Image Credit: Contributed
February 28, 2016 - 3:02 PM
KAMLOOPS - This month at Kamloops Immigrant Services, Diversity Outreach and a team of students from Thompson Rivers University’s School of Social Work and Human Services are working hard to plan the organization’s annual Walk to Embrace Cultural Diversity.
The event will take place on Friday, March 18th, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. It will begin at the Wilson House, home of the North Shore Business Improvement Association (115 Tranquille Road) and end at Kamloops Immigrant Services (448 Tranquille Road), where an open house with ethnic food, guest speakers, and cultural performances will take place.
The event marks the United Nation’s (UN) International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21st. It is in remembrance of the tragic outcome of a peaceful demonstration on March 21, 1960, against apartheid “pass laws”. Sixty-nine protesters were killed at the Sharpeville Massacre by South African police who opened fire at the demonstration.
The UN’s commitment to fight racism battles racist and discriminatory problems that occur in every society. Kamloops Immigrant Services honours these inclusive, peaceful values and hopes to actively play a part in creating a more welcoming and safe community.
“It’s very important that the community of Kamloops adopts an active mindset when it comes to ending discriminatory attitudes and ending systemic racism”, says practicum student Hailey Van Daele. “As social work and human service students, we hope to make a valuable difference in our community. We think this event is a good way to spread awareness."
At present, KIS Diversity is busy coordinating the performers, guest speakers, food donors, and media outlets. They hope to reach diverse populations in Kamloops and extend an invitation to join the event to all.
For more information, please contact Paul Lagace, Executive Director at Kamloops Immigrant Services: 778-470-6101 or executivedirector@kcris.ca.
News from © iNFOnews, 2016