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regina Leader-PoSt

Elimination of Racial DiscRimination Spring Free from Racism celebrates 20th anniversary

BY BARB DEDI

This year is a year of celebration for Spring Free From Racism and the Saskatchewan Association on Human Rights.

Spring Free from Racism celebrates their 20th anniversary with a fun-filled Family Day on March 24, 2019 at the Italian Club starting at 11 a.m. and going until 6:30 p.m. Twenty years ago the Family Day began at a smaller recreation room and we had about 150 people attend the day which showcased a few entertainment acts from cultures, some talks on racism and five or six displays and food booths.

Over the 20 years we have reached our capacity with hundreds of performers, 16 food booths, 16 display and craft booths, and over 5,000 people attending. We have had representation of every culture in Regina and area and with the newcomers that have been coming from abroad from many new countries it is a day of sharing traditions, food, music, and even language. From serving food from Ukraine, First Nations, Germany, etc., we are now able to taste food from Syria, Turkey, Ethiopia, and more.

We celebrate this event to recognize International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. This day is important in history, but this recognition

needs to be happening all year round. We need to move from images of historical racism that spring to mind – such as slavery in the United States, apartheid in South Africa or the Holocaust in Europe – to current images of racism – what is happening on the streets of Regina with racial gang related crimes, events or simply what is happening in our education, justice, media, immigration, and employment systems. This includes all forms of hate activities, government policies, or even equal rights in political activity.

Each and every year I am asked, if there is still Racism in Regina. As an activist in Human Rights for over 40 years I have seen many different forms of racism and discrimination. It has taken on many different faces. SFFR believes that by bringing all cultures together in celebration and fun it is easier to recognize the creativity of our diversity.

The 2019 program is larger and represents many different performances from various cultures and of various sizes – from large groups to solo performances. You can tap your toes to a fiddle or an Irish jig, dance to a polka, be entertained by a Lion dance and many other displays of multicultural talent. While enjoying the entertainment, you

There are plenty of opportunities to check out some local artisans at the annual Spring Free From Racism Family.

Performances by cultural dance groups will take place throughout the day. p h o t o: su p pl i e d

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can sample food from around the world with our largest ever selection of different cuisines, or visit the displays and craft booths.

We believe Saskatchewan needs to be dedicated to bringing about a more harmonious province which acknowledges its racial past, recognizes the pervasiveness of racism today, and is committed to a future in which all Saskatchewan people are treated equally and fairly. We see no racism in the room that day, only everyone enjoying bringing their families together.

This year we have a separate room with clowns, face painting, making flags of different countries, photos, cosmic characters, and more.

Come out and celebrate 20 years of Spring Free From Racism. The Family Day cel-

ebrations takes place at the G. Marconi Italian Club of Regina at 2148 Connaught Street, March 24. Admission is free.

For more information about this year’s event contact barbadedi@hotmail.com.

Spring Free from Racism (SFFR) and Sask Association On Human Rights (SAHR) formed one organization and this year SAHR celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

The SAHR helps newcomers adjust to Canada, assists with discrimination and racism they may experience, do presentations in the school system, and conduct workshops. This year to celebrate 50 years, the SAHR will host a conference and banquet on Oct. 5, 2019. There will be workshops and quest speakers on various topics ending with an evening of entertainment and recognition.

The Family Day event March 25 offers so for all ages to see and experience. p ho t o: s up p l ie d

Spring Free From Racism 20th Anniversary Family Day Schedule of events 11:00 Welcome – Barb Dedi, President 11:05 Noa American Tribal Style Belly Dance 11:15 Regina Scottish Country Dancers 11:25 Marcus Geiger – Violin 11:35 Irish Set Dancers 11:45 Balaton Hungarian Dancers 11:55 Tavria School of Dance 12:10 Regina Austrian Edelweiss Dancers 12:20 Miorita Romanian Cultural Society Dancers 12:30 Hutsol Dancers 12:40 Noopura Dance Academy 12:50 Yes We Can and Joanne Crofford 1:00 Hutsol Dancers 1:10 The Maharlika Filipino Dance Group 1:20 Sadochuk Ukrainian Pre School 1:30 Opening Ceremonies Sean Hall - Piper Brian and Aaron Sklar - O Canada

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Introduction of Committee Elder Lorna Standingready

DIVERSITY DRIVES HUMAN RIGHTS

Greetings Lieutenant Governor of Sask City of Regina - Mr. Michael Fougere Government of Sask. House Speaker - Mr. Mark Docherty Official Opposition of the Government - Mr. Trent Wotherspoon, New Democratic Party Government of Canada - Mr. Ralph Goodale, Liberal Party Regina Police Service - Mr. Evan Bray Multicultural Council of Sask - Mr. Neeraj Saroj Regina Multicultural Council - Mr. John Findura Introduction of Special Guests 1:50 Chung Wah Kung Fu Centre Lion Dance 2:05 Polonia Polish Folk Art Ensemble

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2:20 Saskatoon Russian Katinka Dancers 2:30 Ranch Ehrlo Pow Wow

You belong here.

Racism doesn’t: University of Regina AN OPEN LET TER BY DR. VIANNE TIMMONS President and Vice- Chancellor, University of Regina

Three words: You belong here.

What do these words evoke?

Inclusivity? Safety? Respect?

Compassion?

This simple expression suggests all of these attributes and more.

That is why “You Belong Here.

Racism Doesn’t.” is the tagline of the University of Regina’s new inclusivity campaign. The campaign was launched in conjunc-

tion with the March 21 United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

We h o p e t o r e i n f o r c e t h e message that the University of Regina is a welcoming institution, open to all. We also want to foster a better understanding of the behaviours and attitudes – such as bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination – that are not acceptable on the University’s campuses and should not be acceptable in our world.

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Dancers 2:50 Saskatoon Russian Katinka Dancers

3:00 Chaban Ukranian Dancers 3:10 Caribe Folk Arts Dance Troupe

3:30 Prairie Gale of School of Dance 3:40 Latin Fusion Dance Studio 3:50 Kolos Dancers 4:05 Natya Sudha East Dance Group 4:15 Wildfire Tribal Vibes 4:35 Clark’s Clan of Scottish Dance 4:50 Regina German Club-Kleine Pakete -Voles Lederpaketa 5:05 Daughters of Penelope Hellenic Dancers 5:15 Blakey School of Irish Dance 5:25 Regina Highland Dancers 5:35 Rainbow Dance Troupe 5:50 KG Harmonie Sparklers German Dancers Heart of Harmonie German Dancers 6:05 Yallah and Ya Rayah and Linda 6:20 Closing remarks - Barb Dedi

Th The Circle Project Assoc. Inc. “...serving the community since 1988” Working towards a better future for individuals and families by bridging the gaps in our community.

We encourage people to help themselves through...

Family Violence Program Addictions/Lifestyles Counseling Cultural Programming Children’s Centre lnfant/Toddler Centre 2 Floor, 1102 8 Avenue, Regina, SK S4R 1C9 Telephone: (306) 347-7515 Fax (306) 347-7519 Children’s Centre: (306) 569-3988 Infant/Toddler Centre: (306) 949-4911 www.circleproject.ca nd

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Our diversity makes us stronger

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B E L O N G F r o m 10

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Elimination of Racial DiscRimination

The University of Regina is not alone in its desire to promote inclusion. Post-secondary institutions across Canada are implementing similar initiatives.

These initiatives come at a time of growing nationalism and anti-immigration sentiments around the world. We are a mere week since the senseless, racistfuelled massacre in mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. In the U.S., South America, Africa, Europe and elsewhere, nationalist tides continue to flow – and so too does the flood of racism that always accompanies such movements.

There may be a tendency in Canada to think that systemic racism, discrimination and hatred are things that only exist elsewhere. But the fact is, that is far from the truth, including for Indigenous people on our campus and across our province and country.

Over the past few years, policereported hate crimes have risen steadily in Canada. Between 2014 and 2017, incidents of hate crimes based on race or ethnicity rose by more than 30 per cent. In a 2016 Statistics Canada report ranking the highest per capita police-reported hate crimes, Regina placed 11th on a list of 33 Canadian cities.

While these s tatis tics are dishear tening , I remain optimistic. My optimism comes from my first-hand experience seeing how bringing diverse individuals together can be a game-changer.

I began my career working as a teacher in British Columbia in the field of what was then called special education.

At the time, segregated schools where children with disabilities learned separately from other students were being closed down, and inclusive education, where children with disabilities are educated with their age-appropriate peers, was becoming the new model. My doctoral work at the University of Calgary was in this discipline and it has remained one of my research interests and personal passions.

I have seen inclusive classrooms become truly great places of learning where some of the most meaningful scenes of human interaction occ ur.

As I walk down the halls of the University of Regina, I see another great place of learning and human interac tion, facilitated by our diverse University community. Our international students now represent nearly 70 countries and our growing percentage of self-declared Indigenous students now stands at more than 13 per cent of the student body. The diversity of race, colour, age, religion, ability, and gender and sexual orientation on our campus is our strength.

Ultimately, it is everyone’s

responsibility to reject intolerance and bigotry and embrace benevolence and anti-discrimination. It is up to each of us to live a life in which we treat others as they wish to be treated in an effort to eliminate racism, bullying, abuse, harassment and discrimination. This will help make our University – and our world – a place where everyone belongs, and racism doesn’t.

Immigrant & Refugee Service Agency Serving our Community since 1976

• Settlement, Family & Community Services • Volunteer & Youth Programs Please join us for the • Refugee Resettlement Services 2019 World • KidsFirst Program Refugee Day • English Language Services Event • Licensed Child Care Centre on Thursday June 20th, 2019 • Employment Services at noon held at the City Square Plaza • Newcomer Welcome Centre • Translation & Interpretation Services

Volunteer Opportunities Available!

Tel: 352-3500 • Fax: 757-8166 •2332 11th Avenue

Dr. Vianne Timmons.

www.rods.sk.ca s u pp li e d ph o t o

TOGETHER

WE’RE BETTER

EVERYONE IS WELCOME AT THE LIBRARY

LET’S END

RACISM & DISCRIMINATION

NOW!

PROGRAMS, RESOURCES, GRANTS AND MORE. saskculture.ca |

/SaskCulture |

Be yourself and soar with us Your individuality is an asset Be distinct. Be original. Be yourself.

Recognize March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. fcc.ca/Careers

To stay up-to-date on the news while you’re on the go, download our mobile app for iPhone and Android.

@SaskCulture

Regina Public Library is a place of understanding and respect. We believe that strengthening our diverse community matters to the future of Regina.

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ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

12 things to do to address racism as an ally The United Nations Association in Canada defines racial discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on r a c e , c o l o u r, d e s c e n t , or national or ethnic origin that has the purpose or effect of nullifying or impairing the recognition, enjoyment or exercise, on an equal footing, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural or any other field of public life.”

1. Be aware of your privileges (as well as ways you are disadvantaged). Break the invisibility of privilege.

2. L i s t e n , l i s t e n , L I S TEN! 3. Ta k e r e s p o n s i b i l ity without being defensive when your actions are questioned. Ask questions and learn more about power in any situation.

4. Work towards liberating yourself from supporting oppression.

5. Tr y t o h e l p o t h e r s with similar privileges understand how power, privilege and oppression work.

6. Un learn p rejudices and stereotypes. This is a lifelong process. Join with others on this journey towards change

#MarchOutRacism

Truth and Reconciliation Action Photo: Tanner Wallace-Scribner / Swift Current Online

7. Canada’s colonial legacy is everyone’s responsibility. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission has 94 Calls to Action. Read them.

Make a personal commitment to one (or more) that is meaningful to you.

8. Realize that feeling guilty is ver y unhelpful for everyone and that a useful role is to take part in recognizing and rejecting racism/oppression.

9. If you hear an oppressive comment or see an example of oppression, be an ally, not a bystander.

10. Try to avoid the trap of “knowing what is good for them” for members of

oppressed groups.

11. Learn what you can about an oppressed group – read, ask questions, listen. But do not expect everybody to be willing to teach you now that you are ready to learn.

12. Be yourself. Do not try to claim the roots and connections that a history of oppression can give to a community, if it is not your own. The best thing you can do is to dig into your roots, history, connections.

Submitted by the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, www.mcos.ca.

Racism: Recognize it. Reject it!

March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Download activity kit: mcos.ca/marchoutracism

Spring Free From Racism n Association a w e h c t a k s Sa on Human Rights Celebrating 20 Years of SFFR and 50 Years of SAHR

FAMILY DAY CELEBRATION 2019 March 24, 2019 @ the Italian Club 11:00am-6:30pm

Opening Ceremonies 1:30pm Come help us celebrate

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination at our 20th annual Family Day Celebration.

NON-STOP ENTERTAINMENT Delicious FOOD BEAUTIFUL CRAFTS & DISPLAY

Here is safe. Here is inclusive.

Here is respectful. Here is compassionate.

Here is the University of Regina. #YQRbelong