June 2024 - Challenging Assumptions

As we welcome June, a month filled with vibrant celebrations for both Pride Month and Indigenous History Month, I’m excited to also share some incredible experiences and reflections from May.

Reflecting on the past month, Mother's Day was particularly inspiring. I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Jemimah Njuki's from UN Women present on "Re-imagining solutions for gender equality in a time of crisis" and it reminded me of the need for systemic transformations. Rethinking care as a public good, rather than a burden, can transform our understanding of its value. Additionally, the WNBA showcase in Edmonton was a historic moment for sports. Witnessing a record crowd of 16,655 fans celebrating women's basketball highlighted the palpable growth of women’s sports. Sharing this experience with family, friends, and fellow Edmontonians was incredibly special. The event underscored the need to support and celebrate the achievements of women athletes.

Now, as we step into June, we embrace the vibrant celebrations of both Pride Month and Indigenous History Month. Earlier this year, Pride at Work Canada launched a call for nominations to recognize excellence in 2SLGBTQIA+ workplace inclusion as part of their 15th-anniversary celebrations. As a member of the Selection Committee, it was an honor to help select the CHANGEMAKERS. These 15 incredible individuals across Canada are championing Two-Spirit, queer, and trans inclusion in the corporate, public service, and non-profit sectors. Their collective work drives the 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion movement and inspires others to create spaces where Two-Spirit, queer, and trans people can thrive and belong. Discover more about these remarkable leaders and their achievements here. And if you are looking to make a meaningful impact during Pride Month, especially in the face of rising anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate, you can join Pride at Work Canada’s Virtual ProPride Amplifying Pride: Engaging 2SLGBTQIA+ Influencers for Impact. Registration is free!

This month also marks Indigenous History Month, a time to honor and learn from Indigenous cultures and histories. I had the privilege of attending Moose Hide Campaign Day 2024 at Edmonton City Hall. The experience was profoundly moving, filled with beautiful dancing, songs, and rich cultural sharing. Alongside many others, I took the Moose Hide Pledge, showcasing our collective commitment to raising awareness and creating meaningful change in ending violence against women and children. Learning about the origins of the Moose Hide Campaign was deeply enlightening and a reminder of the importance of supporting reconciliation. You can read more about Indigenous History Month and its significance here, with resources from my dear friends over at Rise Consulting.

As we embark on this new month, let's continue to reflect on the moments that matter and strive for a more inclusive world together. Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Let's make June a month of reflection, action, and progress. And don’t forget to follow along on to Disrupt Diversity with me on TikTok!

With gratitude,