Saturday marked International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

“It was disappointing and somewhat sad to cancel as we had assembled wonderful keynote speakers — Michael Dawe and Tanya Schur — and really interesting workshops related to racialization, radicalization and reconciliation, which we already had close to 100 registrants for, and were anticipating over 200,” says Jan Underwood, event organizer.

“Those topics are very relevant to our communities today, and organizers wished to raise awareness about the rise in incidences of racism locally, and radicalization attempts, especially aimed at our youth by white supremacy groups, as well as to educate people about truth and reconciliation.”

For Nadette Agecoutay, who is of Saulteaux and mixed European ancestry, truth and reconciliation is at the heart of squashing racism, particularly against Indigenous peoples.

“I think about my grandmother who attended residential school as a child. The stories she told me about her experiences haunt me, but I am inspired by her strength, resiliency and determination as a survivor,” the director of programs at the Red Deer Native Friendship Society says.

“The work that I do in the community is directly related to the impact she had on my life and my desire to help create change. Events like the CommUNITY Power of One recognize that each person has a part to play in creating change in our community. It gives us an opportunity to learn how to respond to racism, understand it and come together to learn from each other.”

Sadia Khan, a local member of the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee, and chair of the Alberta Association for Multiculturalism, says in the context of COVID-19, society must avoid selective xenophobia.

“As the virus has spread, so have the racist attacks and misinformation against the Asian community,” she’s observed.

“At a time like this, we must defend and stand together with our community members and not create divisiveness by ignorance and misinformation. We are all in this together as a community and as a world. Let’s not make it about race or origin.”

That message echos Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who expressed the need to not spread fear, misinformation and stigma.

“We reflect on the progress made in Canada and around the world to end all forms of racial discrimination,” he said. “We also acknowledge the work we still need to do so that everyone can live in a world where their rights are respected and they have an equal opportunity to succeed.”

On Saturday, Alberta’s Minister of Culture, Multiculturalism and Status of Women, Leela Aheer, reiterated the province’s commitment to working with the Anti-Racism Advisory Council.

“We lead by example and demonstrate the value that multiculturalism brings to our province by celebrating vibrant cultural events, such as Diwali, Lunar New Year and Black History Month,” Aheer said. “We are proud to recognize and share our cultural traditions. Sharing and learning about our different cultural traditions, food, music and dance leads to deeper understanding and stronger relationships.”

CommUNITY Power of One was a collaboration of several local agencies, including Central Alberta Refugee Effort, Catholic Social Services, Urban Aboriginal Voices Society, Red Deer College, Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society, Downtown Business Association, City of Red Deer, Volunteer Central, Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association, Red Deer Native Friendship Society, and other individuals.

It was funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Saturday marked International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

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