Humber’s Division of Inclusion & Belonging Celebrates its Inaugural Year

This month, we’re celebrating a significant Humber milestone. A year ago, the Inclusion & Belonging division was created to continue the implementation of Humber’s EDI framework and to better coordinate our efforts to strengthen equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging across the institution. As the inaugural Vice-President of Inclusion & Belonging, I’m proud of the work we accomplished together and grateful for the support we’ve received from everyone at Humber. I want to thank the EDI Taskforce for their foundational work throughout its mandate. While the Taskforce’s mandate concluded in March 2023, their important work continues. As we celebrate our first anniversary, it is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and looking at the road ahead. 

As a newly formed division, we brought together the Office of Indigenous Education & Engagement (IE&E), the Office of Sustainability, and the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (EDIB) office to take an intersectional approach to building a more inclusive Humber - one in which everyone can feel they belong. We will continue to work closely with the People(s) & Culture division, including the Office of Human Rights and Harassment to advance this important work.  

Here are some of our highlights: 

  • Position of Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging was established and filled; 
  • Humber’s Inclusive Hiring Initiative was launched, commencing with the Faculty of Liberal Arts; 
  • The Spirituality and Wellness Centre opened; 
  • The Pride flag was painted on Humber North Campus sidewalk; 
  • The Every Child Matters mural was installed at North Campus; 
  • Humber and University of Guelph Humber Libraries curated the Equity & Inclusion Hub; 
  • Inaugurated flag raising ceremonies for Haudenosaunee Confederacy and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation flags at North Campus; 
  • Conducted 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training since 2020, with more than 2,000 employees trained, and an additional 5,000 international students scheduled; 
  • Launched a new and redesigned offering of Indigenous Teaching & Learning Bundles; 
  • Began the Sustainability Vision 2024-2029 Engagement Process. 

While we have much to celebrate, I know there is more work to do. As we move ahead, it is incumbent upon all of us to look at Humber through an inclusion and belonging lens and to strengthen our efforts on building mino nawendiwin (good relationships) with the communities we engage, both on and off campus. We all have a place and role to play in the important work that lies ahead. By working together, I’m confident that we can continue building a future at Humber where every individual experiences a profound sense of belonging. 

Thank you, 

Jason Seright 
Vice-President, Inclusion & Belonging