Amplifying voices on Turtle Island: An Intersectional Caucus 2022
2022-02-26 12:00 - 2022-02-27 16:10 (America/Toronto) | ON
Français

Black Lives Matter – Sudbury will be hosting, Amplifying Voices on Turtle Island (AVTI) our second annual Intersectional Caucus on Saturday, February 26th and Sunday, February 27th, 2022 starting at 12 PM EST. This free online conference will once again center and uplift the voices of Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC) and 2SLGBTQ+ activists, leaders, educators, and changemakers from across Turtle Island.
AVTI: An Intersectional Caucus will feature a total of six culturally responsive panels and one key-note presentation — each followed by engaging Q&As with panelists.
Audiences will be able to learn about the on-going journey towards dismantling oppressive systems of power, combating inequality, and imagining new futures for marginalized communities.
All panel discussions will include sign language interpreters provided by Interprétation signes et paroles inc (ISEP.) Language interpreters will be available for the french panel.
Registration is now open — use the button below!

Registration

Saturday February 26
12:00 – 1:10PM: Abolition & the Policing of Marginalized Communities
What does an abolitionist future look like? What are the socio-economic and political implications of defunding the police? Join experts in a conversation surrounding these themes and the ongoing institutional persecution of marginalized communities at the hands of oppressive systems.
This panel discussion will have ASL interpreters provided by the Canadian Hearing Services.
1:30 – 2:40 PM: AfroIndigeneity: Stolen People on Stolen Lands
On Turtle Island, the experiences of Indigneous and Black communities are often shared, however, in our neo-colonial society, settler-colonial systems try to divide marginalized groups and often pit them against one another. How is this reality experienced by those whose lives are connected to both Indigenous and Black communities? Join AfroIndigenous panelists as they contemplate the nuances of their identities and discuss the importance of Indigenous and Black solidarity.
This panel discussion will have ASL interpreters provided by the Canadian Hearing Services.
3:00 – 4:10 PM: Art & Activism: Artivism of Social Change
The intersection of art and activism, although recently coined artivism, has a longstanding global history embedded within social justice movements and combatting oppressive systems. Today, this growing practice is represented by a variety of multi-disciplinary artists across the world and northern Turtle Island. Tune into a conversation with emerging and seasoned artists on the implications of their practices within a larger socio-political context.
This panel discussion will have ASL interpreters provided by the Canadian Hearing Services.

Sunday February 27
12:00 – 1:10 PM: BIPOC Queerness: Identity, Community & Resistance
Being a member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is associated with numerous challenges; lack of resources, judgment and isolation by cis-hetero mainstream society. For BIPOC queer folks, the barriers are increased as these individuals now must navigate the intricacies of intersecting aspects of their identity that each come with their own unique challenges.Tune into a panel on the navigation of multiple identities and the intersectionalities of the BIPOC queer lived experience.
This panel discussion will have ASL interpreters provided by the Canadian Hearing Services.
1:30 – 2:40 PM: Dualité de l’identité : Les Réalités d’être Francophone et Noir
Although this country is framed from a bilingual standpoint, French remains a minority language across these colonized lands. For the often racialized Black francophones inhabiting these lands, there are several barriers and challenges associated with being part of a minority of a marginalized group. Tune in for a conversation around the realities faced by Afro-descendants francophone and the uniques implications of their daily experiences; let’s talk about this Duality, of being Black and Francophone.
This panel will be hosted in French, English translations will be available. ASL interpreters provided by the Canadian Hearing Services./em>
3:00 – 4:10 PM: BIPOC Health Matters: Pushing the Boundaries of Health Equity
In these pandemic times, more have been made aware of the ongoing inequities in our healthcare system that impact BIPOC communities. The panelists have all worked to bring light to those realities, and have worked diligently to bring these issues to the surface and to advocate for necessary change. If BIPOC health truly matters, what changes are needed to systems so that our communities can truly experience meaningful health equity?
This panel discussion will have ASL interpreters provided by the Canadian Hearing Services.

Day 1: Panelists & Moderators Bios (EN)

Day 1: Panelists & Moderators Bios (FR)

Day 2: Panelists & Moderators Bios (EN)

Day 2: Panelists & Moderators Bios (FR)

Thank you to our sponsors:

Sudbury Five Game
2024-02-02 19:00 - 22:00 | Sudbury Arena, 240 Elgin St., Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Discounted tickets through Afro-Heritage Association!

15th Annual Black History Month Gala - Afro-Heritage Association
2024-02-03 17:30 - 22:30 | United Steelworker’s Hall, 66 Brady St,, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Public Speakers Convention
2024-02-05 10:00 - 13:00 | Executive Learning Center – LU, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada

Black Entrepeneur Day
2024-02-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Parker Atrium – LU, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada

Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé
2024-02-09 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-02-10 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-02-16 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-02-17 19:00 - 22:00 | Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 5S9, Canada
RENAISSANCE: A FILM BY BEYONCÉ accentuates the journey of RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR, from its inception, to the opening in Stockholm, Sweden, to the finale in Kansas City, Missouri. It is about Beyoncé’s intention, hard work, involvement in every aspect of the production, her creative mind and purpose to create her legacy, and master her craft. Received with extraordinary acclaim, Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR created a sanctuary for freedom, and shared joy, for more than 2.7 million fans.

Games Night
2024-02-09 20:00 - 22:00 | Games Room – Laurentian Residence, 935 Ramsay Lake Rd, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada

AWYF BHM Celebration
2024-02-10 10:00 - 14:00 | Greater Sudbury Public Library – New Sudbury, 1346 Lasalle Blvd., Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Learn more about Black History in Canada through a documentary created and presented by AWYF Youth. Explore African textiles and beadwork, and watch demonstrations of the artistry behind braiding, cornrows, and caring for textured hair.

Film Screening: Unarmed Verses
2024-02-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Sudbury Indie Cinema, 162 Mackenzie street, Sudbury, Ontario, P3C4X8, Canada
Join us at the Sudbury Indie Cinema for a FREE screening of Charles Officer’s film Unarmed Verses (2017)!

African Story Telling Session: Oge Egwu Onwa
2024-02-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Greater Sudbury Public Library – New Sudbury, 1346 Lasalle Blvd., Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Join Ugonma Ekeanyanwu on an African story telling adventure laced with singing, drumming, pictorial, depictions of authentic Africa complete with all its flora and fauna. From stories on the Tortoise (Nnabe) to the stories about families, African folktales are interactive, entertaining and educative while showcasing the rich culture of Africa.

Cuisine communautaire Afro de Sudbury
2024-02-17 12:00 - 15:00 | CSCGS, 19 chemin Frood, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Soirée de la célébration afro de la CFA-Sudbury
2024-02-23 14:00 - 19:00 | Place Des Arts, 27 Larch St, Sudbury, Ontario, P3C5B9, Canada

Saturday at the Cinema
2024-02-24 14:00 - 17:00 | Place Des Arts, 27 Larch St, Sudbury, Ontario, P3C5B9, Canada

African Cabaret Africain
2024-02-24 18:00 - 23:59 | United Steelworker’s Hall, 66 Brady St,, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Homemade authenthic African Cuisine – Cuisine africaine authentique
Fashion show – Défilé de mode africain
Live DJ and dancing – Soirée dansante
Tickets/Billets – CIFS.ca or/ou 705-626-6299

2SLGBTQ+ Book Chat: The Sleeping Car Porter
2024-02-27 18:30 - 20:00 | Greater Sudbury Public Library – South End, 1991 Regent St., Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Greater Sudbury Public Library is offering a monthly Hybrid (in-person and virtual) Book Chat for members of the 2sLGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Space is limited to ensure everyone has a chance to participate in monthly discussions.
The Sleeping Car Porter by Suzette Mayr

Panel: Activating Change: Black Activism in N’Swakamok (Sudbury)
2024-02-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
7:00 – 8:30PM EST, Virtual Panel
From grassroots organizing to cultural advocacy, this panel explores the diverse ways in which N’Swakamok’s Black community is actively shaping and enriching the social justice landscape. Dive into an inspiring conversation that celebrates the contributions and experiences of local changemakers and uncover the multifaceted approaches to fostering change in Northern Ontario and beyond. Panelists: Adebola Adefioye, Adonia Dunwell, Josephine (Josie) Suorineni. Moderator: Isak Vaillancourt
Participants who register via Zoom Webinar will have the opportunity to use the moderated Q&A feature. There will be translated subtitles available in French.
Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_AqFH4F19TLqeapAHVpY20w

Workshop: Direct Action Training
2024-02-28 19:00 - 20:30 | ISLC Round Room – Laurentian U, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd., Sudbury, ON, P3E 2C6, Canada
7:00 – 8:30 PM EST, Hybrid Workshop (In-person and virtual)
Round Room, Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, 35 Ramsey Lake Rd, Greater Sudbury
Embark on an empowering journey in engaging in direct action across so-called Canada. Facilitators will delve into the intricacies of protest planning, and provide essential insights into legal rights, security culture, and the pivotal role of marshals in upholding demonstration safety. With a dedicated section focusing on the safety of Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals, this session will provide participants with the tools to foster a stronger, safer, and more inclusive community for activists.
Instructors: Shala Gagnon & Ra’anaa Yaminah Ekundayo
Register (free)
This event is supported by the following community organizations: BLM Nogojiwanong. BLM Vancouver, Coalition for a Liveable Sudbury, Future North, Policing Free Schools, Uplift Black, SWANS, SWEAC, and Pride Laurentian.
If you plan on attending in person, please still register with the Zoom link above, as it will be used to track total event participation.
Participants will be provided with a toolkit summarizing key learnings for effective and safer direct action.

Cultural Day
2024-02-29 10:00 - 14:00 | Parker Atrium – LU, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada

Keynote - We Keep Us Safe: Imagining Decolonial Futures
2024-02-29 18:00 - 20:30 | Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON, P3E 5S9, Canada
6:00 – 8:30 PM EST. Mix and Mingle from 6:00 – 7:00 PM (In-person)
Vale Cavern, Science North, 100 Ramsey Lake Rd, Greater Sudbury
“We Keep Us Safe” is a chant used by activists to centre the importance of community, care, accountability, and transformative change concerning public safety. In this keynote conversation, Afro-Indigenous scholar and community-engaged Water Walker, Dr. Tasha Beeds delves into the complexities of systemic racism and policing in what we now call Canada. This conversation will share insights into building inclusive communities, the power of resistance, and shared decolonial futures of liberation..
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tasha Beeds
Moderator: Ra’anaa Yaminah Ekundayo
Register (free)
