Recipients: Dr. Corinne Mason and Dr. Celeste Pang

Project summary: Organize and host the first QriTical symposium, a one-day event for showcasing trans and queer scholarship. QriTical Hub brings together 2SLGBTQIA+ researchers, teachers, students, alumni and community members across disciplines. The event aims to amplify work by 2SLGBTQIA+ faculty and students (research, course-based, artistic, and community-based) and create networking and mentorship opportunities.

The Get QriTical! Student Colloquium took place on April 5, 2024 in the Riddell Library and Learning Centre’s Visualization Room and included 16 student panelists, five student artists and MRU alumni as panel moderators. Scholar, artist and activist Vivek Shraya provided a keynote “fireside chat” on anti-queer/trans policies, QTBIPOC experiences, queer failure and trans joy.

Funding amount: $4,000

Reflections: The event was well received, with 50 to 70 attendees. Students expressed that presenting at this colloquium was a pinnacle of their academic careers and QriTical continues to provide essential spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ MRU students to connect and cultivate community. Many want to see it become an annual event in MRU’s Research and Scholarship Days.

Recipients: Liberal Education 2024 Conference Committee

Dr. David Clemis, Dr. Navneet Kumar, Jaime Waucaush-Warn, Dr. Nick Strzalkowski, Dr. Marty Clark, Dr. Chris Moxham, Dr. Randy Schroeder, Dr. Celeste Pang, Dr. Karim Dharamsi

Project summary: This year’s conference explores how liberal education can transform and adapt to dynamic social and cultural circumstances, focusing on inclusion and reconciliation across diverse identities and communities. Papers will focus on how shifts in liberal education curriculum can support the aims of equity, diversity and inclusion within the academy and society more broadly. Teaching methods and the learning environment are also matters of reflection and discussion. At least 20 student bursaries will be provided to ensure student participation.

Funding amount: $2,500

Reflections: The Ends and Means of Liberal Education in the Twenty-First Century took place May 2 to 4, 2024. There was a keynote panel on Decolonization, Indigenization and Liberal Education and additional panels on racialized identity, conflict and resolution, and student experiences within liberal education. Additional funding was provided by the Faculty of Arts Endeavour Fund, the Office of the Vice-Provost, the University of Lethbridge and Medicine Hat College. We anticipate further impact through the publication of conference proceedings.

Recipients: Dr. Ada Jaarsma

Project summary: Using sound and the senses to explore equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) offers new ways to create EDIA-informed spaces and interactions. We will host interactive and art-based events featuring experts in gender studies, critical race studies and Black feminist studies and highlight the work of Dr. Qrescent Mali Mason. Working with the Academic Development Centre, we will create open educational resources for participants and future learners. Four BIPOC MRU students will be Research Assistants (RAs) and play key roles on the project. These events coincide with a feminist philosophy conference at MRU.

Funding amount: $10,000

Reflections: We developed a website for user-friendly inclusion and our program centered the work of BIPOC, queer and disabled thinkers that focus on sense-based methods. Additional supporters helped fund 20 student RAs, a local BIPOC artist and a sound-art piece by MRU alumnus Logan Peters. Events took place from March 14 to 17, 2024: Mason's keynote, EDIA-focused interactive sessions, an Art-Hive and a sound event at Contemporary Calgary. Students helped curate a book display, facilitated making-activities, created accessible hybrid sessions and more. Speakers presented in the Ideas Lounge which was full in-person and many attended online. The project is generating scholarly events and publications that will expand its impact, including a co-edited book collection.

With thanks to Bree Smith and Cari Merkley; the Riddell Library and Learning Centre; Karen Sittu, Tress Neil, Arianna Borruel, Robin Gimon Serrano and all the student RAs; Irene Shankar, Jebunnessa Chapola and Guy Obrecht; Lauren Guilmette (Elon University) and Bailey Szustak (University of Illinois Chicago); Suze Berkhout and Eva-Marie Stern (University of Toronto); Jessie Beier (Concordia University); and Nurgul Rodriguez. Additional funding was provided by the Faculty of Arts, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Office of the Provost, SSHRC Insight grants, the University of Calgary and philosophy graduate programs in the US.

Recipients: The Department of Education EDIA Working Group

Dr. Kristen Schaffer, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Jessica Lee Wah, Patti Trussler, Taran Chohan, Dr. Leslie Robertson, Dr. Joy Chadwick

Project summary: A study to understand, with the intent to respond to, the experiences of students, staff and faculty in the Department of Education as they pertain to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA). This project is designed to support and inform EDIA initiatives in the Department of Education. 

Following the initial stage of listening and gaining insight on what is successful and why, and what needs to change, we will create and implement an action plan and name longer term goals. Throughout this process, we commit to engaging in continual critical reflection and transparency.

Funding amount: $7,350

Reflections: The EDI Opportunity Fund helped us to secure the services of an external agency, IDEA Advocacy Group. Together, we co-created a survey to learn more about teacher candidates, employees, alumni and community partners’ lived experiences and desires related to EDIA so that we can enact responsive, relevant and meaningful change in our department and nurture a sense of belonging for all.

With thanks to Anton Joseph, Taryn Barry and Zahra Nurani (IDEA Advocacy Group); to the Student Advisors Kyle Joseph, Malaika Kibonge, Chantelle Gilmour and Olivia Blackman-Christensen; to Josh Hill, Joseph Nguyen, John Fischer, Tori McMillan and Moussa Magassa for advice and encouragement; and to all of the survey participants. With thanks to the HCE Innovation Fund Bright Ideas Grant for additional funding support.

Recipients: Dr. Yasaman Amannejad, Haider Amin, Amy Caufield, Joseph Spurway

Project summary: A student-instructor collaboration where we aim to build virtual reality (VR) scenarios for EDIA training at MRU that can have a long-lasting impact on learners. These trainings are usually scenario-based learning (SBL) modules where learners actively move a storyline forward within a learning module and make decisions about what should happen or how to respond. Learners impact the story's trajectory and observe the consequences of their responses to the scenario. This helps with deep learning of the topic and addresses the transferability of the learnings to the work environment. 

The goal is to build VR scenarios customized for MRU and study the effectiveness of such training.

Funding amount: $15,000

Reflections: People learn better when immersed in learning and build connection and empathy. VR can put people in the shoes of others to evoke empathy and cultivate deep learning.

Project stages include designing scenarios; scenario implementation; animations & graphics; and collecting user feedback. As of Fall 2023, we are progressing from scenario implementation to the animations & graphics stage.

Recipients: The Psychology Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Tamara Jenkins, Zoe Say, Dr. Ines Sametband, Jenalyn Ormita, Dr. Nancy Ogden

Project summary: Our committee was formed by students in collaboration with faculty members. We plan to host events centered around decolonization and Indigenization of the Department of Psychology, starting with a KAIROS Blanket Exercise. The goal is to bring awareness to students and faculty on the historical dismemberment of Indigenous families, communities, cultural practices and traditional ways of life as a result of colonization. This is an essential opportunity for students and faculty to take action and show a willingness to do the work of decolonization.

Funding amount: $1,850

Reflections: We hosted a KAIROS Blanket Exercise on Jan. 26, 2024 in partnership with the Iniskim Centre. A broad representation of Arts faculty and students attended the event. During the sharing circle at the end, we heard that the exercise was deeply educational and meaningful for participants, and it built empathy and understanding. After the event, several people expressed a desire for the exercise to run again in the future. 

Thank you to Melanie Parsons and Dion Simon for their teachings and support as facilitators of the exercise.

Recipients: Dr. Ademola Adesola

Project summary: The aim is to host a termly book-reading event at MRU with Black Canadian writers to create and expand the space of celebrating stories and ideas. We will invite Black Canadian writers whose works deal with multiculturalism, integration, diversity, inclusion, plurality and racial justice to talk about their visions, read from their works and engage in conversations with the MRU community on the subjects of their stories. The initiative seeks to promote stories and voices that celebrate human differences and introduce the MRU community to the rich and compelling writings of African and Black Canadians.

Funding amount: $6,400

Reflections: The program's first edition took place in the Ideas Lounge on Oct. 25, 2023 with award-winning author and scholar Dr. David Chariandy. It featured Chariandy’s presentation on "Belonging and Black Canadian Literature," including discussions of his novel Brother and a Q&A session. Notably well-attended both in person and online, the event afforded the MRU community the opportunity to learn about Black Canadian writings and EDIA themes. A professor teaching Citizenship Without Borders brought their class to the event and shared that the presentation added value to the focus of the course.

Recipients: The Faculty of Health, Community and Education Scholars’ Council

Eva Gonzalez, Dr. Trevor King, Dr. Kristen Schaffer, Dr. Shaminder Singh, Christina Tortorelli, Dr. Maggie Quance

Project summary: The Scholars’ Council invited Dr. Jennifer Adams, Academic Director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI in Research and Black Futures Strategy) at the University of Calgary to speak to members of the Faculty of Health, Community and Education during an hour-long EDI/A Professional Development Lunch and Learn. This event will support HCE faculty and staff to learn how to attend to and foster EDIA in their research. Additionally, as many HCE scholars work directly with MRU students, we look forward to how Adams’ lecture will positively impact research assistant recruitment, hiring and mentorship practices.

Funding amount: $700

Reflections: On Sept. 15, 2023, the HCE Scholars' Council hosted an EDIA PD Lunch and Learn with Dr. Jenn Adams on Decolonial Foundations of EDI in Research. The event featured a slideshow presentation which explored topics such as social identity, positionality, historicity and DORA. In attendance were faculty and staff representing a variety of disciplines.

Recipients: Dr. Julie Booke, Dr. Maggie Quance, Dr. David Legg

Project summary: A phased visit to Łutsel K'é Dene First Nation to build upon the initial meeting with Chief Marlowe and grow the relationship, conduct the initial review examining if a partnership is feasible, if we can meet the needs identified by Chief Marlowe and what steps need to be implemented. The expected outcome would be practicum students travelling to Łutsel K'é Dene First Nation or Yellowknife in January or May 2024 and/or scholarship projects being initiated either face-to-face or virtually. We could also begin to examine what a field school may look like. The creation of partnerships in rural, remote and Indigenous communities not only expands the reach of these programs, but it also increases MRU’s footprint and reputation beyond Calgary and Alberta.

Funding amount: $6,316

Reflections: Following the first visit in June, a five-year practicum agreement with Łutsel K'é Dene First Nation was signed Sept. 30, 2023. Students in the Faculty of Health, Community and Education will be able to travel to the community for practicum placements developing recreation programs. Ongoing work under the agreement will explore additional opportunities for MRU students from other programs.

Recipients: Dr. Christopher Grignard and Blackfoot Elder Iitsooahp’potah (Joe Eagle Tail Feathers)

Project summary: To sponsor a spring 2023 Blackfoot ceremony on the Kainai First Nation, where I asked Blackfoot Elder Iitsooahp’potah (Joe Eagle Tail Feathers) for his permission to use his tipi design and the vision behind it for my Indigenous courses at MRU, particularly in D2L. His tipi design and sharing of the vision, teachings and knowledge that accompany it will enhance the D2L components and reflect the ceremonial way that I approach my courses.

They will be a valuable digital resource and a permanent part of all my Indigenous courses at MRU. It will serve as an ongoing example of how D2L can be Indigenized.

Funding amount: $5,000

Reflections: Following the ceremony, Chris and Joe have co-presented multiple times on their journey of collaborative work: Celebrate! Teaching & Learning at MRU on May 4, 2023; D2L Fusion conference in Anaheim, California on July 13, 2023; International Blackfoot Conference in Browning, Montana on June 15, 2023; MRU’s Journey to Indigenization on Sept. 25, 2023. They hope to continue sharing their work and message in other places, to show that both the DESIRE TO INDIGENIZE and the journey to Indigenization are best experienced when walking forward together with this shared purpose in a harmonious relationship.

Recipients: The Sociology & Anthropology Antiracism Working Group

Dr. Mark Ayyash, Dr. Esra Ari, Dr. Gloria C. Pérez-Rivera, Pam Jonnson, Julie-Anne White, Sofia Baptiste, Nasiha Samnani, Amina Zakeieh, Nikki Ballantyne

Project summary: On May 2 and 31, 2023, two workshops took place to explore some of the concrete ways in which instructors can create anti-racist classroom environments by addressing racism in all its myriad forms effectively. There is a particular focus on anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racisms. Still, the workshops explore all the myriad forms of racism, such as anti-Asian racism, anti-Muslim racism, anti-Palestinian racism and antisemitism. We see a cross-racial approach and dialogue to racism as more effective in creating a fair and equitable society. 

A particular focus is what educators and learners can do in their respective classrooms and schools to create a conducive learning environment for all.

Funding amount: $5,000

Reflections: The Sociology & Anthropology Anti-racism Working Group hosted workshops on:

• Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Pedagogies in the Classroom (with Dr. George Sefa-Dei)
• Toward becoming Niitapitapi (a real person): Anti-racism from a Blackfoot Perspective (with Dr. Gabrielle Lindstrom)

Recipients: The Faculty of Arts Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Nathaniel Wagenaar, Dr. Michael Ata, Dr. Rob Boschman, Dr. Sonya Flessati, Dr. Amos Nkrumah, Dr. Ines Sametband

Project summary: On March 22, 2023, Tatâga Inc., a certified Aboriginal business focusing on Indigenous consulting, joined us to present and engage in a Q&A on Indigenous considerations within art and design. Faculty, staff and students within MRU often engage in creative endeavours on Indigenous lands. As we seek to include and honour Indigenous ways of knowing, ensuring we engage and involve Indigenous communities correctly and respectfully is often challenging. Whether designing a space, using the land as an artistic vessel or engaging with the land on which we inhabit, Tatâga helps to ensure that honorific, meaningful and collaborative processes are integrated.

The purpose is to highlight Indigenous inclusion and representation through a specialty engagement process, and foster an understanding on how Indigenous considerations can be included in a variety of work and projects.

A particular focus is what educators and learners can do in their respective classrooms and schools to create a conducive learning environment for all.

Funding amount: $1,207

Reflections: The Arts EDI committee was proud to host a presentation by Alec Carton, the founder of Tatâga Inc., an Indigenous and Black Owned Consultancy. Through discussing his rich cultural heritage of his Nêhiyaw and Ethiopian communities, Alec was able to share the importance of multiple ways of knowing when approaching art and design.

Recipients: Dr. Faith-Michael Uzoka and Dr. Meg Stewart on behalf of the Faculty of Science and Technology EDI Committee

Project summary: The Faculty of Science and Technology EDI Committee organized events on March 20 and 21, 2023 marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The events recognizing this UN declaration were anchored by a guest speaker, Dr. Imogen Coe from Toronto Metropolitan University. Coe specializes in EDIA advocacy and strategy formulation in higher education, particularly STEM. She is an award-winning international speaker who has raised awareness of EDIA issues aimed at an institutional culture shift toward accessibility, equity, diversity and inclusion. 

The purpose is to enhance the culture of belonging and integrate IDEA in MRU research, pedagogy and decision-making based on the inclusive excellence framework. It will also foster discussion on how to make research more accessible to students and initiate conversations that move beyond EDIA to exploration of the practical realities of privilege, identity and belonging.

Funding amount: $6,450

Recipients: Dr. Jacqueline Musabende on behalf of the BIPOC Support Network

Project summary: BIPOC Support Network organized two main events celebrating Black History Month, to celebrate and honour the legacy of Blacks from all over the world and especially the contribution of Black people to MRU, Calgary, Alberta and Canada. 

• Feb. 17, 2023: Two years later where are we, what has changed and looking forward to what’s next. From the moment Black students, faculty and staff organized their first symposium, discussing issues and barriers faced by Black people at MRU and potential solutions to tackle these issues. What can we do to ensure that MRU is a safe place for Black people to work, study, grow and flourish?
• Feb. 27, 2023: Black People in Leadership and Governance: Leadership, Togetherness and Belonging. We invited Black people from the Calgary community to share with the MRU community their perspective around being Black professional leaders in Calgary. The dinner was attended by around 85 people, including members of MRU senior leadership (President, Provost, Deans), Calgary community leaders, Calgary Mayor Gondek, members of government, MRU community, corporate leaders and professors from various universities. The Deputy Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturalism was our keynote speaker.

Funding amount: $6,756