Day to erase discrimination

March 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 March 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 publicized national campaigns against racial discrimination from 1989 to 2011.

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS) is coordinating a provincial campaign with support from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. MCoS members and all schools have received a package with March 21 posters and stickers. Many Saskatchewan organizations continue to recognize March 21 and use it as a springboard for the year-long work to recognize and reject racism.

The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan with many local organizations, are partnering to show a film, The Gold Bracelet, in communities large and small across Saskatchewan in honour of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The Gold Bracelet is a tender hearted story of a young immigrant family and its peaceful existence until the September 11, 2001 attacks shatter their world and force them to face harsh realities in America. It explores immigration and generational issues. This film allows us to rise above our differences.

"We are very excited to partner with Regina Immigrant Women Centre and many local organizations to enable a tour of the film The Gold Bracelet and its award-winning director Kavi Raz," says Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director of MCoS. "Each showing will include opportunities for discussion following the film. We hope that community members will build relationships that are the foundation to respectful and welcoming communities."

Join us in Yorkton on Wednesday, April 10 at the Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre at 7:00 pm. The event is co-hosted by Yorkton Film Festival, Yorkton Multicultural Council, and the City of Yorkton.