An initiative designed for and by Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour at UBC – on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people.
IBPOC Connections: Building Community, Increasing Representation at UBC
Read a feature story and learn how IBPOC Connections seeks to enhance the experiences and outcomes of staff and faculty through capacity building, leadership development, recruitment and retention, and mentorship.
About IBPOC Connections
IBPOC Connections: Staff & Faculty strives to enhance the experiences and outcomes of faculty and staff who identify as Indigenous, Black and/or People of Colour at UBC.
As a convening space, IBPOC Connections is about community, belonging, and engagement. It is a space where IBPOC faculty and staff can come together to be in good company, to have candid conversations, and to collaborate and coordinate when appropriate.
In service to strengthening UBC’s strategic commitments to fostering a thriving, global community and creating and sustaining equitable and inclusive campuses, IBPOC Connections is committed to affirming and advancing a collective agenda of IBPOC staff and faculty, as characterized by three key domains: (1) Community Building, (2) Institutional Leadership Development; and (3) Individual Capacity Building.
Drawing on a Collective Impact framework of coordinating mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication and backbone support, IBPOC Connections works to expand access to and opportunities for IBPOC voices and experiences to shape university systems, structures and processes.
Current Involvement Opportunities
The Coffee Club provides the opportunity for IBPOC groups and communities – who are already in existence or in formation – to come together around special interests.
If you are interested in organizing with colleagues in ways that may contribute to enhancing your experiences and/or outcomes as an IBPOC faculty or staff, we would like to support you with seed funding.
The application is currently closed as we process requests.
Past Events
The UBC Black Caucus is excited to announce a pilot project focused on wellness for Black faculty, staff and students at UBC Vancouver and Okanagan campuses. Black counsellors from within the community have collaborated with us to provide virtual counselling at no cost to participants on a limited, first-come, first-served basis during the month of March. The list of counsellors will be available in late February on IBPOC Connections page and bookings can be made by contacting the counsellors directly.
Mental Wellness Pilot Project for Black Students, Faculty and Staff
Health and Wellbeing Resources
In collaboration with IGNITE! Book Club, we are pleased to showcase two books written by UBC Staff! We are holding a moderated Zoom Q&A with the two authors on March 18th 3-4pm.
Mythical Man by David Ly
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
There are still a few free copies available. If you’re interested in receiving one or both books, please send an email to ibpoc.connections@ubc.ca. We will order immediately while quantities lasts.
A four-part virtual series about joy and resilience, fun, and activism that bears witness to what it means to be Black in BC. Black Artistic Expressions is a celebration of Black lives, Black culture and activism, and Black musical and poetic expression.
- September 16: Marcus Mosely - watch the recording
- October 21: Tonye Aganaba - watch the recording
- November 18: Ndidi Cascade/Shad - watch the recording
- December 16: Dawn Pemberton
Held quarterly, the IBPOC Connections: Staff & Faculty lunch is a unique and intentional space to build community and create a space of belonging for IBPOC faculty and staff at UBC Vancouver.
“[IBPOC Connections] is a site and time for faculty and staff who self identify as Indigenous, Black, and/or People of Colour at UBC to build community: to congregate with conviviality, to network, to share stories…” – Handel Wright
Read the full opening welcome by Professor Handel Wright from the inaugural lunch.
We have postponed the next IBPOC lunch for Fall 2020. Sign-up for the IBPOC Connections mailing list below, the InclusiveUBC newsletter, or check our events page for updates.
A three-part series developed by Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour (IBPOC) Connections, an initiative of UBC’s Equity & Inclusion Office, faculty members and graduate students examined historical and contemporary race and racisms themes in pandemic, anti-Black and anti-Asian contexts.
- Histories of Race and Contagion: Revisiting D’Arcy Island through COVID-19: View the recording
- The Critical Legality of Racism: America’s Obsession with Stop-and-Frisk & Chokehold Laws: View the recording
- Race Thinking In/As Health: Canada’s Historical Geographies For and Beyond COVID-19: View the recording
Daniel Heath Justice interviews Eternity Martis about her book They Said This Would Be Fun: Race, Campus Life and Growing Up. Martis' work provides a clear-eyed, powerful depiction of racism on Canadian campuses, opening up a timely dialogue on what it means to be an IBPOC individual in academia. Hosted by Minelle Mahtani, UBC's senior advisor to the provost on racialized faculty.
As IBPOC communities experience stress, anxieties and structural disadvantages during these unprecedented times, it is important to acknowledge that the weight we carry is amplified due to who we are, our role and representation in our societies. What does radical self-care and solidarity look like in this context and how can we engage in meaningful conversations when so many of us are in survival mode? This session focused on IBPOC specific experiences as related to well-being, the challenges we face and explore opportunities to engage with in order to maintain a holistic sense of well-being through self-care and collective action.
Resources
Speakout ED Talks
A webinar series that features speakers and artists on a range of topics that grapple with our new realities.
Storytelling for Change
A weekly online learning service where you can meet the storytellers on the front lines of making moving art, learn skills around how to cope as a storyteller in today’s climate, be inspired, and participate in challenges.
Ncore Self-care Webinar Series
A series of free webinars about self-care, building community, and staying engaged during the COVID-19 crisis.
Covid-19: The Pandemic & Histories of Inequities Unveiled Impact on Black Communities - Royal Society of Canada, November 12, 2020
by Njoki N Wane: Canada focused- racial disparities in regards to COVID-19.
Interview with: Robin Wal Kimmerer – How the pandemic will increase human compassion for the natural world - The Guardian, May 23, 2020
Coronavirus is not the great equalizer – race matters - The Conversation, April 6, 2020
Educational article from The Conversation on how COVID-19 disproportionally affects marginalized communities, this is US based resource article.
Blog: COVID-19 Has Changed Everything - Othering & Belonging Institute, UC Berkeley, April 8, 2020
Berkley Blog article that addresses the complicated realities of how “COVID is just unmasking the deep disinvestment in our communities, the historical injustices and the impact of residential segregation.”
COVID-19: Using a Racial Justice Lens Now to Transform our Future - NPQ, March 30, 2020
An in-depth article on how to go about grant giving through a racial justice lens during and after COVID-19.
POC Online Classroom
A curated site of resources by and for people of color:
“Through resources, syllabi and zines, we hope to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, educate others and ourselves on critical social justice issues, empower marginalized peoples, and incite change”
16 Tools To Ease the Transition to Remote Work for Indigenous Organizations - Animikii: Indigenous Innovation, March 25, 2020
A resource list for indigenous organizations transitioning to remote work
Anti-Asian Racism and Covid-19 - Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine, April 8, 2020
This outline of anti-Asian racism is adapted from a slide deck that was developed to help educate people about anti-Asian racism that has emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
COVID-19 Anti-Asian Racism in Canada – An Infographic, Vancouver Asian Film Festival
Fostering a Sense of Belonging in Times of Crisis and Challenge – A handbook, University of Guelph, Spring 2020
Ebru’s Pandemic Reading List: Health/Care and Social Justice
A compiled reading list by Graphic Medicine International Collective.
Let’s Talk about Systemic Racism - CBA
Dissects Systemic Racism & the pandemic from a criminal justice lens in Canada
Therapy for Black Girls
Making mental health more accessible
Iweigh with Jameela Jamil
Jameela brings in a diversity of guests to discuss race, gender, body image, and ways in which we can resist and build community
All My Relations with Matika Wilbur and Adrienne Keene
Indigeneity, advocacy and building relationships
Between Sessions with Eboni and Eliza
Addressing barriers and practices in therapy and mental health that harm people of colour.
After the Pandemic: COVID-19 and Racial Justice by The Canadian Bar Association - CBA
Transcript of a podcast from After the Pandemic: A Conversation About the Future of Justice by the CBA.
“Yellow Peril”: How the pandemic is fuelling anti-Chinese racism - Toronto Star, June 26, 2020
Conversation amongst a few Chinese Canadians as well as an Interview with Justin Kong in regards to the increase in Anti-Asian racism since COVID-19.
IBPOC Podcasts
Resource list of decolonial/futures/BIPOC storytelling podcasts from 4Rs.
Book list by Women of Colour
Anti-Racism Book Shelf
BIPOC Writers Book List
Ebru’s Pandemic Reading List: Health/Care and Social Justice: A compiled reading list by Graphic Medicine International Collective
Coronavirus disease (COVID 19) | Healthlink BC
Resources in several languages including English, (traditional) Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Punjabi, and Vietnamese.
UBC Digital Emergency Medicine I COVID-19 Multilingual Resources
A page consolidating information around COVID-19 in multiple languages including English, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Punjabi, Hindi, Farsi, Korean, and Italian.
COVID-19: First Nations Community Guide on Accessing Additional Supports
A government of Canada page created by Indigenous Services Canada with governmental resource links.
Swan Vancouver
Culturally-Specialized Supports & Advocacy for Immigrant Women Engaged in Indoor Sex Work
Mutual Aid and Survival Tips by Rebel Black
A Google doc with many resources for IBPOC people
Free therapist led support group for people affected by Racial Trauma
A free, private support Facebook group moderated by licensed clinicians.
BEAM: Black Emotional and Mental Health Toolkit
Great resource with prompts, graphics, worksheets and resources.
6 Ways to Support the Black Community and be a Better White and NBPOC Ally by Dudez perez
Healing in Colour
An Anti-Oppressive BIPOC therapist directory in Canada, Pro-Bono services for Refugees
Black Lives Matter: Mental Health Resources for and By People of Colour by Reina Gattuso
Mental health resource list, may of U.S.A focused but has virtual opportunities
Connected in Colour: Online Support Group for BIPOC
A weekly online support group for Black, Indigenous, People of colour who self-identify as cis/trans women, trans men, Two-Spirit, non-binary and gender non-conforming, intended for folks to check in with their mental health, share feelings and experiences including grief and anger, and come together in community.
The Focus On You
Self-care, mental health and inspirational articles written by a Latina Therapist.
Therapy For Black Girls
Often the stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy prevents Black women from taking the step of seeing a therapist. This space was developed to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible and relevant.
Depressed While Black
Interviews, community engagement, and podcasts from a writer and mental health advocate.
Care in the Academy (in Times of a Pandemic) - Diversity, Decolonization, and the German Curriculum, April 15, 2020
Article addressing academic care and self-care during Covid-19.
Rest for Resistance
Rest for Resistance is a healing space meant to support the mental well-being of queer and trans people of color as well as other stigmatized groups.
What Are We Talking About When We Talk About ‘Care’? - Hook & Eye, April 16, 2020
A theoretical post that addresses some important nuances of self-care.
Stop Breathe and Think (wellness App)
Available on iTunes and Google Play, this app works to benefit people seeking some stress relief, whether COVID-19 related or not. Featuring a daily check-in to get a gauge on your stress level and how you’re feeling physically, you can also go straight to selecting a variety of exercises such as ambient music. Kids version also available.
*If you are interested in this app, IBPOC Connections will cover the cost for a 6-month period. Please reach out to Elydah Joyce: elydah@mail.ubc.ca
Liberate (wellness App)
A meditation app, by and for the Black & African Diaspora
IBPOC Wellness Meditation
Breathing & Wellness Exercise lead by Sashah Rahemtuilla
BC BIPOC Communities, Resources, and Events by DiGiBC
Colour the Trails
IBPOC and allies interested in trying out outdoor activities
Youth Collaborative Chinatown
Young hearts in Chinatown joyfully practicing and teaching public expression of the n'hood's cultural heritage, especially Mahjong play and Cantonese language.
Take out Meals by Salishan Catering
Take out service for scratch made comfort food with an Indigenous twist.
Feminist Campaign School
Organization that supports marginalized communities in running for political office.
We R Native
An online community and resource data base for Indigenous youth by Indigenous youth
Youth Initiative
A Grant/Bursary for Black and/or Indigenous Youth in B.C
IBPOC gardeners and farmers of Instagram!
List compiled by Dudez Perez
This Chinese Food Zine Is Serving Up Asian-American/Black Solidarity by Joyce Chen
Relations between food & Asian American/Black solidarity
Why I Can't Hold Space for You Anymore
A poetry blog/post on Decolonial futures.
COVID-19 Mutual Aid Fund for LGBTQI+ BIPOC Folks
Amita Swadhin launched this fund on March 14, 2020 and has since invited their trusted comrades Treva Ellison, Natalie Havlin, Carrie Hawks, Ren-yo Hwang, and Alisa Zipursky to help manage the financial records and design and manage the process of fund distribution.
Indigenous Music Playlist on Spotify
A personally curated music list by Nadya Kwandibens
The Quarantine Files: Thinkers in Self-Isolation
A collection of small essays from current thinkers on the Covid-19 isolation process.
Governance
- Elsie Achugbue – Director, Institutional Initiatives, Equity & Inclusion Office
- Ainsley Carry - Vice President, Students
- Shirley Chau – Associate Professor, School of Social Work (UBCO)
- Pooja Khandelwal – Director, Career Retention, Navigation & Transition, Human Resources
- Minelle Mahtani - Associate Professor, Institute for Social Justice
- Maryam Nabavi – Staff and Faculty Strategist, Equity & Inclusion Office
- Shirley Nakata - Ombudsperson for Students, Office of the Ombudsperson for Students
- Roshni Narain - Director, Human Rights, Equity & Inclusion Office
- Joenita Paulrajan – Director, The Centre for Equitable Systems Design, Extended Learning
- Amy Perreault - Senior Strategist, Indigenous Initiatives, CTLT
- Afsaneh Sharif – President, The Association of Administrative and Professional Staff at UBC and Faculty Liaison/ Senior Project Manager, Projects and Faculty Partnerships
- Madison Tardif – Equity Education Strategist, Equity & Inclusion Office
- Handel Kashope Wright – Professor, Educational Studies and Senior Advisor to the President on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence
- Henry Yu - Principal, St. John’s College
Stay Connected
Looking to keep up to date with IBPOC Connections opportunities? Sign-up our listserv.
- Open a new email message to be sent to listserv@lists.ubc.ca
- Copy and paste the following in the email body: subscribe IBPOC-CONNECTIONS
- Click send and await confirmation email
- Click on confirm subscription in confirmation email
Netflix Party
Use this Chrome app extension to watch Netflix together with other people online.
Bunch (Party App)
Bunch is a party app available for Apple and Android phones. It allows you to play multiple different games while video calling with people on your phone.
List of Game Apps
Social games to play with friends while on your phone, a resource list by Refinery29