TORONTO, January 26, 2017 – York University is hosting a symposium to explore the relationship between post-secondary educational institutions and Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, January 27. The event, which will also discuss Canada’s Syrian refugee resettlement efforts, marks York University’s eighth annual Inclusion Day celebrations.

President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri will welcome the participants to the daylong event, and Osgoode Hall Law School Dean Lorne Sossin will also speak.

The program for the day includes:

• Arif Virani, MP Parkdale-High Park and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship will address participants on the triumphs and challenges of the Syrian Refugee Resettlement project;
• Reflecting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report, released a year ago, on the institutionalization of Indigenous/Aboriginal children in residential schools;
• Keynote by Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Lakehead University and the first Chair of Truth and Reconciliation at a Canadian university, and the former Vice-Provost for Aboriginal Initiatives at Lakehead;
• A panel discussion with Professor Deborah McGregor, Osgoode Hall Law School, Randy Pitawanakwat of York’s Centre for Aboriginal Student Services, and Karissa John, president of the Aboriginal Students Association at York U.

What: Inclusion Day 2017: Canada & Human Rights @150 years
When: Friday, January 26, 2017, 9am-3pm
Where: 940N Ross Building, Senate Chamber Room, York University Keele Campus, Toronto (building number 28 on the map)

For complete event info, visit: http://rights.info.yorku.ca/inclusion-day-2017/

York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni.York U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

Media contact:
Gloria Suhasini, Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca