HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 9, 2023Agenda
Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce
February 9, 2023
7:00 pm
Electronic Meeting
For information related to accessibility requirements please contact:
Committee Coordinator
905.420.4611
clerks@pickering.ca
Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the livestream.
Page
1.Welcome and Call to Order
2.Review and Approval of Agenda
3.Disclosure of Interest
4.Approval of Minutes – January 5, 2023 1
5.Presentations
5.1 Amanda Gallagher, Conservator, Museum Operations
Re: Project update on “Roots to Rebellion”
6.Delegations
7.General Business
7.1 2023 Taskforce Vacancies and Call for Members
7.2 Community & Civic Engagement Sub-committee
7.3 Inclusive Leadership Sub-committee
7.4 Youth Sub-committee
7.5 Communications Sub-committee
7.6 International Decade for People of African Descent
7.7 Library Working Group Proposal
7.8 Work Plan & Budget Update
7.9 Public Consultations
8.Correspondence
9.Other Business
13
Agenda
Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce
February 9, 2023
7:00 pm
Electronic Meeting
For information related to accessibility requirements please contact:
Committee Coordinator
905.420.4611
clerks@pickering.ca
10. Next Meeting – March 2, 2023
11. Adjournment
Page 1 of 10
Minutes/Meeting Summary
Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce
January 5, 2023
Electronic Meeting
7:00 pm
Attendees: Z. Adatia
A. Fraser
O. Grignon
K. Hanson
F. Heath
J. Heath
N. Hepburn
K. Lopez
L. Cabral, Coordinator, Public Art
C. Addo-Bekoe, Manager, People and Culture, Pickering Public Library (Staff
Liaison)
J. San Antonio, Senior Advisor, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (Staff Liaison)
D. YewWoon, Community Engagement Coordinator, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
A. MacGillivray, Committee Coordinator (Recording Secretary)
Absent: C. Farinha
E. Gittens
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
1. Welcome and Call to Order
F. Heath welcomed everyone to the meeting and
called the meeting to order.
2. Review and Approval of Agenda
Moved by Z. Adatia
Seconded by N. Hepburn
That the agenda for the January 5, 2023 Meeting of
the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce be
approved.
Carried
3. Disclosure of Interest
No disclosures of interest were noted.
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Page 2 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
4. Approval of Minutes – November 3, 2022
Moved by A. Fraser
Seconded by O. Grignon
That the Minutes of the November 3, 2022 Meeting
of the Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce be
approved.
Carried
5. Presentations
5.1 Lucas Cabral, Coordinator, Public Art
Georgia Fullerton
Re: Wagon Wrap Public Art Project
Georgia Fullerton provided introductory
remarks to the Taskforce, and provided an
overview of her experience in the arts,
specifically print.
Members of the Taskforce and Georgia
Fullerton discussed concerns around the
Wagon Wrap Art Project including:
• the need for the communities portrayed in
this art project to be consulted in the
process; and,
• the need for the historical context and
narrative to be accurately portrayed by the
project.
Georgia Fullerton further spoke to her over 30
years of experience in the visual arts, as well
as the question that were guiding her work on
the project including:
• What factors supported enslaved and free
Blacks in Ontario at this time?
• How does one reflect on this seminal time
in Black history in a contemporary way?
• What aspects of the Black lens should be
focused on?
• How does this connect to current day
Pickering and Durham Region?
• What does the Wagon represent for Blacks
during The Rebellion, and how can it be
displayed to tell a story that we all can
learn from?
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Page 3 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
• How does the symbolism of the Wagon
inform the historical narrative of Black
settlers from the 1800’s and their eventual
positionality in Durham Region today?
Georgia Fullerton further spoke to:
• The hand painted decals on the Wagon;
• Her work with acrylics, abstract, and
representational art; and,
• The location of where the Wagon will be
displayed and the educational component
to accompany it.
Georgia Fullerton and Members of the
Taskforce discussed:
• the artistry and art forms being considered
in the project;
• the condition of the Wagon and safety
concerns preventing people from sitting in
the wagon;
• the Wagon’s position within a larger exhibit
with other features such as augmented
reality (AR); and,
• other aspects that can be incorporated
such as the metal footstep, quilts, and
wheel spokes.
Georgia Fullerton made a presentation to the
Taskforce highlighting:
• her background and experience in the arts;
• the various organizations she has
partnered with;
• the Beaux-Arts Gallery Murals in Brampton,
ON;
• the Heart of Ajax Public Art Project at the
McLean Community Centre, Ajax, ON;
• responses to PABRT Member feedback
from the November 3, 2022 Meeting;
• a historical photo depicting children at a
school in Buxton, ON;
• the augmented reality (AR) component
expected at the log barn that will highlight
the conflictual issues during the Rebellion
of 1837;
• the creative direction and the ideas being
considered for the project;
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Page 4 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
• the history of Amber Valley, AB;
• challenging the “Great White North”
narrative, and showcasing the challenges
that Black communities faced in Canada;
and,
• working with other artists to potentially
incorporate their art into the project.
Taskforce Members further discussed the
stage that the project is currently at, the
anticipated installment of the Wagon art piece
in October-November 2023.
The Taskforce also expressed their gratitude
for consultation on the project.
5.2 Stephen Linton, Pickering Public
Library Anti-Black Racism Working
Group
Re: The International Decade for People
of African Descent
Stephen Linton provided introductory remarks
and stated an acknowledgement of the
contributions of Black African Peoples in
Canada.
Stephen Linton spoke to the ongoing
collaboration between the Taskforce and the
Pickering Public Library Anti-Black Racism
Working Group including:
• the City’s proclamation of the International
Decade for the People of African Descent
expected in February 2023;
• strategies to promote the greater
knowledge of and respect for the diverse
heritage, culture, and contributions of
People of African Descent for the
development of society;
• the development of an identifier that
represents the Black community in
Pickering;
• creating events to celebrate African culture;
• Black Mental Health Week expansion into
Durham Region
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Page 5 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
• Black Youth Health Week; and,
• celebration of Black history and culture
throughout the year, and not just limited to
Black History Month.
Discussion ensued with the Taskforce
discussing:
• what an identifier is, and how it can be
used;
• the City of Toronto’s identifier and its uses;
• timelines around development of an
identifier and the potential for a June or
July launch;
• whether an artist has been sourced for
designing the identifier and how to go about
sourcing an artist;
• opportunities to engage Black youth in the
design of the identifier; and,
• the importance of a strong story to
accompany the identifier.
Moved by N. Hepburn
Seconded by Z. Adatia
That the Taskforce continue to collaborate with the
Pickering Public Library Anti-Black Racism Working
Group on the creation of an identifier for the
International Decade for People of African Descent.
Carried
6. Delegations
There were no delegations.
7. General Business
7.1 Community & Civic Engagement
Sub-committee
A. Fraser provided an update regarding the work
of the Community & Civic Engagement
Sub-committee including:
• the success of Black Joy Holiday Experience
Event;
• the feature of the Taskforce in the Pickering
News Advertiser;
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Page 6 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
• thinking ahead to Black History Month and
opportunities to showcase what the Taskforce
has accomplished over the past year; and,
• Afro-futurism and continuing to engage with
other organizations doing similar work.
7.2 Inclusive Leadership Sub-committee
F. Heath and O. Grignon provided an update
regarding the work being done on the
Taskforce’s Terms of Reference including:
• engagement with partners to assist in
revising the Terms of Reference;
• the formation of a small group of Taskforce
Members to assist in revising the Terms of
Reference;
• opportunities for all Taskforce Members to
provide feedback; and,
• whether compensation can be expanded to
include subsidized pricing for event space
and/or sub-committee work in the Terms of
Reference.
7.3 Youth Sub-committee
J. Heath provided and update regarding the
Youth Subcommittee including the success of
the Reaching Higher Event.
Discussion ensued with the Taskforce
discussing:
• that 197 people attended the Reaching
Higher Event both in person and virtually;
• the facilitation of the event by the Black
Foundation of Community Networks and
their donation of the facilitation fees back to
their scholarship program;
• the success of the Taskforce in connecting
various stakeholders within the community;
• whether there is an opportunity to work with
students graduating high school this year;
• whether there is opportunity to help
connect Black students with internships
and career placement opportunities;
• the upcoming opportunities with Ontario’s
Ministry of Finance Internship Program;
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Page 7 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
• the upcoming information sessions
regarding summer job opportunities with
the Regional Municipality of Durham; and,
• whether these opportunities can be
promoted by the Taskforce via social media
and engaging with schools.
7.4 Communications Sub-committee
Kenisha Hanson provided an update on the
work of the Communications Sub-committee
including:
• ways the Taskforce can promote the
aforementioned opportunities via social
media and further engaging with other
community partners;
• the positive engagement from the Black
Joy Holiday Experience and connecting
with participating vendors;
• the gift baskets that were put together and
the draws that took place at the Black Joy
Holiday Experience Event;
• the Taskforce’s feature in the Pickering
News Advertiser;
• an update regarding the feature opportunity
with What’s On Durham;
• The end of the social media contractor and
the social media content process moving
forward;
• content strategy during Black History Month
and engaging youth; and,
• the contest undertaken via social media;
• the feature of the Taskforce on the digital
billboards throughout the City.
7.5 International Decade for People of African
Descent
See Item 5.2
7.6 Library Working Group Proposal
See Item 5.2
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Page 8 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
7.7 Work Plan Update
O Grignon provided an update including:
• efforts and opportunities to collaborate with
other community organizations in 2023;
• the Cultural Expressions Black History Event
on February 4th and 5th, 2023;
• uncertainty around the City’s support for the
event and whether the Taskforce can provide
partnership and resources for the Event; and,
• the Together W e Rise Event on February 2nd,
2023 and whether the Taskforce can provide
resources and support for that Event.
Taskforce Members expressed concerns around
needing more information before making a
decision to support the aforementioned events.
Discussion ensued between A. MacGillivray, J.
San Antonio, and the Taskforce around:
• the wording of a potential motion to support the
aforementioned events;
• procedures around calling Special Meetings;
and,
• a proposed amount of $1,500.00 - $2,000.00 in
financial support.
Moved by Z. Adatia
Seconded by O. Grignon
1. That the Taskforce support the Cultural
Expressions Event on February 4 and 5, 2023,
as well as the Together Rise Event on
February 2, 2023; and,
2. That the way in which the Taskforce will
provide support be determined in the coming
days.
Carried
7.8 Budget Update
O. Grignon provided a budget update including
the amount of around $162.00 left over in the
budget.
J. San Antonio to follow up
regarding the City’s support
of the Cultural Expressions
Black History Event and
connect with the organizers
of the Together We Rise
Event to obtain more
information.
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Page 9 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
F. Heath encouraged Members to share ideas
and proposals for the Taskforce to incorporate
into the Work Plan such as events and
collaborations.
7.9 Meeting Schedule
F. Heath provided an overview of the proposed
2023 Meeting for the PABRT.
Discussion ensued with the Taskforce
discussing:
• potential schedule conflicts;
• whether the Taskforce should adopt the
entire 2023 Meeting Schedule in light of the
term ending;
• whether the Taskforce can discuss their
availability for meetings over email; and,
• the conflict of having a Taskforce Meeting
scheduled on February 2, 2023, the same
day as the Together Rise Event.
Moved by K. Hanson
Seconded By A. Fraser
That the Taskforce adopt the following 2023 meeting
dates:
a. February 9, 2023 – 7:00 pm
b. March 2, 2023 – 7:00 pm
Carried
8. Correspondence
There were no items of correspondence
9. Other Business
9.1 New Term Recruitment
J. San Antonio provided an overview of the
recruitment timelines and process for the new
term of the PABRT.
The Taskforce engaged in discussion
regarding:
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Page 10 of 10
Item/
Ref #
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Action Items/Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
• Members interested in continuing to serve
on the Taskforce being required to reapply;
• Members not interested in continuing to
serve on the Taskforce not needing to
provide resignation notice;
• whether there is a transition plan or an
orientation that the current Taskforce can
develop to assist future members; and,
• the City’s Policy ADM 040 Review and the
opportunity for the Taskforce to provide
feedback.
Members expressed concerns regarding the
lack of transition planning provisions in Policy
ADM 040, and the potential negative impacts
on the future Taskforce.
9.2 Community Banner Program Update
J. San Antonio provided an update regarding
changes to the City’s Community Banner
Policy and how it has impacted the timelines of
the Community Banner Project.
10. Next Meeting – February 9, 2023
11. Adjournment
Moved by Z. Adatia
Seconded by A. Fraser
That the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
Meeting Adjourned: 9:33 pm
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Roots to Rebellion
Pickering in the 1830s
Project update
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Background
The 1830s was host to multiple community-changing events in Upper Canada.
By viewing these events through the eyes of Pickering’s and Durham’s Black
citizens, visitors will empathize with and learn to look at the past through
diverse perspectives.
This exhibit explores the early years of Pickering and how the settlers from this
small farming community were instrumental in the Rebellion of 1837. It will be
told through the perspectives of Black settlers, working through their lives from
the 1820s and culminating in the Rebellion of 1837-38.
Events such as the Abolition Act of 1834, the Underground Railroad, the Upper
Canadian Rebellion, and United Empire Loyalists settlement will be interpreted
through the lens of Pickering and Durham’s black community.
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Objectives and Scope
This project aims to:
•Create a fun, hands-on, multi-sensory “living the history”
experience for children and their families.
•Make use of both sides of the barn and extend the exhibit outside.
•Increase partnerships and tourism opportunities.
•Add a space for reflection using projectors in the Log House and a
portion of the barn.
Target Audience:
•Children aged 6-12.
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Exhibit Themes
•Community
Explores early settlement of
the United Empire Loyalists,
and other methods of
migration to Canada
Will feature the
Underground Railroad in
British North America, and
narrative behind Ontario
and Pickering’s Black
Loyalists
Also features day to day
community building
•Commerce
Explores market and trade
through interactive exhibit
stations both inside and
outside of the exhibit
space
Features agricultural and
traveling activities
•Upheaval
Explores the 1837 Rebellion,
providing context for
Pickering’s role
Also looks into the military
and migratory experience of
Black citizens, researched in
partnership with Chatham-
Kent Black Mecca Museum
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Log Barn
To feature migration stories and daily settler tasks, relating to trade, marketplace,
and community building
Will also look at Pickering’s Black citizens, and how their lives intersected with the
larger events of Pickering. This section also includes modern narratives of
community building, connecting to the scarce historical narratives.
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Projection space:
5-7 min. animated
projection that introduces
events relating to early
Black settlement
Interactive station
where visitors listen
to stories of
migration and
community building
Graphics panel:
Timeline of events
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Grist mill activity, to discover
why settlements near water
were important
Migration stories and
projection of the North Star
Reflective and sharing space
(design TBD)
Plough
arcade activity
Digital artifact and
audio narratives
exploration area
Log clearing activity
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Outdoor space
- 18 -
@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Playhouses
Will be approx. 5’ in height, mainly for 6-10 age
group
•Toll booth & corduroy road: learn about
commerce, taxation and inequality for tax
spending in 1820s-30s
•Barn-raising: team activity, learning how
neighbours need to come together to prosper,
•Fence building: team activity, learning about
the cooperation needed for to create a
community
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Log House
To focus on the 1837 Rebellion,
providing context for Pickering’s role
in the rebellion and also the
perspectives of those against the
rebellion.
Black citizens enlisted as Loyalists
from the War of 1812 up until 1850. A
specific militia (the ‘Black Militia /
Coloured Corp’) was formed to fight
for the government during the 1837
Rebellion. Their histories will be
featured in an Augmented Reality
experience within the Log House.
Research was compiled in
partnership with the Chatham-Kent
Black Historical Society (Black Mecca
Museum), and York University’s Black
Canadian Studies program.
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Online Experience
•Free for all to access
•For teachers: pre -and post-visit lesson plans
for the ‘1837!’ and ‘Mapping George’s Freedom’
programs
•For students and on-site visitors: augmented
reality experiences
•For off-site (at home) visitors:
•digital resources, including partner sites
virtual exhibits and content
•360 tour of exhibit
Visit www.pickeringmuseumvillage.ca to see our
current online education resources
Artifact Images (top to bottom):
Barn hoist; Rebellion box; Surveyor’s chain
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Next Steps
•Feb. 10: Community consultation survey closes
•Feb. 21: PMV to present to consultation results and exhibit concept
to the CAC for feedback and comments
•February onwards: Start community outreach for participants; would
like to ask PABRT for networking; PMV to provide honorarium for
participants
•March: First community focus group to review content; PMV to
provide honorarium for participants
•On-site work:
•Fabrication –purchasing and designs in progress
•Museum Exhibit Specialist position hired by end of February
•Working with current partner sites (Archives of Ontario, Black Mecca
Museum, Sharon Temple, Toronto History Museums) for digital
components
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@PickeringMuse
pickeringmuseumvillage.ca
Amanda Gallagher
(Acting) Conservator
Pickering Museum Village | Community Services
T.905.420.4660 ext. 3718
agallagher@pickering.ca
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