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Braver Conversations: Navigating Difficult Dialogues on Racism, Privilege, and Inclusion
Presented by Karen Maxwell | Morning Session | 100 SPOTS
In today’s diverse and interconnected world, fostering inclusivity requires more than good intentions—it demands courage, awareness, and meaningful dialogue. This 90-minute session, presented by ONA, equips participants with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to engage in Braver Conversations about racism, privilege, discrimination, and marginalization.
Through interactive discussions, practical frameworks, and real-world scenarios, attendees will explore strategies for creating spaces where difficult yet necessary conversations can take place with empathy and accountability. Whether you’re leading DEI initiatives or striving to foster inclusivity in your organization, this session will provide actionable insights to navigate these critical conversations with confidence and impact.
Community Conversations and Human Libraries: An Exploration of Communicative Tools to Address Older Adult's Loneliness
Presented by Natasha Dixon | Afternoon Session | 40 SPOTS
Loneliness among older adults is a growing public health concern, with profound effects on mental and physical well-being. This interactive workshop explores Community Conversations and Human Libraries as powerful communicative tools to combat social isolation and foster belonging.
Through case studies, small group discussions, and reflective exercises, participants will engage in meaningful dialogue on the realities of older adult loneliness and explore practical strategies for creating welcoming, connected spaces. Attendees will also learn how to implement human libraries—story-sharing initiatives that honor oral traditions and lived experiences—to build empathy and strengthen community ties in workplaces, libraries, and community centers.
Destigmatizing HIV to Build Communities of Belonging
Presented by Edi Aranguren | Afternoon Session | 40 SPOTS
Belonging is a fundamental aspect of well-being, yet for people living with or at risk of HIV, stigma and discrimination continue to create barriers to care, support, and community connection. This interactive workshop explores how innovative tools like self-testing kits can help reduce stigma, empower individuals, and foster inclusive healthcare and community spaces.
Through small group discussions, stigma mapping exercises, and a visioning activity, participants will identify barriers to belonging and co-create strategies to build supportive environments for key populations, including 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, racialized communities, and people who use substances. The session will also explore community-led approaches and practical steps to ensure harm reduction, outreach, and healthcare programs center belonging and accessibility.
Exploring Everyday Racist Symbolism in Public Spaces: Lessons from Community Centres
Presented by Jordan O'Dell | Afternoon Session | 100 SPOTS
Public spaces, including community centres, often contain symbols, imagery, and messaging that can either reinforce exclusion or foster inclusivity. This interactive workshop will examine how everyday elements—such as posters, decorations, and architectural features—can carry racist symbolism, whether intentional or unintentional, and impact the sense of belonging for diverse community members.
Through a scripted presentation, facilitated discussions, and small group activities, participants will explore examples of racist symbolism in Halton’s public spaces and analyze how these messages influence community engagement. The session will also focus on actionable strategies for incorporating anti-racist symbols and inclusive practices to ensure that public spaces reflect and support the diverse communities they serve.
Aligned with the theme “Interconnected,” this workshop will encourage participants to align anti-racist efforts across health and human services settings in Halton, fostering more equitable and welcoming environments for all.
Rooted in Land, Connected in Spirit: Belonging Through Indigenous Worldviews
Presented by Sherry Saevil | Morning Session | 40 SPOTS
Belonging is a fundamental human experience, yet its meaning and expression vary across cultures. In Indigenous worldviews, belonging is deeply rooted in relationships—with the land, community, and spirit—forming the foundation of identity, resilience, and well-being.
This session will explore Indigenous concepts of belonging, contrasting them with Western individualistic paradigms. Through discussions on land as identity, interconnectedness with all living beings, and the resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of colonization, participants will gain insight into the depth of relational belonging. Drawing on Indigenous ways of knowing, personal narratives, and community perspectives, the session will highlight the contemporary relevance of these understandings in climate action, reconciliation, and mental health.
By centering Indigenous perspectives, this session invites cross-cultural learning and dialogue, fostering a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of relational belonging in a globalized world.
Why Inclusion is a Mental Health Issue: Centering Psychological Safety in the Workplace
Presented by Jessie Sidhu | Morning Session | 40 SPOTS
Creating truly inclusive workplaces requires more than policies—it demands a culture of psychological safety where individuals feel valued, heard, and supported. This interactive workshop explores the Psychological Safety First Inclusion framework by Jessie Sidhu, founder of Melanated Guide, emphasizing how psychological safety is the foundation for both inclusion and mental well-being.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the connection between psychological safety, inclusion, and mental health through an engaging session that includes a privilege walk designed by Indigenous partner Syndel Kozar, small group discussions, and a hands-on case study exercise. By analyzing real-world barriers and co-developing strategies to foster psychologically safe environments, attendees will leave with actionable insights to build trust, promote well-being, and advance DEI efforts in their organizations.
BELONGING THINK TANK
Presented by Community Development Halton | Morning & Afternoon | 16 SPOTS
The Belongingness Think Tank is a collaborative space dedicated to deepening our understanding of belonging and advancing strategies that foster inclusive, connected communities. This initiative brings together individuals from diverse sectors to explore current research, share best practices, and engage in thoughtful dialogue about what it means to truly belong. Through regular gatherings and focused inquiry, participants will co-create actionable recommendations and a forward-looking plan to embed belongingness into organizational cultures, policies, and practices. Whether you're an advocate, practitioner, or curious learner, the Think Tank invites you to imagine and shape a more inclusive future—together.