Challenge Racism and Colonialism

Despite Canada's reputation as a "multicultural"country, there are profound inequalities among Canadians, as well as between Canadians and Aboriginal Peoples. Our new and innovative Race, Ethnicity and Indigeneity (REI) program - the only one of its kind in Canada - challenges these inequalities by examining how they thrive in our everyday experiences and addressing how they are promoted by Canadian governments and institutions.

As a student in this innovative program, you will gain pertinent skills in anti-racism and anti-oppression while pursuing courses in three challenging fields:

Indigenous Studies examines the challenges Indigenous Peoples face globally including efforts to occupy and seize their lands for resource development, and policies designed to destroy them through forced assimilation, genocide, and the destruction of cultural knowledge.

Diaspora Studies addresses the social processes involved in the formation of diasporic communities - groups of individuals geographically scattered for a variety of reasons including war, poverty, enslavement, genocide, political persecution, re-unification of families, and the pursuit of economic and educational opportunities. State and civil practices that marginalize/disadvantage these communities will be examined.

Globalization and Migration Studies focuses on contemporary global capitalism. This field addresses transnationalism - analyzing the boundaries between nation states - and the migration of people as a result of globalization.

All three streams emphasize that people organize and challenge forms of oppression.

Why REI at York?

• Our program is leading-edge - a first in Canada.
• Study in an interdisciplinary learning environment renowned for teaching and research excellence.
• Address critical issues like land claims, organizing by residential school survivors, immigration and refugee legislation, and racial profiling.
• Strategize for meaningful economic, social and policy change, while gaining critical analytical and communication skills favoured by today's employers.

You can pursue the REI program full-time or part-time through our BA, BA Honours, or BA Specialized Honours options. You can also combine your studies in REI with other disciplines such as History and Economics by earning a BA Honours Double Major/Minor or a BA Honours Minor. As a graduate, you will be prepared for leadership roles in areas such as law, immigration, social work, health care, government and non-governmental organizations.