To date, I have the honour of talking with psychologists, social workers, former MLA, lawyers, youth, Minister of cabinet, Vice Provost at a University, documentary film maker, former media broadcaster, and policy makers. Each episode ends with some calls to action so the listener can walk away with ideas they can think about, do, and do more of on their anti-racism journey.
Ed talks about how he came to Canada at 17 from Singapore and had to straddle both cultures. He notes he did not feel he fit in or belonged, and assimilation was a way of survival. He shares experiences of direct and passive racism. He voices the importance of solidarity with other equity deserving groups.
Lucy shares how she is a Chinese-Vietnamese Canadian and have experienced internalized racism. She notes the importance of centering marginalized voices and creating space for people to share their stories https://www.thirdspaceplayback.com/. She states that we need to question culture and stand in solidarity with BIPOC folks.
She runs a private practice called Red Threads Art Therapy https://redthreadsarttherapy.ca/ working with children, youth and adults who have experienced complex trauma and intergenerational trauma. She is the Artistic Director of Third Space Playback Theatre Edmonton https://www.thirdspaceplayback.com/ and has been facilitating community dialogue and storytelling around anti-racism with culturally diverse communities through this form of improvised and participatory theatre. Her use of Playback Theatre and arts-based interventions in therapeutic and community settings merges her love for embodied listening, storytelling, and facilitating and providing space for the stories of cultural communities.
Zippy shares how she was born in Kenya and was educated learning there. She noted she was taught that marrying a white man brings prestige. She said she did marry a white man and came to Canada, became a teacher, a settlement practitioner, and completed a master's degree in social work. She suggests the importance of the courage to do inner work to reflect, challenge prior assumptions, and discover where she is (and where others are) on the learning journey.
Lianne shares how she was born in Calgary, Mohkinstsis, and her parents were from Southern China. She notes her mom told her she was the first Chinese woman to graduate from the Computer Science program and is a trailblazer. She conveys that she finds meaning in working with ethno-cultural youth due to experiences from her upbringing. She voices the importance of enacting compassionate accountability in that talking about anti-racism, while important, is not enough; we need to hold ourselves and systems accountable to cultivate critical hope.
Patricia shares how she came to Canada from Colombia in 2006. She notes she did not know any English and took three years to learn the language. She states that it has not been an easy journey, and she is now a Registered Provisional Psychologist working with many diverse clients. She voices the importance of being curious and connecting from the heart.
Patricia is the Founder of Silver Health Inc and also Passport to Integration (www.passportstointegration.com), a mental health program for immigrants, increasing awareness for healthy lifestyles and issues of inclusion. She holds a Master of Counselling degree from the University of Calgary, a Bachelor in Psychology and she is a Registered Provisional Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists. Patricia specializes in the areas of mental health and well-being. Clients consult her on issues related to management of stress, depression, trauma, and anxiety. She is also recognized for her work in the area of integration to a new culture and managing life transitions. Patricia is passionate about helping clients find their inner voice. Her practice is an integrative approach working with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), humanist perspective, and narrative models. She has over 20 years of experience working with women, couples and families.
