Mar. 21 is designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. It’s a day observed all around the world to focus attention on the problems of racism and the need to promote racial harmony.
The UN made this designation in 1966 to mark a tragic event that took place on Mar. 21, 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa, when 69 peaceful demonstrators were killed during a protest against apartheid. Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN initiative and launched its first annual campaign against racial discrimination in 1989, explained Darlene Stakiw a member with the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS), during a presentation to the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
“During the month of March, MCoS is running a provincial campaign featuring the theme ‘Show Racism the Door.’ This year, we created a downloadable PDF activity kit. We have also launched a social media campaign to accompany this campaign, using #MarchOutRacism,” she added.
“We invite members, partners, schools, workplaces, faith groups, etc. to download a free activity kit and execute it leading up to Mar. 21, and record it with photos and video and post to social media using #MarchOutRacism.”
The Mar. 21 campaign was introduced to heighten awareness of the harmful effects of racism on a national scale, explained Stakiw.
Locally, a number of activities will mark the week.
On Wednesday, Mar. 21, Inner Cycle Spin Studio, at 25 Myrtle Avenue, is hosting a “Solidarity Ride” with an Indigenous music play list.
The Yorkton Public Library will host a film at 7 p.m. on Mar. 21 as well.
“The film “Cognitive Justice: 150 years of Indigenous Education” was produced by Melissa Antony,” said Stakiw.
There will be discussion afterwards with the Tribal Chief and other YTC representatives.
The following day, Mar. 22, “Lyndon Linklater, from the Office of the Treaty Commission, will be presenting at “Reconciliation in Action” a full day workshop hosted by the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers – Yellowhead Branch,” said Stakiw.
Lyndon Linklater was appointed to the OTC Speakers Bureau in 2000 and since that time he has presented to over 30,000 people delivering awareness and understanding about Treaties and First Nation Awareness to Saskatchewan people.
The proclamation itself notes “the City of Yorkton is committed to the belief that equal opportunity and treatment should exist for all people.”
It also states; “Racial discrimination is a universal issue that divides communities and threaten the political, social, economic, and cultural foundation on which cities are built,” adding “the elimination of racism and racial discrimination can be accomplished through understanding and respect for the dignity off all people, and is the social and moral responsibility of each person.”
Council was unanimous in supporting the proclamation.
