Race, intergenerational trauma and mental health have become increasingly popular subjects in Canadian and Quebecois media, however our social service systems often do not reflect these specific needs. Systemic racism places a heavy weight on people of colour, that is rarely recognized in therapy, causing isolation and an increase in mental health symptoms. To combat this, it is imperative that systemic racism and the effects of intergenerational trauma be acknowledged and discussed in mental health contexts, so that together as a community we can create a future that is sustainable and sensitive to the needs of marginalized folks, especially considering our specific context of living on and benefitting from stolen land. Residential schools and slavery are only two examples of the consequences of colonialism, and the effects of these horrendous events are still felt today in us all, but particularly continue to negatively affect the mental health of racialized communities.

The event will consist of a guided panel discussion focused on intergenerational trauma and how it has an impact on the mental health of people of colour today; there will be three panelists coming from different communities and areas of expertise, including Indigenous philosophies, anti-racist understandings of mental health and trauma-informed practice.

Accessibility:

There are two elevators in the building that can bring you to the 7th floor. There are gendered wheelchair accessible washrooms available on the 8th floor, as well as gender neutral wheelchair accessible washrooms on the 2nd floor in the Hive Cafe.

Please refrain from wearing strong scents. No queerphobic, racist, sexist, ableist, etc. speech will be tolerated.

We hope you can join us! Stay tuned for more information!

We would like to think the Centre for Gender Advocacy and the Concordia Council on Student Life for their generous support.

We would like to acknowledge that Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

Poster by Noka Palm Trees