With Deepest Sympathy: In Memory of Jacob 鈥淛ack鈥� Israel Raby, M.S.W.
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Jacob 鈥淛ack鈥� Israel鈥疪aby, M.S.W., who died on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family.听
Jack Raby had a long and meaningful connection with our school community. He served on the board of JPPS Bialik for over a decade, including a term as President, where he championed the organization's values, supported educational excellence, and guided numerous initiatives. 听His devotion to education and community made him a respected and beloved figure in our school鈥檚 history.
Beyond his role at our school, Jack was an empathic psychotherapist, social worker, professor, and psychoanalyst. He mentored generations of students at 每日探花鈥檚 School of Social Work and helped establish and lead the Family Services Association in Laval. He was also the first non鈥憁edical therapist accepted by the Canadian Psychoanalytic Society, opening doors for others to follow.听
As we mourn the loss of this distinguished leader and friend of our school, we also celebrate his legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to students and families.
May his memory continue to inspire our community.
Cindy Blackstock Awarded Royal Society of Canada Prize for Indigenous Engagement
Congratulations to Professor Cindy Blackstock from the School of Social Work on being awarded the 2025 Royal Society of Canada Prize for Indigenous Engagement. Blackstock, who is a member of the Gitxsan First Nation and Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, is being recognized for her work and research in child welfare and advocacy for the rights of Indigenous children.
Healing Broken Bonds 鈥� A New Podcast for Couples Navigating Complex Trauma
We're excited to launch Healing Broken Bonds, a powerful new podcast created for couples working through the deep challenges of complex trauma 鈥� and the journey to healing together.
Based on real stories and grounded in research.
This podcast draws from our work in the Developmental Couple Therapy for Complex Trauma programme. Each episode brings to life the real experiences of couples who've bravely volunteered to share their journeys 鈥� their struggles, breakthroughs, and the strength they've found in each other.
Episode 1 is live now!
Two more episodes will follow over the next few weeks, exploring key themes that often arise in couples facing trauma.
Coming soon:
We'll also be recording three new episodes focusing on sexual wellbeing and healing in survivors 鈥� a vital and often overlooked part of the recovery process.
Whether you're a couple on your own healing path, a clinician, or simply curious to learn, this podcast opens the door to honest conversations about pain, connection, and the hope that healing is possible.
馃憠 Listen to Episode 1 and follow us here to catch every upcoming release.
In Memoriam: Professor Sydney Mary Duder
It is with profound sadness that the School of Social Work announces the passing of our beloved colleague, Professor Sydney Duder. A dedicated member of our community who made an immeasurable impact on our students, faculty, and the broader social work profession.
We invite you to take a moment to read the article in , which beautifully captures the life and accomplishments of Professor Duder.
The School of Social Work extends its deepest condolences to Professor Duder's family, friends, and all who were touched by her work.听We will continue to honor Professor Sydney Duder's legacy by striving to uphold the values she passionately believed in.
听
Symposium: Black Communities, Emancipatory Research, and Pathways to Liberation
Date: Wednesday, May 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, May 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Brief event description:
With the increasing presence of Black scholars in higher education, the voices from the margins are increasingly being brought to the center of scholarly discourse. Critical questions that have long been overlooked are finally being addressed. However, prevailing research paradigms often fail to reflect the realities of Black scholars and their communities. Traditional research has frequently been framed through a deficit lens, positioning universities as external entities rather than recognizing their embeddedness within the communities they serve. With the growing presence of Black scholars in higher education, there is a concerted effort to transform universities into sites of resistance and vehicles for meaningful change.
The overall goal of the symposium is to consolidate and expand the state of knowledge regarding how to conduct research that empowers and uplifts Black communities in Canada, using approaches that center Black experiences and perspectives. It will, therefore, specifically highlight approaches and practices to research that prioritize the voices and experiences of Black communities, fostering empowerment and creating meaningful change via the following objectives:
1. Promote the use of Afrocentric and Black-centered research paradigms.
2. Encourage participatory and collaborative research methods that actively involve community members.
3. Explore strategies for addressing systemic inequities and racism in research.
4. Share best practices for knowledge mobilization that benefit Black communities.
5. Facilitate discussions on how research can drive social justice and transformative change.
Registration: Registration opens April 15th
Panellists: Coming soon
Agenda: Coming soon
Call for posters: We invite undergraduate and graduate students to submit poster presentations for the symposium. Submit your poster and find more details at the link below!
馃敆 English version:听
馃敆 French version:听
Submission deadline: April 1
Contact Information
馃摟 Email:听marlena.onyebuchi [at] mail.mcgill.ca听