Facilitator: Vania Patrick-Drakes

Many bodies of research point towards the sustained existence of racism and
oppression across the globe, including within Canada. A close look at one’s own
personal and professional circles may also reveal disparities in treatment, outcomes,
and lived experiences for different groups of people.
“Luck”?
“Laziness”?
“Just how it is”?
Using introspective exercises, group activities, discussions and case studies, this
ARAO training session takes a deep dive into the constructs of oppression and
racism, challenging stereotypes and prejudicial paradigms. This session also provides
practical ARAO strategies that participants can use within personal and professional
contexts.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants should have:
1. An in-depth understanding of the constructs of oppression and racism, including
brief historical contexts
2. An awareness of ways that oppression and racism manifest and persist on both
micro and macro levels across systems in Canada
3. An in-depth understanding of the deleterious impacts of racism and oppression
on individuals, organizations and societies
4. An in-depth understanding of privilege and of intersectional identities, and how
these impact people’s lived experiences, perspectives and outcomes
5. A toolbox with practical, sensible strategies to incorporate self awareness and
anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices in both professional and personal spaces