Media Advisory - Aboriginal issues educator calls on Thunder Bay area groups to get the word out about discrimination

TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - On Tuesday September 4, 2012 at 4:30, Bonnie Couchie will reflect on her journey from the shock at the way she was treated, through filing a human rights application, and victory when the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario ruled in her favour.

Held at the Learning Café in Thunder Bay, the event is co-sponsored by Confederation College and the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.  Event organizers hope the event will spark discussions and action to support people facing discrimination in the Thunder Bay area.

After a hearing last year, the Tribunal concluded that Ms. Couchie was subject to "heightened scrutiny, disproportionate blame and over-reaction when compared to her co-presenter." Evaluations from a Ministry session she facilitated included comments such as "all the whining about all the past historical injustices" after which she was terminated.  Her non-Aboriginal co-presenter, however, was retained - with the direction that he get some "refresher work."

Couchie joins visiting board members from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre, an organization that provides free legal support to people throughout Ontario who believe their human rights under Ontario`s Human Rights Code have been violated.

Who:	Bonnie Couchie
When:	Tuesday, September 4, 2012, 4:30pm - 6:30 p.m.
Where:	The Learning Café, Thunder Bay 501 East Victoria Avenue
What:	Reflections on a human rights claim

Refreshments at the event will be provided by local caterer Daisy Wesley.

SOURCE: Human Rights Legal Support Centre

Jennifer Ramsay, Human Rights Legal Support Centre 416-597-4958; mobile: [phone]