In recognition of the International Day of Tolerance on November 16, we’re exploring the importance of fostering acceptance and understanding through meaningful conversations. In the latest episode of CCDI’s Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we welcome Sonia Sangha, Global Senior Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader at IKEA, for a deep dive into tolerance in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA).

With over 20 years of experience shaped by global, national, and regional perspectives, Sonia’s approach to DEIA is profoundly shaped by her background as a first-generation Indo-Canadian. Join us as we discuss Sonia’s career journey, from her early experiences to her advocacy for South Asian and LGBTQIA+ individuals in Ontario.

Listen to Sonia’s perspectives on allyship, and practical steps for fostering tolerance and challenging misinformation.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Global Senior Leader at IKEA, Sonia Sangha.
• IKEA’s Refugee Skills for Employment Initiative that Sonia co-created.
• Her personal journey to choosing a career in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
• How her early experiences shaped who she is.
• The challenge of racism and inclusion for South Asian individuals in Canada.
• Unpacking what might be behind racism and prejudice towards South Asians.
• How to raise awareness for workplaces on South Asian racism.
• Art, entertainment, and cultural events that bring people together.
• What allyship truly means in relation to combating misinformation and stereotypes.
• Some ideas on what it might look like to gain exposure to different perspectives.
• How the work that Sonia does is supporting the people of IKEA.
• Staying strong in the challenging arena of this work.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Sonia Sangha on LinkedIn
• South Asian Immigration to Canada Statistics Chart
• Environics Institute - Canadian public opinion about immigration and refugees - Fall 2024
• Canada’s Far-Right is Targeting South Asian and Sikh Canadians to Incite Anti-Immigrant Hate
• Front Burner CBC podcast - The rise of anti-South Asian content online
• Stop AAPI Hate – Empowered/Imperiled – The Rise of South Asian Representation and Anti-South Asian Racism
• Rioters carry out violent, racist attacks across several British cities. What happened, and what comes next?
• South Asian newcomers to Canada say online hate is taking a toll
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

In today's episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we engage in a necessary and thought-provoking dialogue on Islamophobia in Canada, a pressing issue given the complex and evolving geopolitical landscape, including current conflicts. We acknowledge that some listeners may find this discussion challenging and encourage you to proceed with care and self-compassion.

Our guest, Mohammed Hashim, brings over two decades of expertise as a human rights advocate to shed light on these critical issues. As the CEO of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) and the lead of the National Hate Crimes Task Force with the RCMP, Mohammed offers a unique perspective on the impact of Islamophobia in Canada, especially within Muslim communities. We explore how diverse Muslim communities experience discrimination differently, the ways it manifests in workplaces, and the responsibility of employers to support employees through times of crisis.

Mohammed also delves into the complexities of advocating for human rights, offers insights on prosecuting hate speech, and shares guidance on nurturing empathy, humility, and creating meaningful change.

Tune in to this essential episode and join us in fostering more inclusive, understanding communities.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Mohammed Hashim on LinkedIn
• Canadian Race Relations Foundation
• Hate Crime Task Force
• Montreal
• Truth and Reconciliation Strategy in Montreal
• National Council Canadian Muslims
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham

As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to recognize the truths of our shared history and to actively engage in reconciliation efforts. Building a racism-free workplace is an essential part of this ongoing journey, and learning from the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples is a key step forward.

In this new episode of Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham, we are joined by Elijah Blackbird, Culture Manager at the Beer Store, a valued five-year Employer Partner of CCDI, who has been working in diversity, equity, and inclusion for more than 25 years. Elijah, who also serves on the Board of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada and coaches youth soccer, offers a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the diverse realities of Indigenous communities in Canada.

Elijah begins by highlighting the diversity of indigeneity in Canada and how a single act of inclusion shaped his life. He shares his vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion, emphasizing its deeper meaning, and explores the vital role of a Culture Manager. Elijah also discusses Truth and Reconciliation, urging Canadians to challenge their perceptions of Indigenous Peoples, and shares key lessons on inclusion and indigeneity. Tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Elijah Blackbird, Culture Manager at The Beer Store.
• Background on Elijah’s upbringing and heritage as part of the Crane Clan.
• How a teacher brought him to realize his strengths and needs.
• Elijah’s simple vision for Diversity and Inclusion in Canada.
• Parental leave, pension benefits, and reframing perceptions of what DNI work actually is.
• His evolving roles at The Beer Store over the past 25 years.
• The duties of a Culture Manager and why this position is so important.
• Thoughts on Truth and Reconciliation: why focusing on the truth is the most important.
• Challenging perceptions around Indigenous people in the beer industry.
• Understanding history, culture, and varying contexts through the lens of colonization.
• Where the power of DNI classes actually lies.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

• Elijah Blackbird on LinkedIn
• Elijah Blackbird on X
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
• The Beer Store
• Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion
• Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham