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Diversity and the Environment Environmental issues, broadly defined, have a deep and complex effect on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in Toronto. The built environment, transportation, pollutants, access to healthy food, energy costs, access to green space and recreational opportunities can affect all Torontonians, but have a greater impact on marginalized and low-income households. Such environmental issues are taking a higher place on the public agenda, yet the perspectives of disadvantaged groups are not being included as much as they should be. Environment sector work has also been found to be less inclusive than it could be; this means that an important and growing sector is excluding people from opportunities.
But slowly, awareness is increasing, and many groups are taking steps to address the gaps.
In the Environmental sector various organizations have been developing programs for newcomer communities, conducting focus groups and research to understand barriers to inclusion and grappling with how to increase diversity within the sector.
In the Community sector, there is a growing interest in food programs, environmental determinants of health, pollution, and the environment as an arena for voluntarism and developing leadership.
At the TGC, we decided that we would like to play a role in helping build bridges across the sectors and in shining a spotlight on these issues. We began this journey by creating a cross-sectoral network.
The Native Bus Tour…and More!
By Victor Reyes
Toronto Green Community and the Sustainability Network co-sponsored the “Native Bus Tour of Toronto”, a two-part event that consisted of an historical tour of Toronto from an Aboriginal perspective, as well as a post-tour discussion on how non-profit organizations and Aboriginal organizations/communities can work together to further common goals. It was originally envisioned that this event would focus on environmental NGOs and Aboriginal organizations. However, there was keen interest from the other sectors of the non-profit community (social justice, faith-based groups, education, arts, community and social services) hence the scope of the event was expanded.
The tour started outside the office of the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, the organization that regularly runs these educational tours. Our guide and educator, Don Jabokwoam, was very engaging and quite knowledgeable of Toronto’s Aboriginal history. He first brought us to the Étienne Brûlé Park right by the Humber river. He had explained to us the succession of First Nations that had settled in the area (from the Huron-Wendat to the Six Nations, to the Mississaugas), and how Aboriginal history is fraught with conflict and territorial disputes among various First Nations…no different from that of historical conflicts among nations in Europe, Asia or Africa.
As we moved from one location to the next, we learned more about the importance of the flora and fauna in these places (grass with bug repellant properties, cedar to prevent rashes, spruce trees for making porridge) and how mounds are significant burial sites for some, but not all, Aboriginal communities. The wonderful thing about this information exchange was that the indigenous knowledge and history came not just from our guide, Don, but also from the Aboriginal participants who freely shared their knowledge with the group. This openness in sharing knowledge and opinions perfectly set up the afternoon activity.
The post-tour discussion, which was facilitated by Suzanne Methot, (see bio below), focused on how the different groups (Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) could work together to incorporate what they have learned during the tour to promote and protect some of the sites that were visited. Results of the discussions included: mapping of areas to reflect Aboriginal history, staging historical plays from an Aboriginal perspective, and tours that tell the real story – which includes both European and Aboriginal views. After sharing their thoughts and ideas, the participants expressed their interest in finding opportunities to make collaboration among their organizations happen.
For media coverage of this event click on the links:
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/1221918
http://www.insidetoronto.com/news/local/article/1229865--native-tour-highlights-history
Find out more about the Sustainability Network’s Environment and Diversity Project by following the link: (http://environment-and-diversity.blogspot.com/)
Suzanne Methot, a Cree from Sagitawa (Peace River, Alberta), has worked as a writer, editor, educator, workshop facilitator, and community worker for over 20 years. Suzanne offers expertise in equity, diversity, and social justice education and has a special interest in working with marginalized/racialized peoples and communities .
Diversity, Inclusion and the Environment Network
In the summer of 2008, the TGC invited a select group to our first Diversity, Inclusion and the Environment Network meeting with the objective to promote and support community initiatives that link environmental issues to poverty, marginalization and social exclusion by fostering a cross-sectoral network that encourages collaboration, experience sharing, and capacity building.
By bringing environmental and community organizations together, we hope to inspire partnerships across sectors with the potential to engage and provide benefits to communities in new ways, while also strengthening the environmental sector.
Click on the links below for Network meeting details:
* Aug 11, 2009
* January 13, 2009
* March 31, 2009
* August 26, 2009
Other TGC Diversity Initiatives
In March 2009, the TGC’s speakers series featured a presentation by Cheryl Teelucksingh, author of the book “Environmental Justice and Racism in Canada”, followed by a panel discussion with Beenash Jaffri, Damien Lee, and Ben Powless.
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The TGC sits on the Advisory Council for the Sustainability network’s Environment & Diversity Project which provides the project collaborative with advice and resources. Click here for more information and updates on the project: http://www.sustainabilitynetwork.ca/environment_project_partners.html
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Internally the TGC strives to use a diversity lens in all aspects of our operations including inclusive hiring practices, volunteer recruitment, and program development. To this end, we plan to create and implement an anti-oppression policy & organize related training for TGC staff & volunteers.
Stay tuned for future developments…
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