Two upcoming events aim to inspire change and eliminate racial discrimination in Red Deer.
The Central Alberta Refugee Effort will host two events this week to recognize the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
“We’re using this day as a springboard for the year-long work to recognize and reject racism,” said Sadia Khan, CARE public awareness co-ordinator.
The first event will be at École Secondaire Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School Wednesday.
“It’s important to bring awareness to the school and the students,” Khan said. “They’ll discuss how they can help protect human rights on a worldwide basis and within their own community and school.”
Khan said students teamed up with CARE to plan the event. Some of the things students will discuss include; human rights and responsibilities, stereotypes and how it feels to be discriminated.
Having students planning the event will inspire other students, Khan said.
“When it comes from the students … it has such an impact,” she said. “I would definitely love to see other students and high schools involved in the future.”
This is the first time an event was held at a Red Deer high school. Khan said she hopes to have more events at other Red Deer high schools as soon as next year.
The second International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination event this week, is the third annual CommUnity: The Power of One Saturday.
READ MORE: Inspiring change at CommUnity: The Power of One
Co-hosted by CARE and Red Deer Native Friendship Society, the event runs from 8:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Golden Circle Seniors Resource Centre.
“The day is focused on delivering thoughtful and engaging content to support and encourage anti-racism initiatives,” said Khan.
The event has a different theme every year, and this year’s theme is “empowerment through our beliefs.”
“We all need to realize how much power we have as individuals and how we can all come together to see the change we can achieve,” said Khan.
There will be three interactive workshops held throughout the day: a Tipi Teachings session, Anti-Racism Response Training and a session called In Our Shoes, where local immigrants will discuss their journeys and experiences since coming to Red Deer.
Khan said some newcomers to Canada fear they may experience racism.
“There’s always the fear of the unknown and living life in other cultures.
“But we don’t want it to be ‘us’ and ‘them,’” said Khan. “We want to commemorate this day and learn how as a community we can be welcoming, inclusive and learn from each other.”
To register for the Power of One event, visit https://goo.gl/QyNStS. Space is limited.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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