The GSA strongly condemns the recent actions of the Russian government and military forces

The University of Calgary Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), along with the GSA Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee, strongly condemn the recent actions of the Russian government and military forces. This unprovoked act of aggression has resulted in the deaths of countless innocent civilians, and has left millions of refugees with limited access to food, shelter, and medical supplies. We stand in solidarity with all students of Ukrainian descent, and pledge our support to them during this extremely difficult time. The GSA and GSA EDI Committee also recognize the negative impact that this conflict has had on people of Russian descent, and acknowledge that many Russian citizens do not support this invasion and should not be held accountable for the actions of their president. 

Like many of you, we have seen footage and heard reports of racism in Ukraine. We want to make it clear that while we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine during this time of unjustified military aggression, we strongly condemn racism in all of its forms. The racism experienced by students and residents of colour fleeing Ukraine is unacceptable as it denies the humanity of racialized people in the face of this crisis. 

The GSA and GSA EDI Committee also recognize the disparity in media coverage that exists with regards to global conflicts, specifically that crises involving marginalized or racialized individuals are frequently ignored by mainstream media and in Western discourse. The following resources are available to students that have been impacted by ANY global conflict, or otherwise require assistance:

If you require assistance after hours, you can contact a crisis counsellor from Wood’s Homes’ Community Resource Team or a highly trained volunteer at the Distress Centre (available in more than 200 languages).

​​https://www.ucalgary.ca/wellness-services/contact/after-hours

The University of Calgary Student Wellness Services offers a variety of mental health resources based on your specific concerns and needs.

https://www.ucalgary.ca/wellness-services/services/mental-health-services

Empower Me is a confidential support service that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

https://studentcare.ca/rte/en/IHaveAPlan_UniversityofCalgarygraduatestudentsGSA_EmpowerMe_EmpowerMe

PsyVitaliti is a group of therapists who provide counseling at a reduced rate to students who have the GSA health plan.

https://studentcare.ca/rte/en/IHaveAPlan_UniversityofCalgarygraduatestudentsGSA_Health_HealthCoverage_HealthPractitioners_Psychologists

If you would like to contact the GSA EDI Committee, please email us at edi.gsa@ucalgary.ca.

Land Acknowledgement

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.