In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (30 September 2023), CAGS is pleased to offer another round of this important and timely 3 hour workshop designed to build awareness around issues of race and racism in Canadian higher education. This workshop will introduce attendees to the concepts of active versus passive witnessing, and help to instil a better understanding of the impacts of racist encounters on both victims and bystanders. The workshop is premised on the active-witnessing model, in which participants will learn enhanced techniques for intervening and disrupting racism in their institutions and in their daily lives. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice a wide range of anti-racism responses, and to share their own experiences. The workshop will be held over Zoom for a three-hour period on Wednesday, 27 September from 12:00PM – 3:00PM (ET). The facilitators will conduct the session in English.

Developed by Dr. Ishu Ishiyama – and recently adapted and enhanced by Sanath Training for virtual modes of presentation – the ART Program uses a witness-centred approach to disrupting racism. This training is designed to encourage participants to shift from being frozen or silent bystanders to becoming active witnesses and, in doing so, to help disrupt racism and build safer and more inclusive communities.

In honour of the commitments laid out in our Call to Action for an End to Racism in and through Graduate Education (2020), CAGS is making a limited number of tickets available to Graduate Students and Postdocs from within our community of member institutions. Tickets will be sold for $50.00 CAD (no tax), and will include participation in the three-hour training sessions and all associated materials. CAGS is a registered charity, and all ticket proceeds will go towards covering the costs of the workshop series.Tickets are available to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from CAGS member institutions, and will be sold until the capacity of the workshop has been reached.

Registration closes on Wednesday, 20 September at 9:00 PM (ET).