Diversity is Strength - CFL.ca

The CFL takes tremendous pride in the long history of current and former players, coaches and executives who have – and continue to – break societal barriers. Their efforts and courage in combatting discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation, have served as the inspiration behind one of the CFL’s most integral values: Diversity is Strength. Their legacy lives on and the work continues to move forward.

The CFL reaffirms its commitment to learn and grow, while promoting and fostering meaningful dialogue surrounding issues of race, culture and identity, with a focus on Black History Month, International Women’s Day, Asian Heritage Month, Pride, and Truth and Reconciliation.

A new series – the Diversity is Strength Conversations – hosted by The Waggle’s Donnovan Bennett, will bring together leaders in football and subject matter experts to explore their personal perspectives and experiences. By delving deeper into historical context, the current cultural climate, advances and challenges, the panelists will shine a spotlight on society’s most pressing issues, while paving a path forward for continued growth – within the league, throughout communities, across the country and around the world.

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

Landry: Fine, Evans proud to cross paths on T&R weekend

Quarterbacks Dane Evans and Mason Fine both have Indigenous roots and are happy to share the field on Friday night in Vancouver, writes CFL.ca’s Don Landry.

Diversity Is Strength Conversations: Reconciliation through sport

The Diversity Is Strength Conversations series shifts its focus to Truth and Reconciliation and what reconciliation through sport can look like. Kevin T. Hart, Amy Shipley and Brian Chrupalo join Donnovan Bennett for this important conversation.

The Waggle, Ep. 336: Truth and Reconciliation + The Halluci Nation

Waggle co-hosts Henoc Muamba and Donnovan Bennett preview Week 17, including the initiatives taking place in honour of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The guys also sit down with The Halluci Nation before they play halftime at the BC Lions game.

Acknowledging Truth & Pursuing Reconciliation: A CFL Original

Dane Evans was joined by Donnovan Bennett for a tour of Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and Six Nations of the Grand River, to discuss Truth and Reconciliation and celebrate Indigenous culture.

Diversity Is Strength Conversations: Truth and Reconciliation

Donnovan Bennett hosts a special Diversity Is Strength Conversations episode this month, as we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada on Sept. 30.

PRIDE MONTH

Behar, Korte delivering message of inclusivity in football

With the opening of Pride Month on June 1, Ottawa REDBLACKS receiver Nate Behar and Edmonton Elks offensive lineman Mark Korte preached the importance of inclusivity in football for the LGBTQI+ community. CFL.ca’s Pat Steinberg writes.

Diversity Is Strength Conversations: Sports for everyone

In CFL.ca’s latest Diversity Is Strength Conversations series, Donnovan Bennett speaks with Joel Horton of the National Gay Flag Football League and Brock McGillis of the Alphabet Sports Collective.

Jon Cornish preaching importance of inclusivity in sport

Jon Cornish joined this week’s episode of The Waggle Podcast to chat with Donnovan Bennett about many things including inclusion in football for the LBGTQ2S+ community.

Diversity is Strength Conversations: Pride Month

Donnovan Bennett hosts the CFL’s latest installment of its Diversity Is Strength Conversations series. To celebrate Pride Month, Bennett chats with Claire Dore and Ryan O’Callaghan.

The Waggle Ep. 215: Self love in sport w/ Ryan Russell

Davis and Donnovan talk with former NFL DE Ryan Russell about coming out as bisexual, how self love and acceptance is critical in sports and what pride means to him this Pride Month.

ASIAN HERITAGE MONTH

Breaking Tackles And Barriers: The legacy of Bill Hatanaka

Former Ottawa Rough Rider Bill Hatanaka spoke with Donnovan Bennett on his history-making Grey Cup play and his passion for diversity and inclusion in workplaces and the world at large.

Japanese coach Yuta Nigawa envisions a CFL future

Japanese coach Yuta Nigawa used the recent CFL Combine as a coaching clinic and networking event, in hopes of returning down the road as a CFL coach.

Diversity Is Strength Conversations: Asian culture in Canadian football

In recognition of Asian Heritage Month, CFL on TSN’s Farhan Lalji, former o-lineman Obby Khan and football official Henry Chiu join Donnovan Bennett to share their experiences in Canada and in football.

A Part Of Change: Obby Khan shares his journey from the CFL to politics

As he celebrates Asian Heritage Month, former CFL offensive lineman Obby Khan reflects on his post-playing days journey from entrepreneurship in Winnipeg to his recent electoral win that made him Manitoba’s first Muslim MLA.

Henry Chiu leads diversity charge in officiating

As the chair of the CFL’s Amateur Officiating Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Henry Chiu is working to grow the next generation of officials at all levels of the game, to reflect the people that play the game and the communities that support it.

Diversity Is Strength Conversations: Asian Heritage Month

Donnovan Bennett hosts the CFL’s latest installment of its Diversity Is Strength Conversations series. To celebrate Asian Heritage Month, Bennett chats with Edmonton Elks president and CEO Victor Cui, Winnipeg Bomber Les Maruo and former CFL o-lineman and present-day coach Bryan Chiu.

Lions' Chungh hopes to inspire future players

In the same way that Bobby Singh inspired BC Lions’ offensive lineman Sukh Chungh to play professionally, Chungh hopes that he’s inspiring future players of South Asian descent to play the game, CFL.ca’s Don Landry writes.

O'Leary: Norman Kwong's legacy stands tall over Canada

Norman Kwong overcame substantial hurdles as a child in Calgary in the 1930s to first have a legendary CFL career and eventually serving as lieutenant governor of Alberta. CFL.ca senior writer Chris O’Leary looks at Kwong’s legacy and impact on and off the field.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Diversity Is Strength Conversations: Changing the sports landscape

TSN’s Kate Beirness, Edmonton Elks in-game host Ashley Callingbull and BC Lions defensive assistant Tanya Henderson join Donnovan Bennett as part of the Diversity Is Strength Conversations series for a discussion on changing the sports landscape.

O'Leary: SMU's Erin Craig seizes opportunity at Combine

A defensive backs and strength and conditioning coach at Saint Mary’s and at the CFL Combine presented by New Era, Erin Craig is taking full advantage of the opportunities in front of her this week.

Landry: Als' Sobol sees a bright football future

Allyson Sobol, the Montreal Alouettes’ recently appointed football operations manager/coordinator, tells CFL.ca’s Don Landry she sees infinite possibilities in her career.

Diversity is Strength Conversations: International Women's Day

The CFL’s Diversity Is Strength Conversations shifts to International Women’s Day as host Donnovan Bennett speaks with BC Lions’ defensive assistant Tanya Walter, TSN’s Claire Hanna and Tara Mrakic, secretary for the Black Canadian Coaches Association and the head coach of the Vanier Cheetas.

'Go get what I want': Elks' Torraville reflects on groundbreaking year

Elisha Torraville, the manager of football operations for the Edmonton Elks, reflects on her first season on the job and how the CFL’s Women In Football Program, presented by KPMG, helped get her foot in the door with the club.

O'Leary: IWD resonates more for Evans this year

This International Women’s Day is a special one for Dane Evans. He and his wife are expecting a daughter and Evans sees plenty of positive female role models for her in a changing sports world.

Landry: Saadia Ashraf is a true builder of the game

A teacher, a former quarterback turned coach turned team owner and everything in between, Saadia Ashraf is a walking testament to a love of football, and bringing the game to women, CFL.ca’s Don Landry writes.

Steinberg's MMQB: A landscape changing for the better

As International Women’s Day approaches, CFL.ca’s Pat Steinberg looks at the ground gained in the past year by a trio of female coaches in Canadian football.

O'Leary: Tanya Walter breaks through with Lions

Tanya Walter made history on Tuesday, as the first woman to be hired into a full-time coaching role with a CFL team. CFL.ca senior writer Chris O’Leary looks at her journey and inspiration to this breakthrough point in her career.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The Waggle: Game Changers presented by CDIC w/ Nadia Doucoure

Nadia Doucoure, who originally hails from France but moved to Canada seven years ago and is currently the receivers coach for the Carleton University football program, joins Donnovan Bennett in this special edition of Game Changers presented by CDIC.

The Waggle: Game Changers presented by CDIC w/ Emily Clarke

To wrap up our Game Changers series we talk to one of the first women to officiate a CFL game, Emily Clarke, on growing up playing the game and how she earned her stripes.

The Waggle: Game Changers presented by CDIC w/ Jo-Anne Polak

Donnovan Bennett is joined by Jo-Anne Polak, first ever female GM in a professional sports league in North America, and a special co-host, KateMcKenna, in the first of three episodes of Game Changers presented by CDIC.

Steinberg's MMQB: Meet the woman behind CFL.ca

For International Women’s Day, CFL.ca’s Pat Steinberg shines a light on CFL.ca’s Deputy Editor Kristina Costabile in this week’s MMQB.

Spotlighting women in media across the CFL

For International Women’s Day, CFL.ca’s Kristina Costabile takes a look at the women in media around the CFL.

O'Leary: Organizers see world of opportunity w/ women's league

For the first time, Toronto and Montreal will be a part of a women’s tackle football league. Organizers of the CCWFL tell CFL.ca senior writer Chris O’Leary how this could be a game changer for women playing the game in Canada.

O'Leary: Reina Iizuka breaking barriers for women in football

Reina Iizuka’s determination and hard work has gotten her to the U SPORTS level of football but she doesn’t want to stop there. CFL.ca’s senior writer Chris O’Leary writes.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Dyce leads unique, talented REDBLACKS staff into 2023

Ottawa REDBLACKS head coach Bob Dyce chats with Donnovan Bennett about his career and the hiring of coordinators Khari Jones and Barron Miles.

Hogan: BHM spurs reflection on Argos' history

As we enter into Black History Month, Mike Hogan of Argonauts.ca looks back at some of the franchise’s groundbreakers and history makers in its 150-year existence.

O'Leary: Ticats' medical director has strong connection to team

Dr. Olufemi Ayeni, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ medical director, shares a similar vision to Orlondo Steinauer on creating opportunities to address representation in his field, he tells CFL.ca senior writer Chris O’Leary.

Frank Robinson's path from a Bombers uni to the board

A part of the Grey Cup-winning Bombers squad in 1984, Frank Robinson tells CFL.ca’s Don Landry what brought him back to Winnipeg and how he got to the team’s board of directors.

Diversity Is Strength Conversations: Black Leadership in Football

In the CFL’s first Diversity Is Strength Conversations episode of the year, Donnovan Bennett talks Black History Month and coaching opportunities with Corey Mace, Geroy Simon and Orlondo Steinauer.

Diversity Is Strength Conversations: Black History Month

In honour of Black History Month, we bring you our first ‘Diversity is Strength Conversations.’ Edmonton’s Geroy Simon, Montreal’s Khari Jones and Ottawa’s Bob Dyce talk with Donnovan Bennett about their careers and Black representation on the sidelines and beyond in football.

Following Through: Steinauer seeks impact with Ticats

When Orlondo Steinauer was named the president of football operations for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in December, he joined a short but important list of Black executives in the CFL. CFL.ca senior writer Chris O’Leary talks with Steinauer about what his role means to him.

Landry: Ealey's legacy shines as he enters College HOF

After a stellar career at the University of Toledo that led to a groundbreaking run in the CFL, Chuck Ealey will head into the College Football Hall of Fame this year. As CFL.ca’s Don Landry writes, Ealey’s more cherished legacy exists within his family.

EVEN MORE DIS CONTENT

Diversity is Strength: Racial Justice Roundtable

The CFL and the CFL Players Association present a roundtable discussion hosted by Donnovan Bennett featuring alumni, coaching personnel and current players as they discuss their personal experiences with prejudice and discrimination.

The untold story of Ken Whitlock, the first Black Argonaut

A year after Jackie Robinson broke the colour barrier in baseball, Ken Whitlock did the same with the Toronto Argonauts, suiting up for the team in 1947, Argonauts.com’s Mike Hogan writes. The punter and halfback played four games for the team before an injury led to his eventual release.

Duane Forde on improving diversity in broadcasting

On this week’s episode of The Waggle, Donnovan Bennett is joined by his mentor and broadcasting colleague Duane Forde, a mainstay of the CFL on TSN broadcast team since 2008, for a discussion about the experience of Black broadcasters in football and the media industry as a whole.

The Waggle, Ep. 249: Mentorship & representation w/ Forde

In the first of a two-part series, Donnovan is joined by his mentor and broadcasting colleague Duane Forde, a mainstay of the CFL on TSN broadcast team since 2008, for a discussion about the experience of Black broadcasters in football and the media industry as a whole.

Tait: Honouring the Bombers' two first Black players

Ed Tait of Bluebombers.com takes a look back at Johnny Reagan and Bob Smith, the first two Black players to suit up for Winnipeg, back in the 1947 season.

Clemons continually inspired by those that came before him

On an extra for The Waggle presented by Sport Clips, Donnovan Bennett sat down with Toronto Argonauts general manager Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons to discuss Black History Month and the individuals that came before that inspire him.

Bennett: 'I've wanted to have this conversation for a while'

It was a conversation that Donnovan Bennett had wanted to see happen for years. It wasn’t journalistically-driven, necessarily. It was more one of those dinner-with-any-three-people type of situations. In bringing Chuck Ealey, Damon Allen and Tre Ford together, Bennett was able to watch three generations of quarterbacks talk about their experiences as black men playing a position that has over the last 40 years become more accessible to them. CFL fans can view a portion of that conversation ...

WOMEN IN FOOTBALL PROGRAM, PRESENTED BY KPMG

Landry: Women In Football Program rolls into second year

As the Women In Football Program’s 2023 cohort embarks on training camp, CFL.ca’s Don Landry chats with Laurence Pontbriand about the success of the program in 2022 and where she’d like to see it go in the future.

Landry: Playbook in hand, Plamondon enjoys time w/ Als

Sabrina Plamondon immersed herself in the experience she had with the Alouettes as part of the Women In Football Program, presented by KPMG, writes CFL.ca’s Don Landry, and she suggests future participants do the same.

Landry: Grieco comes full circle at Bombers' camp

As a part of the Women In Football Program presented by KPMG, coach Melissa Grieco is cherishing every moment she’s getting at the Winnipeg Blue Bombers camp, writes CFL.ca’s Don Landry.

Sherstobitoff brings additional mental health dynamic to Argos' camp

Sara Sherstobitoff is at the Toronto Argonauts camp as a part of the Women In Football Program, presented by KPMG. As CFL.ca’s Jim Morris, writes, she’s combining her love of sport and psychology while with the team.

DIVERSITY IN FOOTBALL PROGRAM, PRESENTED BY SECURIAN CANADA

Morris: Diversity In Football program returns for 2023

The Diversity In Football Program presented by Securian Canada is back for its second year. CFL.ca’s Jim Morris chats with Laurence Pontbriand of the CFL about the program’s success in its debut and the league’s hopes for it for the future.

Gregory Coates-Cameron jumps at training camp chance

A coach at the start of his career with lofty aspirations, Gregory Coates-Cameron felt like he landed in the perfect spot with the Ottawa REDBLACKS as part of the Diversity In Football Program presented by Securican Canada.

Morris: Diversity In Football participants seize opportunity

Participants in the Diversity In Football Program are eager to use their opportunity at CFL training camps to take the next step in their football careers, writes CFL.ca’s Jim Morris.

Landry: Matt Bucknor soaking up Ticats' camp experience

Former six-year CFL vet Matt Bucknor is getting a taste of coaching as a part of the CFL’s Diversity In Football Program, writes CFL.ca’s Don Landry.