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Reconciliation &
Anti-Racism Training
Learning from current and brilliant thought leaders to help inform our views.
Check out the various book studies that you can join to start on your path of anti-racism and reconciliation with us. Make sure to get ahold of us if you have any questions!
![The words, 'Book Studies' spelled out.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_06f43f6a4eef4cc890f7cb0eae8127c5~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_980,h_163,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Book%20Studies%20(1).png)
![A picture of the book, The Skin We're In, by author Desmond Cole.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_65152aede80d44dcb33aab7fff963830~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_960,h_960,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/skin-were.jpg)
Desmond Cole
"I kept track of the violence done to Black people in my city, Toronto, and my country, Canada, as if it was being done to me, because it was, because it is, because that's what Black people are facing in Canada and around the world, and I've never been more aware of it."
Using this dynamic book as our primary text to examine racism in the Canadian context and highlight patterns that occur in our own community, organizations, and personal lives. Issues include immigration, police in schools, police brutality, the foster system, and the media. While Cole shares his own experiences of anti-black racism and the systems that support this, his exploration is not limited to anti-black racism. In our time together, we will also incorporate body-based practices from such teachers as Resmaa Menakem, Dr. Amanda Kemp, and Rachel Ricketts.
6 sessions, 2 hours/week
$300 Basic plan - $500 Supporter plan.*
![The words, 'The Skin We're In' spelled out.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_3acd753a6ff34c81a0777e0e597a3764~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_73,y_0,w_453,h_100/fill/w_453,h_100,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/The%20Skin%20We're%20In.png)
![A picture of the book, White Fragility, by author Robin DiAngelo.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_e2c32e76144c4bd4bcf97c43819728b8~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_600,h_600,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/White-Fragility.png)
Robin DiAngelo
"... a critical component of cross-racial skill building is the ability to sit with the discomfort of being seen racially, of having to proceed as if our race matters (which it does). Being seen racially is a common trigger of white fragility, and thus, to build our stamina, white people must face the first challenge: naming our race."
This book highlights structures and patterns that make racial equality difficult and elusive. This is NOT about shaming, but about understanding our own behaviour and how white folks can learn to be more effective allies.
This is another key work in the field of anti-racism training. Though written in the American context, the basic principles hold true for cross-racial interactions and responses here in Canada.
Effective anti-racism practice needs a high degree of self-reflection and honesty. White Fragility is an effective tool for this task.
Grounding practices and body awareness and steps to build racial stamina.
6 sessions, 2 hours/week
$300 Basic plan - $500 Supporter plan.*
![The words, 'White Fragility' spelled out.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_e1f1a7ca971f42ae9bb5ae416ca6af70~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_113,y_0,w_366,h_100/fill/w_366,h_100,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/White%20Fragility.png)
![A picture of the book, Unreconciled, by author Jesse Wente.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_ecf6d8895b384c6a8430111074dea509~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/jesse-wente-unreconciled-book.jpg)
Jesse Wente
“…non-indigenous people must reconcile themselves to the truth of their history, the truth of their country’s origins, and the truth of its continued actions.”
Through this remarkable work, set against the backdrop of Wente’s childhood, career in media and arts leadership, and relationship with his community, we will explore Canadian history, cultural patterns, and concepts that impact the complex process of reconciliation. It is both an inditement and invitation. You will come away with a deeper understanding of the concepts such as reconciliation, cultural appropriation, tokenism, whiteness, and entitlement.
6 sessions, 2 hours/week
$300 Basic plan - $500 Supporter plan.*
![The words, 'Unreconciled' spelled out.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_914bdd8912044a7a8831eba96b5bdc5b~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_129,y_0,w_342,h_100/fill/w_342,h_100,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/Unreconciled.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_5b9afe5621c3448cba495e9c3b342a75~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_400,h_400,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/s-l400.jpg)
Angela Sterritt
“Waiy woh, it is time."
In this powerful work, author Angela Sterritt outlines the reality of violence against Indigenous women and girls and the failure of Canadian systems and society to respond and protect. Sterritt re-centres the value of Indigenous lives and issues a clear call for justice and action.
This group process will utilize small and large group discussions, activities, and grounding practices.
6 sessions, 2 hours/week
$300 Basic plan - $500 Supporter plan.*
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_6a5e75e54f1244f7888c34cc9afe6580~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_335,y_0,w_535,h_200/fill/w_437,h_163,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Unbroken.png)
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_3cf0d494236f41c982b466986e2ed42c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_480,h_360,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/hqdefault.jpg)
Jody Wilson-Raybould
"...we are all forces of change, we all have a responsibility to advance change, and in order to do this we must locate ourselves in relation to the past, the present, and the future."
In True Reconcilation, Jody Wilson-Raybould traces the history of the colonization of Canada and encourages us all to chart a path, working towards reconciliation in our own lives. This group will include grounding practices and small and large group discussions.
6 sessions, 2 hours/week
$300 Basic plan - $500 Supporter plan.*
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_c43c29901c3c41efa3a03733330213ab~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_131,y_0,w_929,h_200/fill/w_759,h_163,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/True%20Reconciliation.png)
![The words, 'Pricing Explained' spelled out.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_17bb7e7201614f768a486a21718db786~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_146,y_0,w_912,h_200/fill/w_745,h_163,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Pricing.png)
Supporter: The true cost of offering this course. This amount assures a living wage and covers basic costs including venue (as needed), preparation, facilitation, resources, media and marketing, and also various reparations payments and the financial support of organizations run by Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour who do racial justice work for their communities. If you are financially fairly secure: steady source of income, own your own home or have a mortgage, enough income for meals out and vacations, please considering paying this rate.
Basic: The break-even price; the minimum that it costs to offer this course. This is a more affordable option for those who want to engage in the work, but can't manage the true cost rate.
Supported: This option is for those who have little income security and consistently struggle to make ends meet. Please contact me to discuss options. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. We want to support you.
50% deposit payable by e-transfer is due at time of registration. Full payment is due once time and date for course has been finalized. Deposit will be refunded if a suitable date is not found. Refunds for other reasons will be given in rare circumstances, but deposits and fees can be put toward other courses or gifted to other participants or the "supported" fund.
Other Registration Info:
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full groups and individuals welcome! Please contact us for group rates and corporate rates!
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days and times to be determined by group participants
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each group will start once we reach a minimum amount of registrants
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Jody Wilson-Raybould's True Reconciliation, and Angela Sterritt's Unbroken are available upon request!
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We highly recommend taking an introductory anti-racism or reconciliation course, such as Awakening Reconciliation, prior to signing up for a book study. This will increase your understanding and enjoyment of the group conversations greatly!
Have Questions?
Interested in the courses or book studies, but need to learn more about them?
Email us at:
margaret-anne@awakenings-anti-racism.com
![Awakenings Reconciliation & Anti-Racism Training logo, a letter 'A' inside of a blue circle.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/c6298d_d85f586b816b40b0a205006f2f3fa01b~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_500,h_500,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/c6298d_d85f586b816b40b0a205006f2f3fa01b~mv2.png)
![The hands raised of students in a classroom, asking questions of the instructor.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_3043764851363267775938~mv2_d_2000_3000_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1470,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Image%20by%20Artem%20Maltsev.jpg)
It’s all about a dialogue!
A few words from our clients. and colleagues:
The momentum you have created with this group is exciting and powerful.
Frances McCoubrey,
Secondary School Teacher,
I believe it to be one of the single most important experiences that I've had for professional (and personal) development.
Margaret-Anne creates such a support and welcoming environment and is so skilled at navigating through these challenging topics.
Honestly, don't even think twice, just sign up!!
Dena Baumann
Lake City Secondary School,
Thank you so much for leading this thought-provoking series of workshops. It was amazing and challenging and hopeful. I really liked and appreciated the way you facilitated. Each afternoon flew by for me.
Jen Clark
Secondary School Teacher,
Librarian
Thank you, Margaret-Anne, for such an enlightening education. I feel like I am more critical of the system I am part of and am looking for change.
Nara Riplinger
Secondary School Teacher,
Mostly, I appreciate the time you take... for each person and being sensitive with each response."
Carol Thiessen
St. Peter's Anglican participant