Fredericton Faculty of Arts

Dear students, staff, and faculty in Arts,

Given recent events on our campus aiming to revive white supremacist and fascist ideologies, The Office of the Dean of Arts encourages students, staff, and faculty to educate themselves on these issues and support groups taking action against racism and bigotry in our communities. There is value in speaking out against such views in statements and public forums. It is at least as much, if not more, important that such statements lead to actions of solidarity and unity against hate.

We are grateful to the UNB Mi’kmaq Wolastoqey Centre for taking leadership in these actions by hosting their circle of healing and unity gathering last Wednesday, January 24th. There are many ways to show solidarity in the face of hate and UNB’s Elder in Residence Opolahsomuwehs Imelda Perley reminded us of the need to "heal the ones who want to hurt but also heal the ones who are hurting." We are heartened by the actions taken by the Mi’kmaq Wolastoqey Centre to bring our community together in the spirit of healing, compassion, and inclusion. Coming together physically to show support for one another is a powerful way to oppose and resist hateful messages meant to divide us and target members of our community.

It is in this same spirit that we invite you to help us reclaim our campus space by sharing messages of love and solidarity on Feb 14^th from 11am – 1pm in the Tilley lobby. During this Faculty of Arts ‘Solidarity Sidewalk’, we are inviting students, staff, and faculty to join us in authoring creative messages of solidarity, compassion, inclusion.

In addition to this event, we again encourage everyone to learn more about the ways in which various groups are marginalized in our communities. There are plenty of opportunities to do this on and off campus. Here are just a few examples of events you may wish to participate in over the coming months:

• Yesterday marked the beginning of Black History Month. Consider attending some of these UNB & STU events exploring black experience and history:

“Being Black in Canada, A Panel Discussion” – Feb 8^th at 6PM, Kinsella Auditorium, St. Thomas University
“Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present” by Robyn Maynard – Feb 14^th at 7PM, Memorial Hall Theatre, UNB Fredericton
“Slavery and the Construction of Black People as Property: The Legacy Lecture” by Dr. Afua Cooper – Feb 20^th at 7PM, Provincial Archives, Exhibit Room, UNB Fredericton & Poetry Reading – Feb 20^th at 12PM, UNB Art Centre, Memorial Hall, UNB Fredericton

• Attend the Pink Lobster Film Festival running Feb 8^th -10^th at UNB. Part of Fredericton’s Winter Pride Week, it is New Brunswick’s LGBTQIA2S+ Film Festival.
• Attend the Vagina Monologues, presented by the University Women’s Centre on Feb 12^th & 13^th at 7:30PM in Marshall D’Avray, room 143.
• Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 4^th Annual UNB MWC Pow-Wow – April 5^th -6^th.

We are committed to building a more equitable, safe, and welcoming community for all. We stand with members of our community that have been targeted by these messages of hate.

Sincerely,

Dr. Sasha Mullally, Acting Associate Dean of Arts
Dr. Ted McDonald, Acting Associate Dean of Arts
Office of the Dean, Faculty of Arts