Amplifying Voices on Turtle Island: An Intersectional Caucus
In February 2022, Black Lives Matter–Sudbury hosted Amplifying Voices on Turtle Island (AVTI), its second annual Intersectional Caucus, on Saturday, February 26 and Sunday, February 27, beginning at 12 p.m. EST. This free online conference once again centered and uplifted the voices of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC) and 2SLGBTQ+ activists, leaders, educators, and changemakers from across Turtle Island.
AVTI featured six culturally responsive panels and one keynote presentation, each followed by engaging Q&A sessions with panelists. Discussions explored the ongoing work of dismantling oppressive systems of power, combating inequality, and imagining new futures for marginalized communities.
All panel discussions included sign language interpretation provided by Interprétation signes et paroles inc (ISEP), and French language interpretation was available for the French-language panel to ensure accessibility for participants. Caucus artwork credit: Raven Debassige.
CAUCUS OVERVIEW
Day 1 - February 26, 2022
Abolition & the Policing of Marginalized Communities (12:00–1:10 PM)
Panelists explored what an abolitionist future could look like and examined the socio-economic and political implications of defunding police services. The conversation addressed the ongoing institutional persecution of marginalized communities and challenged participants to reimagine systems rooted in care rather than punishment.
AfroIndigeneity: Stolen People on Stolen Lands (1:30–2:40 PM)
This panel brought together Afro-Indigenous voices to reflect on identity, belonging, and solidarity. Speakers examined how settler-colonial systems attempt to divide Black and Indigenous communities, while sharing personal insights on navigating interconnected histories, cultures, and struggles.
Art & Activism: Artivism for Social Change (3:00–4:10 PM)
Artists discussed the long-standing relationship between creative practice and social justice movements. From local to global contexts, panelists reflected on how multidisciplinary art practices challenge oppressive systems and contribute to broader socio-political change.
Day 2 - February 27, 2022
BIPOC Queerness: Identity, Community & Resistance (12:00–1:10 PM)
This conversation centered the lived experiences of BIPOC 2SLGBTQ+ individuals navigating intersecting identities. Panelists addressed systemic barriers, community building, resilience, and the importance of affirming spaces grounded in intersectionality.
Dualité de l’identité : Les réalités d’être francophone et Noir (1:30–2:40 PM)
Hosted in French with English interpretation available, this panel explored the layered realities of being both Black and Francophone within a predominantly English-speaking and colonial context. Speakers discussed the unique challenges faced by Afro-descendant Francophones and the complexities of living within multiple marginalized identities.
BIPOC Health Matters: Pushing the Boundaries of Health Equity (3:00–4:10 PM)
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, panelists examined systemic inequities within healthcare systems that disproportionately impact BIPOC communities. The discussion highlighted advocacy efforts, structural barriers, and the changes required to achieve meaningful and lasting health equity.
Together, these panels fostered dialogue, critical reflection, and community connection — reinforcing AVTI’s commitment to intersectional justice and collective liberation.
Thank you to our sponsors!
We are proud to acknowledge the support of:
Canadian Mental Health Association
Greater Sudbury Coalition to End Violence Against Women
Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury
Health Sciences North
Public Health Sudbury & Districts
YWCA Sudbury
Réseau ACCESS Network
Collège Boréal
Cambrian College
The Nickel Refinery
Greater Sudbury Public Library
Sudbury Workers Education and Advocacy Centre
Future North
Centre Victoria pour femmes
Galerie du Nouvel-Ontario