As we celebrate Pride Month this June, I am excited to share some reflections and upcoming events that highlight our ongoing commitment to inclusion and belonging at Humber College. This special month is not just a time for celebration; it's a time for reflection, solidarity, and a reaffirmation that regardless of who you love, how you identify, or where you come from, you have a place in Humber, in our community, and in our hearts. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us today at our Pride Flag Raising event, organized by the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging, the LGBTQ+ Resource Centre, and the 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG). This event was a significant moment to celebrate our diverse community and recognize the incredible work done every day with 2SLGBTQIA+ people at Humber. 

You Belong Here

This year's Pride Month theme at Humber is "You Belong Here." For me, belonging at Humber is about love and acceptance. It means making sure that everyone is cared about, respected, celebrated, and loved for who they are. It's about ensuring that people have the services and support they need. It's about understanding that our differences are a source of strength. When we choose to embrace and draw strength from our differences, we build a true sense of belonging. It is also about understanding Mino Nawendiwen-Good relationships and the interconnectedness we all have with everything around us.  

To achieve this, we need to be intentional in our efforts. This is why we created the division of Inclusion & Belonging to drive our collective efforts forward and why we are taking an intersectional approach to advancing inclusion and belonging across Humber. 

As we raise the pride flag, let it serve as a symbol of strength, unity, and community; and let it remind us that until our 2SLGBTQIA+ community members feel they can live their lives fully and authentically, our work is incomplete. 

Honouring Resilience and Courage 

For far too long, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals have faced discrimination, persecution, and exclusion simply for being who they are. Despite these obstacles, they have persisted with resilience and courage. This Pride month, we honour their struggles, their victories, and their contributions to our collective journey towards equality and acceptance. This month, we unite against bigotry, discrimination, and injustice. 

Pride Month is also significant as it coincides with National Indigenous History Month. The two share a deep connection, particularly as it relates to reclaiming Indigenous two-spirit identities and traditions, which is central to advancing reconciliation. 

Our Ongoing Commitment

While we have made important progress, we recognize there is much more work to do. Together, I am confident that we can continue to build a future at Humber where belonging is not just a word, but a true reality.

To our students, staff, and community, know this: You belong here—not just this month, but always. 

Thank you for being part of our Humber family and for supporting our commitment to inclusion and belonging. 

With pride and solidarity, 

Jason Seright
Vice-President, Inclusion & Belonging

The Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging in partnership with the LGBTQ+ Resource Centre and the 2SLGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG) will be celebrating Pride Month in June 2024. In particular, we celebrate queer communities of colour, migrant 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, trans, intersex, and disabled queer folks who still navigate intersectional barriers in their everyday lives. We also acknowledge that Pride takes place on Indigenous lands, and that Pride Month takes place during National Indigenous History Month. We believe that reclaiming Indigenous two-spirit identities and traditions is central to the ongoing process of reconciliation and decolonization of 2SLGBTQIA+ movements. 

We encourage the Humber community to celebrate with us as we honour the identities and self-expression of two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual members of our community, students, staff, and faculty.

THANK YOU to everyone who came to our Flag Raising and Opening Ceremonies and we encourage everyone to continue to get involved and take part in many wonderful events and trainings happening throughout Pride Month! 

You can check out the Pride Calendar and all the many events at: https://humber.ca/lgbtq/events 

Please be sure to share this events calendar with your networks. Happy Pride! 

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to explore, celebrate, and learn more about the unique cultures, traditions, histories, and experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. Let's take this opportunity to reflect on the stories, accomplishments, and strength of all Indigenous Peoples in Canada, whose lands many of us call home, work on, and enjoy with gratitude. 

At Humber, we are committed to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and a sense of belonging across our institution. It is important for us that we build a future where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage all staff, students, and faculty to take a moment this month to reflect on the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. 

National Indigenous Peoples Day – June 21: 

On June 21, we also mark National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. This day is dedicated to honouring the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across our nation. National Indigenous Peoples Day is yet another opportunity for us all to deepen our understanding of Indigenous cultures and acknowledge the vital role they play in shaping our society.  

Here are a few ways you can engage this month: 

Learn and Reflect: Take time to educate yourself about the diverse cultures, languages, and histories of Indigenous peoples. Our library and the Indigenous Education & Engagement team offer numerous resources to support your learning journey. Additionally, the Government of Canada’s website provides valuable information on their National Indigenous History Month page.

Support Indigenous Initiatives: Consider supporting Indigenous artists, businesses, and organizations. Your support helps to sustain and grow the vibrant cultures and economies of Indigenous communities. 

Participate in Activities: Explore the various events and activities taking place locally and nationally. Many virtual events are available, allowing for participation from the comfort of your home. 

Engage in Dialogue: Use this month as an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with colleagues, friends, and family about the importance of Indigenous contributions and the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities. 

Humber College is proud to support initiatives that promote reconciliation. We remain committed to creating spaces where Indigenous voices are heard and respected. 

Thank you for joining us in recognizing and celebrating National Indigenous History Month. 

miigwech/Nia:wen/kinanaskomitin/Thank-you, 

Jason Seright 
Vice-President, Inclusion & Belonging

Celebrate Pride by reading 2SLGBTQ+ memoirs and biographies curated by the Library. As you read, recognize your own struggles and triumphs in someone else's story or learn from those who are different from yourself. Spend time with these stories of love, self-acceptance, advocacy, joy, and resilience.

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