Centering the Margins

Centreing the Margins is an anti-racism workshop series developed by our Southern Artistic Director, Ibukun Fasunhan, held alongside the screening of our film, From the Margins—a filmic documentation of racism and discrimination against Black people in Saskatchewan. These workshops provided spaces for education, reflection, and community dialogue about anti-Black sentiments that still unfortunately persist within our province. 

The workshop series engaged a wide range of ethnocultural communities, including Black, White, Indigenous, Mixed-Race, and other People of Colour. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing motivation to speak out, educate others, and advocate for justice. Participants, including educators, students, newcomers, and community members, engaged in guided discussions and activities that explored microaggressions, internalized bias, systemic discrimination, and the emotional impacts of racism during the workshops. Our facilitators played a supportive yet non-dominant role, ensuring that participants had the time and space to speak fully. 

Many attendees noted that the workshops helped them distinguish between multiculturalism and anti-racism, while encouraging active allyship and a deeper understanding of their own roles in dismantling racial discriminations; more importantly, these workshops offered a safe environment for Black participants to share their stories and begin healing. We made it a priority to honour the voices in the room, even when stories were lengthy, reinforcing a sense of value and respect for each individual's lived experience. This approach helped to build trust, encourage empathy, and foster meaningful intercultural exchange throughout the project.

The initiative officially launched on March 19, 2025, at the Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Regina, with a second session held on March 20. These workshops were delivered in partnership with the university’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) department and Dr. James Daschuk from the Faculty of Kinesiology. Following the Regina sessions, additional workshops took place across the province: March 22 at the Recreating Community Together event, March 26 in Saskatoon, and September 27 at the Prince Albert Public Library.

The Centreing the Margins workshop series is ongoing. We aim to expand our reach through collaborations with school boards, community organizations, and institutions across Saskatchewan. Our long-term goal is to influence public policy and help shape a more just, equitable, and inclusive province.