On September 9th and 10th 2020, more than 2,000 Canadian scholars joined forces in solidarity with anti-Black violence protests in the U.S. to protest anti-Black, racist and colonial police brutality in the US, Canada and elsewhere around the world.
During the two days of Scholar Strike, academics substituted regular classes for free online sessions, covering topics concerning racial justice, police violence, and labour equality.
The Department for the Study of Religion was pleased to host a digital public teach-in entitled, Solemn Promises, Stolen Land: Policy & Treaty Breaking 1492 Land Back Lane, which examined how Indigenous efforts to protect and reclaim land through exercising their jurisdiction and treaty rights often result in police arrests and violence.
The teach-in brought together professors from the Centre for Indigenous Studies (CIS) and the Department for the Study of Religion (DSR) at the University of Toronto, as well as researcher Courtney Skye of the Yellowhead Institute, who was arrested while researching at 1492 Land Back Lane. Elder Eileen Antone opened and closed the teach-in, and Prof. Susan Hill, Director of the Centre for Indigenous Studies, moderated. Professor Kevin White (CIS/DSR) also took part.
The teach-in can be viewed here.