiveness but also a restructuring and remodeling of the agency as whole. Ideally, major structural biases or malpractices would be highlighted necessitating potential role changes or changes in program directives from the top of the agency down. Evaluation can prompt major internal reviews that would hopefully result in more meaningful consistent change moving forward.

[REX]

What is the one simple thing, in your personal practice, organization, or professional practice, that you will focus on implementing to improve outcomes for Black youth, starting today?

[Sarah]

Hello all. I just wanted to let people know that there is a virtual run today in honour of Ahmaud Arbery. You can run, walk or cycle 2.23 miles. Attached is the link to join ($23 American) or you can just do it in his memory.

Excerpt from 223 Foundation’s website:

“The 2:23 Foundation was created to address these issues. Through the foundation, we plan to honor a legacy of social justice in Black and Brown communities through providing scholarships, leadership development programs to raise up future district attorneys and law enforcement personnel, and growth opportunities to those looking for ways to advocate. Would you join us in that effort?”

It’s an excellent cause.

You can sign up here:

https://events.elitefeats.com/223run

#IRunWithMaud #FinishTheRun #223fdn

[REX]

Join us in thinking through and sharing your strategies for working against anti-Black racism and supporting Black youth and their families. Share your practice-able ideas, strategies, questions, and comments.

[Abinna]

Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre (BBNC) is also offering an “Employment Skill Building Program” (virtual program) to help youth in building employment skills.

The program is facilitated every week on Wednesday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.

This includes:

– Resume

– Cover Letters

– Interview Skills

– Finding Employment

-Workplace Stress

If you are interested, please email “abinna@bbnc.ca” to register.

Thank you.

[Abinna]

Due to COVID-19, Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre (BBNC) is offering a Youth Support Circle (virtual program) every Monday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The Youth Support Circle’s purpose is to provide a safe virtual space for youth to check-in as the pandemic is a stressful situation.

If you are interested, please email “abinna@bbnc.ca” to register.

Thank you.

[Kelly]

The term “democratic racism” was not something I was familiar with but it resonated with me in the sense that describes the Canadian “style” of racism that is prevalent today. We have established a netting of false myths related to our progress in tackling issues related to race and discrimination while ignoring the facts and trends that permeate the Canadian systems. In addition, we fall back on a false sense of being morally progressive and can often justify examples of racism as off shoot events or explain it as “old canadian notions that are wrong, but not a part of the new “Canadian” identity. These perceptions are dangerous because it allows for our systems to be unchallenged and it justifies the status quo when we only choose to focus on false positive myths.

[Chantal]

Hi Kelly, thanks for sharing your perspective! I definitely agree that within Canada, there is this comparison with other countries, like the U.S., that is used to undermine the real impacts of systemic racism in our society. This tactic often results in the silencing and erasure of Black voices who challenge that system, because racism is ignored or is said to be “over” by many who have the privilege to not think about race.

[REX]

How can we re-imagine our work with young people and their communities from a trauma-informed approach that only focuses on individual harm and injury to a healing-centered practice that fosters possibility and advances holistic and collective wellbeing?

[Rahma]

In Ontario, despite the decades of research and evidence, we are still lacking a structured response involving different levels of government with clear governance and coordination. Racism is pervasive and felt in many different settings especially within employment, education, health, housing, child welfare and immigration. I think we need better strategies and policies that address the different manifestations of racism that impact the daily lives of Black and Brown bodies.

[Jane]

I think what was covered in the lectures is the case: our country is founded on institutionalized racism but because of our history with the Underground Railroad, our focus on multiculturalism, and our tendency to compare ourselves with our neighbours to the south, many Canadians don’t think of themselves as racist. Denying it exists, or being blind to it, allows it to continue. I also think having politicians in office in both U.S. and Canada who are overtly racist and who scapegoat non-white people (to blame them for whatever is wrong with the country such as a terrible economy) has legitimized racists in sharing their views. So maybe it feels worse than ever before because people feel empowered to say this garbage, when before this kind of overt racism might have invisible to a white person (who has the privilege to move through life unaffected by anti-Black racism if they wish to). I can’ t speak to the Black experience as to whether there is an increase in racism but as a white person I certainly have detected an increase in racist hate speech in the last four to five years.

[Kelly]

I definitely agree and I think the term institutionalized racism is very accurate. Canada has a history of systemic racist oppression and denial of opportunities developed by political leaders of any given time. I’ve read accounts of persecuted blacks seeking refuge in Canada only to find harsher economic living standards and higher degrees of control imposed on the level of wealth they could attain and the level of access to services or resources.

[Brittany]

I also agree. It’s not so much that it doesn’t happen it is however, the emphasis on the covert nature of racism within our society. We witness and experience it all the time, yet, because it isn’t shouted from the rooftops, we feel as though we need to be silent about it. The systemic oppression is maybe even more dangerous than that of the actual issue of racism because the system is what we run on. IMO.

[Khyonna]

In my opinion, anti-Black racism remains a troubling reality in Ontario, especially during these heightened events, because many Ontarians hold the belief that there is no race based differences and ignores the realities of deeply impeded racism. Also known as colour-blindness.

[Uzo]

Agree, Khyonna! Yes, anti-Black racism remains too commonplace in
Ontario, because many people excuse the realities of deeply ingrained racism. Our report “Doing Right Together for Black Youth” found that the
#1 issue for Black youth was the persistent racism they and their families experienced across different systems. Check out the report here: https://youthrex.com/report/doing-right-together-for-black-youth-what-we-learned-from-the-community-engagement-sessions-for-the-ontario-black-youth-action-plan/

[Uzo]

[REX]

This is a question a participant asked during a workshop but it’s worth asking here so folks who didn’t attend can see:

For ways to offer programming that is culturally inclusive to Indigenous people, do you have any suggestions? I fear that I may offer services that may unintentionally harm from lack of knowledge. Do you have any resources you could share for seeking more information?

[Cyndy]

First of all, one has to understand that there is no such thing as an Indigenous culture, rather there are hundreds according to the land that the people are on. We are diverse in terms of languages, specific spiritual and cultural practices, whether we live in First Nations communities or in urban centres, what we believe and practice etc. What we all have in common is Indigenous worldviews and values which are the foundation. Cultures grow out of this foundation. I recognize this in every group of Indigenous people I encounter across the world which is magical. Again, cultural safety is a good place to begin from as this model was first created by a Maori nurse in NZ and has been built on over the years by other Indigenous people. There are articles on this that you can access. There may be some in the references that were provided after the workshop.

A way to support Indigenous people is to learn and have on hand various Indigenous services that are in the vicinity of where you work where you can refer people and with whom you can develop relationships and partnerships with so that you are working together. Educate yourself for the rest of your life by the above, reading the work of Indigenous scholars, attending more workshops, bringing Indigenous people in to work at your agency in ways that do not tokenize them. You also need to be self-reflexive whereby you honestly examine your biases, assumptions and privileges, which we all have, and work towards lessening them which will assist you in uncovering the unintentional harm you could be doing.

Since my area is social work, I am most familiar with Indigenous scholars who write about services from this perspective. Some of these are me (for example, I have a book called Strong helpers’ teachings: The value of Indigenous knowledges in the helping professions), Cindy Blackstock, Maggie Kovach, Michael Hart, Raven Sinclair, Kathy Absolon, Ruth Koleszar-Green, Jeanne Carriere, Bonnie Freedman. There is also a program at Ryerson in the Chang School of Continuing Education for a Certificate in Aboriginal Knowledges and Experiences that you could look into.

Happy learning,

Cyndy

[Jennifer]

Hi Dr. Baskin, thanks for your illuminating workshop last week!

I have a 2 questions for you:

1. How would you respond to Samah Jabr, head of Palestine’s mental health services, saying that PTSD is a Western concept? What she’s saying resonates a lot with me, as someone whose PTSD and collective traumas interact with and compound each other.

‘PTSD better describes the experiences of an American soldier who goes to Iraq to bomb and go back to the safety of the United States. He’s having nightmares and fears related to the battlefield and his fears are imaginary. Whereas for a Palestinian in Gaza whose home was bombarded, the threat of having another bombardment is a very real one. It’s not imaginary. There is no ‘post’ because the trauma is repetitive and ongoing and continuous. I think we need to be authentic about our experiences and not to try to impose on ourselves experiences that are not ours.’ – Samah Jabr (LINK)

2. I love how you highlighted that justice in your holistic approach to healing. How can a non-Indigenous helper/practitioner prioritize/support/promote justice for Indigenous peoples in their own work?

[Cyndy]

Hi Jennifer:

For the most part, I agree with what Dr. Jabr is saying. Western notions are often put on other peoples on the planet which do not reflect their realities and worldviews and PTSD certainly comes from the West. I would say that PTSD applies to many other people in addition to soldiers as there are many traumas that one can experience. I would not want to lessen anyone’s experience of trauma as “imaginary” either. I completely agree that for many, such as a Palestinian in Gaza or an Indigenous person in Canada, that there is no “post” to the trauma as it goes on and on. Babies are born into this life of trauma and may grow up knowing nothing else. Hence, people other than those with Western concepts need to be brought into the circle with their ideas, beliefs, experiences and knowledges. PTSD is about an individual whereas collective trauma is about an entire group of people as it affects everyone and, if that is the case, then everyone needs to be a part of addressing it.

Everyone can promote justice for Indigenous Peoples in many ways. Learn more about it, connect with Indigenous programs that are implementing it such as Aboriginal Legal Services and seeing if the person can access their processes and services, seriously think through how justice from a Western perspective is not based on healing but it could be, consider the values behind each of these perspectives, have these discussions with those you work with. Rupert Ross, a non-Indigenous judge with a lot of experience in this area, has published books and articles on this topic, so I suggest looking at what he does. Gabor Mate is another suggestion as he looks at justice in terms of addictions. You can promote justice by taking a stand on issues such as fishing and land rights, missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, 2-spirt and trans women and implementing the TRC’s Calls to Action in ways that really contribute to making change, as well as considering what you are willing to give up in order for Indigenous Peoples to have justice. Also, Indigenous forms of justice can be applied to other populations in terms of it’s purpose of healing if that is what is believed without appropriating Indigenous practices.

Best, Cyndy

[Olive]

Thank you for the all the knowledge you shared on Tuesday Dr. Baskin. I was wondering, how do you suggest that medical professionals better adjust to meet the mental health needs of their patients who identify as indigenous? For example, for indigenous people who do seek Western mental health services, what practical steps can the service providers take to be sensitive to indigenous beliefs and customs, while offering help?

[Cyndy]

Hi Olive:

There is something called “Two Eyed Seeing” which was created by 2 Mi’kmaq Elders which talks about western medicine and Indigenous approaches to well-being. There are a few articles and videos you can access. There is a program at CAMH for Aboriginal Services, so checking out their website for their suggestions and resources would also be helpful. The other thing I highly recommend is the concept of cultural safety which you can also find articles on. Here is a link to an article on a research project that I was a part of that is about this in terms of Indigenous People’s cancer journeys https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/SWPS/article/view/14384/12847

Western practitioners can implement cultural safety, connect to Indigenous services, really listen to what people say, educate themselves, develop relationships with Indigenous agencies/service providers, express a welcoming environment by what they have in their work place and offices in terms of representations of Indigenous Peoples.

Hope this is helpful.

Cyndy

[REX]

Despite decades of research and escalating evidence of racial inequities, anti-Black racism remains a significant and troubling reality in Ontario. Why is that?

[REX]

This is a discussion board for the January 26 workshop ‘Indigenous Perspectives on the Mental Health of Children & Youth.’ The deadline for questions submission is 12PM (noon) EST on Friday, January 29.

Hi, I’m Dr. Cyndy Baskin. I’m Mi’kmaq and Celtic. My clan is the fish and my spirit animal name translates to The Woman Who Passes on Teachings”. I started as a Social Worker and I’m now an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Ryerson University. My teaching, research and writing interests involve how Indigenous worldviews can inform education, spirituality, anti-violence, mental health and decolonizing research methodologies. I am also the Academic Coordinator of the Certificate in Aboriginal Knowledges and Experiences. Ask me anything!

[Chantal]

Hi everyone! I’m excited that there’s a space to chat about food justice, especially after the workshop we had today from 1 – 4 pm, titled the Transformational Power of Food Security & Sovereignty for BIPOC Communities. If you’d like access to the slides as you reflect more on this question, they can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/119eTlNeLLPqaFqBhMTQtiqtMFhdrS7T_/view?usp=sharing