Honouring National Indigenous Peoples Day: Reflections & Land Acknowledgements 

Headshot of Ruth

The history of National Indigenous People’s Day mirrors the norms of ongoing Indigenous advocacy in Canada. In this blog, Ruth reflects on the meaning of this important day, and explores the original intention behind the federal holiday, and shares her learnings about the importance of land acknowledgements. Ruth suggests best practices to foster engagement with Indigenous people all year round. 

Written by Ruth Rodrigues, Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, Master of Education in Social Justice Education

#DisplayYourPride 2024: Celebrating Pride at the Innovation Hub

June is Pride Month! From attending a U of T pride event to hosting our own, here is how we’re celebrating and honouring Pride month and reflecting how we can continue fostering inclusivity and diversity on campus throughout and beyond June.  

Written by Ajeetha Vithiyananthan, Blog Writer, Bachelor of Science, Psychology specialist and Sociology minor & Ruth Rodrigues, Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, Master of Education, Social Justice Education 

Celebrating Design Leadership in Black-Identifying Communities  

Three people are connected to a fourth person by a heart string. They are surrounded by a circle and stars.

Design leadership in Black-identifying communities has been incredibly influential in equity-centered design research. Ava and Lois spotlight two leaders in equity design thinking whom we continually draw inspiration from to reflect on our positionality and address complex topics with empathy, courage, and care. 

Written by Ava Hawkins, Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer, Honours Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Science & Psychology & Lois Lee, Blog Digital Editor & Digital Content Writer, Master of Information, User Experience Design and Archives & Records Management

World Day of Social Justice 

Cheryl smiling while sitting outdoors.

To recognize the World Day of Social Justice on February 20th, Cheryl spoke with team members at the Innovation Hub to explore their views on social justice and how it appears in their everyday lives. 

Written by Cheryl Nong, Research Coordinator, Honours Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Neuroscience Double Major 

“Black Flourishing” Installation: Using Art to Inspire Change  

After visiting the art installation “Black Flourishing” at the Daniels Building, Ava reflects on art installations that highlight Black student voices and that inspire new questions, solutions, and ideas for change through art thinking and art activism.

Ava Hawkins, Blog Editor & Digital Content Writer, Honours Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Science & Psychology 

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023

Chery and Ruth sitting on stairs and smiling.

Cheryl and Ruth share the importance of memorializing the lives lost due to anti-transgender violence on Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). They also highlight the importance of celebrating trans lives by supporting their work, art, and history, based on their experiences. 

Written by Cheryl Nong, Research Coordinator, Honours Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Neuroscience Double Major and Ruth Rodrigues, Qualitative Data Archivist Team Lead, Master of Education, Social Justice Education 


Indigenous Education Week: Storytelling Through Fashion

Tiffany smiling

Every year at U of T the First Nations House – Indigenous Student Services – hosts Indigenous Education Week, a week for education, community, and engagement with Indigenous culture and history. One of our team members, Tiffany, attended an event and shared her reflections on why storytelling is impactful for cultural preservation. 

Written by Tiffany Cao, Research Lead, Honours Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science and Human Geography.  

Commemorating Orange Shirt Day at the Innovation Hub

Four students standing in front of a door surrounded by the Orange Shirt Day mural.

Every year on September 30, we recognize National Truth and Reconciliation Day, commonly known as Orange Shirt Day. On this day, we take the time to spread awareness and reflect upon the intergenerational impacts of Canada’s Residential School System on Indigenous communities.  

Written by Lois Lee, Master of Information, Blog Editor and Digital Content Writer

National Indigenous Peoples Day 2023

“Intertribal, 2022” is a mixed media mural by Quinn Hopkins installed at Hart House. (photo by Moussa Faddoul)
“Intertribal, 2022” is a mixed media mural by Quinn Hopkins installed at Hart House. (photo by Moussa Faddoul)

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and June is National Indigenous History Month. For many Canadians, these events might sound unfamiliar—so let’s unpack together what they are and why we celebrate them.