Anti-Racisim Presentations & Trainings
In addition to counselling and writing, Gurleen provides Diversity and Inclusion training to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and corporations. Her passion is speaking specifically to anti-racism and anti-violence. She has conducted research on contemporary racism in the Canadian context and in her presentations. She includes current and historical literature on the topic. The cornerstone of Gurleen’s trainings is storytelling, as she includes the many stories she has collected from research participants, family, friends, and her own accounts.
Anti-Racism
There are many ways racism can exist within organizations, schools, the workplace and family systems. The time has come to address the longstanding tradition of racism that has been embedded in Canadian laws, policy, education, the judicial system, and social interactions. Not being racist is not enough, we must act. The time has come to be anti-racist, and if you are not on the side of putting a stop to the pain and suffering of racialized populations- then you are a part of the problem. Language and knowledge regarding anti-racism is no longer a luxury, it is a duty. The work begins with ourselves and addressing what is going on in our own homes and offices. The work begins now.
Past Presentations & Trainings
Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA)
Exhibitor for Annual CCPA Conference.
Archives Association of Canada (AAOO)
Hired as a diversity trainer and consultant for staff and volunteers at the AAOO.
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Speaker for the BC Teachers Federation Leadership Conference.
College of New Caledonia
Spoke to dental hygiene students and faculty in this post-secondary institution on the historical context of racism in Canada, contemporary forms of racism, and the implications for students and faculty. This half day training was interactive and included discussion time.
CRIVET Symposium Laval University (Quebec City)
Center for Research and Intervention on Education and Work Life conference in Quebec where Gurleen presented her research on anti-racism. Gurleen was awarded the Charles Bujold National Award.
Thompson Rivers University
Spoke as a guest speaker with a graduate university students group who are currently taking a Diversity course. The presentation included current literature, question/answer dialogue between Gurleen and the course instructor, and a question/answer period directly with the students.
Heidelberg University of Education (Germany)
Spoke to a class of graduate university students on her research and racism in the Canadian context. The presentation included accounts of participant stories from Gurleen’s thesis study.
YMCA
Spoke to the senior leadership team at the Kamloops YMCA regarding anti-racism and the workplace. The training included providing language around race and racism, microaggressions and implications for individuals and the organization.