2026 Educators Anti-Racism Conference – Workshop Selection

Please select your first and second choice workshop for the morning and afternoon.

Your second choice will be used if your first-choice session reaches capacity.

#1 Leading for Equity: Navigating Resistance and Advancing Justice

Are you a school or system leader committed to anti-racist, anti-oppressive leadership practice? Then this session is for you. This interactive session is designed to equip those leading transformative change to navigate and disrupt the reality of resistance to equity and inclusion. Grounded in Ontario’s policy context and current research, participants will explore practical frameworks and tools designed to move from symbolic gestures to meaningful change, fostering courageous, authentic, anti-racist leadership for justice.

Facilitated by Dr. Camille Logan

#2 How to Vet Indigenous Resources for Inspiring Classrooms

This interactive workshop supports educators in thoughtfully integrating Indigenous perspectives into their classrooms by learning how to vet Indigenous resources with care and responsibility. Participants will explore a practical, step-by-step process to assess resources for accuracy, respect, and alignment with Indigenous voices, reconciliation, and anti-harm practices. Educators will leave with a clear vetting framework and a curated list of trusted Indigenous-created and Indigenous-informed resources they can use right away.

Facilitated by Claire Scruby, CMWS Indigenous Consulting

#3 Supporting White Students in Developing Anti-Racist Identities

This interactive workshop supports educators in helping white students develop positive, anti-racist identities grounded in accountability, solidarity, and care. Through storytelling, reflection, and practical classroom examples, participants will explore how white racial identity is shaped, how to move beyond guilt or saviourism, and how to model allyship in meaningful ways. Educators will leave with concrete strategies they can use immediately to support students in taking action against racism.

Facilitated by Janelle Yanishewski, Harmony Movement

#4 Rooted in Joy: Reclaiming Energy and Ease as Educators of Colour

This reflective and affirming workshop creates space for educators of colour to reconnect with joy, rest, and collective care in the midst of demanding and often inequitable systems. Through storytelling, shared reflection, and grounding practices, participants will explore what it means to reclaim energy, set boundaries, and sustain themselves while doing justice-focused work. This session centers lived experience, community wisdom, and strategies for nurturing well-being without guilt.

Facilitated by Justine Hicks and Tracey Koranteng, Harmony Movement

#5 - FRENCH WORKSHOP: Créer une éducation équitable pour les élèves Premières Nations, Métis et Inuit dans les salles de classe des écoles publiques provinciales de l'Ontario

Cet atelier est un aperçu d'une recherche doctorale portant sur la création de l'équité pour les élèves autochtones dans les classes de la province de l'Ontario. Cette présentation aidera les enseignants pionniers/champions à acquérir les connaissances nécessaires pour intégrer les perspectives autochtones dans leur travail. Cette présentation donnera également deux exemples à partir d'une étude de livres (en français et en anglais), qui permettra aux éducateurs de parler des pensionnats indiens aux niveaux moyen et intermédiaire.

Facilitated by Dre Tammy (Restoule) desOrmeaux

#6 Inclusion Incubator: A Hands-On Problem-Solving Lab (ENG)*

*Requires attendance at pre-conference virtual workshop on January 29 from 7:00 - 8:00 pm EST

This interactive lab moves beyond discussion into action. Participants will work in small, facilitated groups to identify a real inclusion or belonging challenge from their school or classroom and begin designing a practical, values-aligned solution. Using a power-sharing, co-creation approach, educators will leave with a clear next step, peer feedback, and access to follow-up support. This session is ideal for those ready to turn reflection into concrete change.

Facilitated by Harmony Movement

#7 Belonging Beyond Borders: Affirming Identities for Newcomer Students

Newcomer students bring resilience, knowledge, and rich identities into school communities—yet often encounter systems that fail to fully affirm them. In this interactive workshop, educators will explore strategies for creating welcoming, identity-affirming classrooms that honour students’ lived experiences, languages, and cultural knowledge. Participants will engage in practical examples, reflection, and dialogue to strengthen belonging, connection, and well-being for newcomer students.

Facilitated by Taraneh Vejdani & Patrick de Belen, Harmony Movement

#8 Repairing Harm, Restoring Hope: Restorative Approaches for Educators

Peacebuilders Canada has worked for over two decades in the justice and education sectors to transform how communities respond to conflict. In this interactive 90-minute workshop, participants will explore restorative practices that move beyond punishment to healing to foster inclusion, accountability and belonging. Educators will enhance their ability to create environments where every student’s voice is valued and diversity is a strength.

Facilitated by Peacebuilders Canada

#9 How to Create Affinity Group Spaces or Social Justice Clubs in Your School

This interactive workshop supports educators in helping white students develop positive, anti-racist identities grounded in accountability, solidarity, and care. Through storytelling, reflection, and practical classroom examples, participants will explore how white racial identity is shaped, how to move beyond guilt or saviourism, and how to model allyship in meaningful ways. Educators will leave with concrete strategies they can use immediately to support students in taking action against racism.

Panel with Q&A and planning time

#10: FRENCH WORKSHOP: Une identité affirmée est aussi une identité dynamique 

Affirmer mon identité? Oui, certainement. C'est pour une meilleure estime de soi, pour une meilleure santé mentale, pour une vie épanouie et pour reconnaître sa valeur personnelle. Mais, de quelle identité parle-t-on? Une identité fermée et rigide ou plutôt une identité ouverte et dynamique? Dans cet atelier nous discuterons les avantages de l'identité dynamique, celle qui ouvre le chemin vers l'épanouissement et le développement personnel. Une identité dynamique permet aux jeunes de réussir leur vie plutôt que se limiter à réussir dans la vie.

Facilitated by Emad Awadalla, Harmony Movement