U of T undergrad pursues passion in public policy to amplify every voice

Dacian Dawes decided to pursue a certificate in Black Canadian Studies to uncover the untold histories of Canada and learn how to effectively advocate and work alongside marginalized communities. 

Along the experience of working within the Ontario government, the course, “Black Canadian History,” a foundational course of the Black Canadian Studies certificate, gave her a new understanding and methods of how she can stand up for others. 

“The goal behind my academics is to fuel my passion to be with people and make sure those who have been silenced, dismissed, or misunderstood are finally heard and understood,” Dawes says. 

Dawes says that the certificate, developed and taught by Funké Aladejebi, an associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Science, changed her perspective on Black Canadian history and the present. Offered in the Canadian Studies program at University College, the certificate provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding Black life in Canada. 

Dawes, who was born and raised in Toronto to Jamaican-born parents, says the course put a spotlight on stories and figures that she was never taught about prior to university. This includes centuries of history that dates as far back as 1604 (the earliest record of persons of African descent in Canada) to how communities navigated the education system and employment.

“We need to bring these eye-opening histories, experiences, and testimonials to the surface to have a genuine understanding of the histories of Canada,” Dawes says. 

Currently in her fourth year at the University of St. Michael’s College, Dawes is pursuing a double major in political science and critical studies in equity and solidarity, with a minor in African Studies. Thanks to a co-op opportunity, Dawes has already made strides in realizing a career in public policy – with a focus on serving new immigrants and racialized communities. 

As a recent program and policy assistant with the Ministry of Transportation, Dawes worked in the policies department alongside senior policy analysts. Their focus was to identify and address possible loopholes in policies caused by unclear language – with the aim to ensure that all residents in Canada can abide by and easily understand the transportation laws and regulations across Ontario.

In addition to providing detailed recommendations for revising policy descriptions, Dawes played a key role in developing practical tools to support the ministry’s ongoing efforts. Specifically, some of her roles included creating comprehensive flowcharts, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and internal staff checklists, all designed to streamline processes and maintain consistency in future policy updates. These resources not only offer clear guidance for current operations but also lay a strong foundation for sustainable improvements, equipping the ministry with effective tools for long-term policy management and implementation. 

“We must make policies that ensure everyone from all walks of life living in Ontario understand them,” Dawes says. “My major in critical studies gave me a window to understand what journeys and obstacles people have to go through that are not discussed nor accurately represented in current Ontarian policies.” 

She attributes her ability to critically analyze the world and the structures that shape it to Aladejebi’s encouragement. In class, Aladejebi motivated students to view their assignments as powerful forms of communication. This shifted Dawes’ perspective, allowing her to view assignments as a platform for expression rather than just another task to complete.

Dawes also credits the Caribbean Studies Writing Group at New College as a space that made her feel comfortable sharing her perspectives. 

“I approached assignments as an opportunity to communicate with an audience that I don’t know yet and I see this as a gateway to allow an array of audiences to hear my voice and opinion on a topic,” Dawes says.

Dawes hopes to pursue a master’s in public policy next year. While she doesn’t know where she’ll continue her education, she wants to find more co-op opportunities in government and pursue more research about this topic. 

For her master’s, she aims to delve into how public policy and policy reforms can drive transformative change for marginalized individuals across Canada. Her research will critically examine systemic failures and the ongoing evidence of anti-racist challenges in Canadian structures and society, highlighting how these issues continue to perpetuate inequities and deepen societal imbalances. 

“I believe education changes everything. If you have the knowledge, you can change the world,” Dawes says.