Quest for Roots: Diversity in Canada

Course Description

This mini course critically explores diversity in Canada focusing on immigration, multiculturalism, civic responsibility, identity, representation and social justice. Participants will engage with topics of ancestry, race, cultural difference, gender and how these factors contribute to both privilege and discrimination. This course emphasises Canada’s leadership in diversity management and inclusive policies. By the end of the course, participants would have traced up to 100 years of ancestry and genealogy, and gained skills in understanding and appreciating diverse cultures, inclusion and equity. Thus, this course will prepare students to engage thoughtfully with Canada’s diverse society and contribute to harmonious, inclusive communities.

Biography

My name is Vera Oko. I am a 2nd Year PhD Student of the Feminist and Gender Studies Department at the University of Ottawa. I hold a Master’s degree in Women's Studies and an undergraduate degree in Theatre and Film Arts. From 2015-2023, I engaged in teaching English Language to high school students at a military high school called Command Secondary School. This engagement provided me with 9 years of uninterrupted experience working with children from age 10-17 from diverse backgrounds. During this time, I also developed skills attuned to listening, understanding and reading a student enough to accommodate their challenges and unique abilities. Because of this, I was also able to tailor my teaching methods to suit the unique needs of some of my students. Hence, this mini course becomes a perfect fit and a re-invitation to do what I love. Teaching and guiding the younger ones. I find immense joy in this, and I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to teach the younger ones once again through this mini course project.