The Prince Albert Multicultural Council in collaboration with the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan marked the annual International Day for Elimination of Racism with a seminar called “Prince Albert Rises against Racism through Art and Storytelling” at the Travelodge in Prince Albert.
“March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan coordinates the campaign every year around the province,” Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan. “We always work with the Prince Albert Multicultural Council to host the event.”
Rosenberg said it was great to have so many people come together to get everyone talking and thinking about what actions they can take to further the fight against racism.
“Its important for us to think about the impact of racism on our own lives and the impact it has on us,” she said. “Racism doesn’t allow us to benefit from the contributions of everyone in our community because we don’t see people as valuable and so we really need to talk to each other, accept each other. That’s why we are here tonight.”
The provincial government was represented by local MLA Alana Ross, who appreciated the event and reiterated the call against racism.
“We know that March 21 has been designated by the United Nations as International Day for the Elimination of Racism and that is something that is very important for all of us,” Ross said. “We are all equal. We live in the same province we live in the same country and thus we recognise the wonderful diverse cultures that make up our country. It is very important for us to work together to recognise and reject racism and make it clear that we will not tolerate racism in our society in any form.”
Police Chief Patrick Nogier delivering his speech at the Session against Racism in Prince Albert on Friday, March 20.
The event witness a great turn out that had guest like Ross, Prince Albert Mayor Bill Powalinsky, and Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier in attendance.
Paula Collins, the keynote speaker, spoke about her experience fighting against racism, and some of the ideas and tactics that proved most effective.
“My advice towards ending racism is first look at yourself and ask yourself ‘why do I feel this way about someone that doesn’t look like you?’ Change yourself and then start to tell others and empower people to see others in a better light,” she explained.
The seminar included an interactive session where attendees were taught how to appreciate others as part of fighting racism through art. Guest speaker Marcy Friesen is an artist who uses beadwork to share and address social justice and discrimination. While the attendees were doing the beadwork with their hands, Marcy shared life stories about racism in Canada and her own life experiences with them.
Event coordinator Lemoya Sorensen was thrilled with the response.
“I want to say thank you to everyone who contributed one way or the other to make this possible, thank you to the multicultural council of Saskatchewan, PAMC, Heritage Canada and others,”Lorensen said. “Also, I am grateful to all the people who did what they can to make this possible. I want to thank the students for showing up an participating in this event. They did something because they care.”
The attendees shared wonderful meals together and stood against racism in Prince Albert while agreeing that more of these enlightenments and discussions are needed in the society.
