Anti-racism reading lists

Part of combating racial injustice is taking the time to learn about where it stems from, and how it impacts our society.

These lists of resources and information are here to help students, faculty, and staff in our department develop a deeper understanding of issues of racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Indigenous racism and anti-Asian racism; as well as provide tools for campus community members to engage in anti-racism work across campus.

If you have any recommendations for additional resources, notice any broken links or have other feedback about these lists, please contact the Faculty's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Anti-Racism and Black Political Thought

Resource	Description
The Skin We're In by Desmond Cole	The Skin We're In describes the struggle against racism in Canada during the year 2017, chronicling Cole's role as an anti-racist activist and the impact of systemic racism in Canadian society.
Canadian Education is Steeped in Anti-Black Racism by Robyn Maynard	An analysis on the psychological violence, degradation and harm that Black youth face in Canadian Schools.
Black Canadians History, Experiences, Social Conditions by Joseph Mensa	This book by Joseph Mensa covers 300 years of Black Canadian history, from the first migration of slaves, black loyalists, and Civil War refugees to the expansive movement brought about by the establishment of the point system in 1967. It also addresses housing, the labor market, sports management, and race and ethnic relations.
Black Travel Movement: Systemic Racism informing tourism by Stefanie Benjamin & Aana Dilette	Critical race theories reveal systemic racism in travel industry.
Until We Are Free Edited by Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson, and Syrus Marcus Ware	"Until We Are Free busts myths of Canadian politeness and niceness, myths that prevent Canadians from properly fulfilling its dream of multiculturalism and from challenging systemic racism, including the everyday assaults on black and brown bodies.
Willie: The Gamechanging Story of the NHL's first Black Player	In this book, Canada’s first Black professional hockey player discusses his experience facing racism in a predominantly white sport.
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X Kendi	In How to Be an Antiracist, Kendi takes readers through a widening circle of antiracist ideas—from the most basic concepts to visionary possibilities—that will help readers see all forms of racism clearly, understand their poisonous consequences, and work to oppose them in our systems and in ourselves.
Podcast: Code Switch by NPR	Code Switch by NPR is a podcast featuring fearless conversations about race, hosted by journalists of color. This podcast tackles the subject of race head-on, and explores how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between.
Race, Ethnicity and Racism in Sports Coaching by Steven Bradbury and Jim Lusted	Steven Bradbury and Jim Lusted’s book “Race, Ethnicity and Racism in Sports Coaching” focuses on the ways in which race, and ethnicity operate, and how they are experiences or addressed within the context of sports coaching.
Anti-Blackness is a public health crisis. It deserves more than lip service, by Sane Dube	This article examines the importance of understanding the hate towards black communities and how we can push towards an integrated community.
Let’s get to the root of racial injustice, by Megan Ming Francis	This TED talk by Megan Ming focuses on the underlying issues in our society and how we can stop racial injustice.

Indigenous Liberation in Canada

Resource	Description
Indigenous History Timeline	This timeline presents key events and developments in Indigenous history in what is now Canada, from Time Immemorial to present. While no timeline can be exhaustive in its coverage, it provides a broad chronological overview to support educators and students.
Indigenous Ally Toolkit	An Indigenous Ally toolkit created by the Montreal Urban Aboriginal Community Strategy Network.
Anti-Indigenous Racism in Canada	An article by the The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health about Canada's history of racism against Indigenous peoples.
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph	Since its creation in 1876, the Indian Act has shaped, controlled, and constrained the lives and opportunities of Indigenous Peoples, and is at the root of many enduring stereotypes. Bob Joseph's book comes at a key time in the reconciliation process, when awareness from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities is at a crescendo.
Aboriginal Peoples and Sport in Canada	Aboriginal Peoples and Sport in Canada uses sport as a lens through which to examine issues such as individual and community health, gender and race relations, culture and colonialism, and self-determination and agency. In this groundbreaking volume, leading scholars offer a multidisciplinary perspective on how unequal power relations influence the ability of Aboriginal people in Canada to implement their own visions for sport.
Keetsahnak: Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Sisters	This book is a highly recommended collection of Indigenous voices who speak to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and the essayists own work with anti-violence initiatives.
150 Years of Colonialism, Violence, and Erasure in Canada	This graphic timeline is meant to act as a starting point for people to familiarize themselves with Canada's colonialist, white supremacist history and present, ongoing discrimination against Indigenous communities.
Enslavement of Indigenous Peoples in Canada	Article by the Canadian Encyclopedia about the enslavement of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Highway of Tears by Jessica McDiarmid	A book on the true story of racism, indifference and the pursuit of justice for missing and murdered indigenous women and girls
Settler colonialism, Indigenous cultures, and the promotional landscape of tourism in Ontario, Canada's ‘near North’	Prof. Bryan Grimwood’s article highlights the erasure of Indigenous cultures by settler colonial power relations and illustrates that tourism is a social force through which settler stories are both perpetuated and resisted.
Separate Beds by Maureen K. Lux	Separate Beds is the shocking story of Canada's system of segregated health care. Operated by the same bureaucracy that was expanding health care opportunities for most Canadians, the "Indian Hospitals" were underfunded, understaffed, overcrowded, and rife with coercion and medical experimentation.
There's Something In the Water: Environmental racism in Indigenous & Black communities by Ingrid R. G. Waldron	In There's Something In The Water, by Ingrid R. G. Waldron examines the legacy of environmental racism and its health impacts in Indigenous and Black communities in Canada, using Nova Scotia as a case study, and the grassroots resistance activities by Indigenous and Black communities against the pollution and poisoning of their communities.
The Equity Myth: Racialization and Indigeneity at Canadian Universities by Frances Henry	This book, the first comprehensive, data-based study of racialized and Indigenous faculty members’ experiences in Canadian universities, challenges the myth of equity in higher education.-
Indigenous Allyship Resources	This resource page highlights Canadian owned businesses and resources that help people recognize individuals to ally ourselves with.

Asian Solidarities

Resource	Description
FOHCUS Podcast: Let's Talk - Anti-Racism: Anti-Asian Racism in Canada with Christina Pham	University of Waterloo student Christina Pham shares her own experience with racism and how she and her family are coping with recent events.
Racial Segregation of Asian Canadians	This article delves into the racial segregation Asian-Canadians face in many aspects of everyday life in Canada such as the work, leisure, housing & health care, politics and education sectors.
Chinese Head Tax In Canada	This article discusses the history and implementation of the head tax along with other racist immigration policies the Canadian Federal Government introduced to target Chinese people.
Canada's History of Anti-Asian Racism that COVID-19 has Amplified	This article highlights Canada’s long history of anti-Asian racism which has been amplified amid COVID times.
Addressing Anti-Asian Rasicm: A Resource for Educators by Elementary Teachers Federation Ontario (ETFO)	Addressing Anti-Asian Racism: A Resource for Educators provides a foundation for reflection, discussion and social justice action. It was created by a team of educators of Asian descent whose lived experiences, both personal and professional, knowledge and passion for social justice are reflected in its pages
History of South Asians in Canada	A timeline of the history of South Asians in Canada from 1885-Present.
Act2EndRacism	A Canadian organization formed through a coalition of Asian community groups concerned about anti-Asian hate crimes.
PROTECH	Pandemic Rapid-response Optimization To Enhance Community-Resilience and Health is a community-engaged action research project that aims to reduce the negative psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Chinese Canadians and other affected groups while promoting community resilience.

Resources for Allies

Resource	Description
White Privilege, Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack by Peggy Mcintosh	An article by Peggy Mcintosh, analyzing white privilege and its benefits in society.
Welcome to the Anti-Racism Movement - Here's what you've missed by Ijeoma Oluo	A guide meant to get people up to speed on the anti-racist movement.
The Subtle Linguistics of Polite White Supremacy by Yawo Brown	An article by Yawo Brown, speaking on the definition of "polite" white supremacy.
Performative Allyship is Deadly by Holiday Phillips	An article by Holiday Phillips, discussing the wave of performative allyship on social media
Uprooting Racism: How White People Can Work for Racial Justice by Paul Kivel	A book written by Paul Kivel, full of powerful strategies and practical tools for white people committed to racial justice.
My white privilege – taking the blinder off, by Liam Paschall	Assessing the ways in which white privilege can alter the way of individuals and racism is important in our society and this article focuses on just that.
What my bicycle taught me about white privilege	A white man’s reflection on how riding his bike has helped him to understand the concept of white privilege without feeling defensive.
Who Gets to Be Afraid in America?	Ibram Kendi speaks about his experience moving into a new state in America while describing what it means to be black and white in America.
Yes, You Can Measure White Privilege	Michael Harriot breaks down the ways we observe and measure white privilege in our communities.
White Privilege Glasses	This page discusses the importance of recognizing white privilege and includes a video helping the audience examine it from a visual point of view.
Under our Skin	What does it mean when we talk about race? The Seattle Times examines the different ways race effects everyone.

2SLGBTQ+ Resources

Resource	Description
Queer Returns by Rinaldo Walcott	Rinaldo Walcott takes a look at categories of "queer and Black" and "Black queer" through the lens of multiculturalism and Canadian identity in Queer Returns. The essay collection reflects on how capitalism, colonialism and sexual identity intersect and shape culture, politics and Black expression.
LGBTQ+ Inclusion In Sport by David Thibideau	This article written by David Thibodeau, talks about the barriers the LGBTQ+ community face in sport participation, and how we can make our teams and clubs more inclusive and welcoming.
A Home for All: Resources on LGBTQ+ Systemic Discrimination in Long Term Care	Many elderly folks in the LGBT community face systemic discrimination in long term care, leading to a lack of trust in health care providers. The resources below feature practices to help make LTC homes an inclusive space.
How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective edited by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor	In this collection of essays and interviews edited by activist-scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, founding members of the organization and contemporary activists reflect on the legacy of its contributions to Black feminism and its impact on today’s struggles.
Canada’s Queer Rights Movement Exists Because of Black People – but That History is Often Ignored. By Olivia Bowden	The role of Black queer people in the Toronto protests and the Stonewall Riots are not at the forefront of the discussion when it comes to Toronto Pride today.” Olivia Bowden’s article talks about the roles Black queer people had in the origins of Pride in Canada, and how Pride has historically excluded Black voices.
The History of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights in Canada	An article by the Canadian Encylopedia about the history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights in Canada

BIPOC Mental Health Resources

Resource	Description
Community Care, Healing and Wellness Resources for BIPOC	A comprehensive guide of resources centering the voices of folx who identify as Black, Indigenous and/or a Person of Colour.
Healingincolour	A directory of BIPOC therapists who are committed to supporting BIPOC in all our intersections.
Hope for Wellness	Offers immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Talk 4 Healing	Indigenous women can get help, support, and resources seven days a week, 24 hours a day, with services in 14 languages.
Good2Talk Student Helpline	Good2Talk is the post-secondary student helpline in Ontario. You can call and talk to a counsellor about anything.
Mental health support: Get help	Mental health and substance use support all across Canada.
Across Boundaries	Across boundaries provide equitable, holistic mental health and addiction services for racialized communities.
Black Mental Health Alliance	Educate and empower the community about healing practices and offering an array of call-to-action programs.

Anti-Racism/Mental Health Podcasts

Resource	Description
Don’t Call me Resilient	Don’t Call Me Resilient is a podcast series featuring conversations surrounding race and racism and digs deep into the conversations through an anti-racist lens. Certain issues covered in podcast episodes involves pain of racism, inequity to our schools, and Indigenous land rights.
Inappropriate Questions	Inappropriate Questions is a podcast that unpacks the tricky questions people wonder and may be too personal for other people. This podcast is a great listen to understand different perspectives and understandings of certain questions you may even wonder.
The Positive Psychology	The Positive Psychology podcast covers many different types of topics such as self-love, sex, narcissism and many more. This podcast focuses on looking at things through a positive perspective and focuses on helping people become happier without dwelling on negative aspects within their lives.
The Secret Life of Canada	The Secret Life of Canada is a Canadian based podcast that focuses on Canadian anti-Black racism and the history of people of colour. Created by Leah-Simone Bowen, and Falen Johnson, this is a podcast that brings hidden histories to the surface.
Colour Code	The Colour Code podcast covers the topic many Canadians avoid, talking about race. This podcast digs deep into the different ways race can affect our everyday lives and certain examples from the past that influenced Canadian history.
Black Tea	Based in Toronto, Black Tea is a podcast series that talks about the diversity of Canada and raise awareness about the uncomfortable Black community conversations out in the open.
Seat at the Table	Seat at the Table is co-hosted by friends Martine St-Victor and Isabelle Racicot who have in-depth conversations surrounding race and racism. They capture personal stories about the power of the Black Lives Matter movement and how we can move forward.
Born and Raised	Born and Raised talks about the loaded question for children of immigrants “Where are you really from?” With part reflection and part storytelling, Born and Raised digs into our experiences with our family and culture.
Speaking of Racism	Speaking of Racism is a podcast dedicated to frank, honest, and respectful discussions about racism in North America. Celebrating everyday activities who are disrupting, deconstructing, and dismantling racism are all ideas shared in this podcast.
Attitudes	Attitudes cover LGBTQ+ and gender issues with deep conversations surrounding common complications in communities across our world. This show tackles big political and cultural issues facing women and marginalized communities.
The Happiness Lab	The Happiness Lab raises awareness about the importance of remaining happy and how it may seem unattainable sometimes. Author Dr. Santos uses scientific research to showcase the link between human behaviour and emotions.