Niagara’s population is becoming increasingly diverse, bringing a rich variety of languages, cultures, ethnicities and religions to the area. But the knowledge and experiences of newcomers as well as Niagara’s historically based community of African descent are frequently downplayed or ignored, says Associate Professor of Political Science Livianna Tossutti.

Tossutti and Brock Associate Professor of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures Jean Ntakirutimana are co-directing a project to provide a forum — primarily through workshops, research-creation projects, digital repositories, policy and academic publications — for newcomers and people of African descent to share their knowledge and experiences with the wider public and specialized audiences in the non-profit, academic and government sectors.

“We’re hoping that by fostering greater awareness of people’s stories and contributions, that we can enrich public discourse and improve institutional responsiveness to these populations,” says Tossutti.

Ntakirutimana and Tossutti are co-ordinating a wide network of multi-disciplinary researchers from Brock, University at Buffalo, University of Toronto and York University as well as almost a dozen Niagara-based community organizations representing newcomers and racialized communities.

Research and events related to the project will focus on the themes of childhood and growing up, health literacy, and identity, connections and belonging.

Central to the project is the concept of “subjugated knowledges,” which Tossutti says is based on the French philosopher Michel Foucault’s view that a powerful majority discounts the views of people in marginalized groups.

“The marginalized, or subjugated peoples, do not have the power to tell their own stories, to create history,” says Tossutti. “Their opinions are not really considered legitimate by the majority in societies, and the majority use their own influence to suppress the ideas of the minority.”

Ntakirutimana says it’s crucial for the views of newcomers and people of African descent to be made known because they frequently experience discrimination, racism and isolation as they seek housing, social services and employment suited to their qualifications.

“These voices will not only enrich public discussion and create original scholarship on a wide range of issues but will also contribute to insights and practical tools organizations can use to develop culturally responsive services and interventions,” he says.

Community partner Janet Madume, Executive Director of the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre, says she hopes the project will result in “tangible improvements” in the lives of Niagara’s newcomers and people of African descent.

“This includes enhanced access to resources and opportunities, greater representation in local governance and decision-making processes, and the establishment of sustainable support systems that are informed by these communities’ lived experiences,” she says.

Supporting the three-year project, “Mobilizing subjugated knowledges for a just and inclusive Niagara,” is a $199,930 Partnership Development Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), which is funded by the Government of Canada.

“Creating diverse, welcoming and socially just environments are a high priority for the Government of Canada. This is a great example of how communities can work together to build a better society,” says Vance Badawey, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre.

“Niagara’s strength comes from the contributions made by people from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences,” says Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines. “This Brock-led initiative will go far in expanding our communities’ awareness of, and appreciation for, the depth of knowledge in our region.”