The Forward Thinking podcast serves as a platform where scholars engage in discussions about systemic and historical inequities in the Canadian post-secondary education landscape. Through thought-provoking dialogue, each guest discusses their insights and strategies on embedding equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) into their research and teaching practices. The invited guests will elaborate on inclusive research methodologies, strategies and approaches aimed at dismantling systemic barriers to foster a more equitable and inclusive academic environment.
Forward Thinking was produced by Wilfrid Laurier University’s Office of the Associate Vice-President: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Radio Laurier. Funding for this initiative was provided by the Canada Research Chairs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (CRCEDI) Stipend.
Forward Thinking will stream live on Radio Laurier every Tuesday at 5:00PM starting on September 10 and ending on September 24
Ep 1: Community Based Research with Dr. Ginette Lafrenière
In this episode, Dr. Ginette Lafrenière reflects on her career leading community-based research that is mobilized towards institutional change. She discusses the Change Project and the Social Innovation Research Group.
The Social Innovation Research Group is a dynamic hub dedicated to exploring innovative solutions to complex social challenges. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, they strive to create positive societal impact and drive meaningful change. The Change Project, facilitated by the Social Innovation Research Group, focuses on community-based research to address pressing social issues. Through collaborative efforts with local communities, they aim to develop sustainable solutions that promote positive change and improve quality of life.
Ep 2: The Impact of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Teacher Education with Marguerite Campbell
In this episode, Marguerite Campbell discusses literacy as an equity issue in her work as faculty at Wilfrid Laurier University’s Faculty of Education working with Bachelor of Education Candidates and in her experience as an educator with the Toronto District School Board.
Ep 3: Reflecting on Research about Institutional Histories with the Into the Light Project
This episode features Mona Stonefish, Skye Stonefish, Evadne Kelly, and Seika Boye, creators of Into the Light. This project highlights, recovers, and centers the experiences of people from different communities affected by Eugenics education and policies in Ontario. Into the Light is an online resource dedicated to supporting survivors of eugenics and fostering healing and empowerment. Into the Light aims to provide a safe and supportive space for survivors to find guidance and solidarity on their journey towards recovery.
Content Warning: The stories included in the Into the Light learning space and which are discussed in this episode include experiences, discussion, and imagery of institutional violence, violence against people labelled as different, forced institutionalization, dehumanization, murder, intimidation, control, neglect, and abuse targeting children labelled as different. In advance of engaging with this episode and the material discussed within it, we encourage you to have resources available to you.