The Colour of Justice: Recognizing Indigenous, Black, and Racialized Voices Within the Context of Mental Health and Justice Services – Voices/Lived Experience Panel Discussion

Voices/Lived Experience Panel Discussion with

Yusuf Faqiri: He is a Career Civil Servant with a background in Policy in the areas of Mental Health, Conflict of Interest, Refugee and Francophone Rights. Yusuf’s most rewarding and passionate work is advocating within the Justice System for vulnerable Canadians who suffer from Mental Illness. In 2016, he founded the Justice for Soli Movement, a Grassroots National Based Organization, after the tragic death of his brother Soleiman Faqiri. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Wilfrid Laurier University; A Diploma in French from the University of Laval and a Postgraduate Certificate in Public Administration from Humber College. He is fluent in English, French and Farsi

Dana Riley: She advocates for alternatives to the Criminal Justice System & educating the public on issues marginalized women/individuals often face due to conflict with the law, race, poverty, gender-based violence historical trauma & other systemic oppression. Dana has been employed with Elizabeth Fry Society of Toronto for 12 years and continues to support women to create meaningful change & avoid conflict with the law in her role as a Community Outreach & Employment Support Project Supervisor. Dana is someone who recognizes the struggles and systemic pressures women/individuals face to survive in society as a black woman and she continues to stand for change.

Monique Cargioli: I am a recent graduate of the Peer Support Program. Currently, I am employed at the Fred Victor Centre at 40 Oak St. I thrive to help those that are in the same place I was almost two decades ago. I was incarcerated, ordered to be deported, and was involved with the CAS. I’m happy to say that I’ve been clean & sober for 17 years now, and this coming June will be 18 years. I am honoured to be a part of this panel. I don’t share my story often, but when I do, it’s absolutely therapeutic for me.

Moderator: Susan Davis, Executive Director of the Gerstein Crisis Centre and Co-chair of the Toronto Regional and Downtown Toronto HSJCCs.