Reflecting on CANVAS — An Interview with Tonya S. Lewis

By George Yi

Student Life

On November 25th and 26th, grade nine students at Earl Haig taking English participated in the CANVAS Arts Action Workshops in their classrooms. CANVAS is a Toronto based charity that provides workshops and sessions focused on building empathy in youth regarding education 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, allyship, and consent. Canvas’ programming provides age relevant learning for kids from sixth to twelfth grade across the Greater Toronto Area. After the workshops, I interviewed Tonya S. Lewis, Manager of the Youth Programs department, on the workshops at Earl Haig.

EHSS Pride Week 2024 Art Market, Photographed by G. Yi

What happens in CANVAS Arts Action Workshops?

With our 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion workshops we do our best to provide a diversity of activities including a movement based one, a small group one and a whole group activity with a storytelling element.

First, we use metaphors to discuss the concept of binaries and how they can be limiting for some and the importance of letting people find their own identities.

We also have a smaller group activity where each group learns about different parts of identity (biological sex, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation). When we come back, we task each group to share what they've learned with the class.

Our culminating activity includes sharing a Canvas team member's story of them coming to terms with their identity and how the internal and external negativity they experienced weighed them down (we demonstrate this by having one facilitator hold progressively heavier and heavier objects). We end by asking students to share what they could or would do to support this person and have them remove a weight as they share their suggestion.

What is the purpose of these workshops?

The purpose of these workshops is to build empathy within students and their school communities, to give them information to better understand themselves and others, provide them the tools to respond to homophobia and transphobia and build healthier relationships, keeping consent at the forefront of their minds. It is our sincere hope that through these activities and discussions students gain empathy for others, feel affirmed in their own identities and take this as an opportunity to build a more compassionate and welcoming school environment. How do you think the Grade nines received these workshops? We got really lovely feedback from the grade nines at Earl Haig. Many shared that the sessions were fun and engaging for them, and others thanked us for speaking to this very important topic of inclusion. The grade nines were also especially respectful of facilitators and the content we delivered.

Were the workshops successful?

Based on the feedback we received; the workshops were quite successful. Some students found the topics very relatable and relevant to life at Earl Haig, while others shared that they found new opportunities to learn and better understand the lived experiences of those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

What is a common challenge with these workshops?

A common challenge we can face is something called buy-in, which is acceptance and support for the topic. Unfortunately, many youths are raised with harmful stereotypes and beliefs about 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and our community and we can at times face push back from those who feel discomfort with the

topic. We do our very best to approach these situations with empathy and curiosity, understanding that we are all coming from different points of view but we all can unlearn when given the opportunity and education.

How can those who did not have these workshops still learn about LGBTQIA+ identities and issues?

There are so many ways to learn more about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the many identities that reside within it. They can visit the webpage Queer 101 at queerevents.ca which is a great primer of all the basics you should know about 2SLGBTQIA+ identity. You can also check out our website

canvasprograms.com and other local community resources like The 519.

Notes on Tonya S. Lewis and Miriam Selick:

Tonya S. Lewis is the Manager of Youth Programs department. She is responsible for all of the workshop content for the 2SLGBTQIA+ and consent programs. She also oversees the development of all the materials used in CANVAS workshops, as well as scheduling facilitators. She is also a facilitator herself.

As the Co-Executive Director of CANVAS Programs and the head of the organization's Programming Department, Miriam Selick is responsible for overseeing all program development (encompassing the Youth Programs, Adult Programs, Workplace Inclusion Programs and Camp Programs), tracking the grants we apply for, training new staff and facilitating programs.