Red Deer to host CRRF events marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

RED DEER, AB, March 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Red Deer will be the location of two events the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) will host to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21 – a day set aside to build cohesion and refocus collective action against racism.

The CRRF's "Red Deer Living Together Symposium," to be held at Westerner Park on March 23, will be an interactive event dedicated to building a deeper understanding of reconciliation, multiculturalism and Canadian values. The Symposium is part of a series of cross-country events.

"We invite the public to join us in conversation about topics including reconciliation and immigration," said Anita Bromberg, Executive Director, CRRF. "As Red Deer opens its doors to newcomers, we must engage in timely discussions regarding the building of welcoming and inclusive communities."

The event will bring together faith and community leaders, academics and diversity champions to discuss how Red Deer and Canada in general can work towards building diverse and inclusive communities. It will be held in partnership with the City of Red Deer and an advisory group from some of the Red Deer Welcoming and Inclusive Communities Network: Central Alberta Refugee Effort, John Howard Society Red Deer, Catholic Social Services – Immigration and Settlement. The event will be moderated by Peter MacLeod, Co-Founder and Principal, MASS LBP.

Panellists and participants will discuss issues related to identity and belonging, including: how Canadian identity can become inclusive for Indigenous peoples and newcomers; the challenges Canada and Red Deer face in creating more pluralistic and inclusive communities; and how individuals can implement reconciliation in their personal life, in the workplace and in their communities.

"We've seen the stresses of racism and discrimination on society, and know the future of race relations rests on bringing communities in dialogue and exploration, and working towards an action plan," said Bromberg.

The CRRF will also host the "Our Canada Workshop" at the Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery on March 22. The workshop is part of a cross-Canada series bringing diversity and inclusion champions in conversation about faith-based issues and new situations that have emerged with the growth of Canadian multiculturalism.

"The City of Red Deer is a participant of the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination, and we have a vision of being a 'vibrant, healthy and diverse organization that supports a welcoming and inclusive community where everyone feels safe and can fully participate in community life,'" said Tymmarah Zehr, City of Red Deer Human Resource Specialist, who will moderate at the Symposium. "Engagement opportunities and events with the CRRF are important because we all have a responsibility to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive society."

About the Canadian Race Relations Foundation

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF) is a Crown Corporation dedicated to working towards the elimination of racial discrimination. Its mission is to advance Canadian identity in the pursuit of positive race relations, equity, fairness, social harmony and dignity for all Canadians. The CRRF does this by providing independent, outspoken national leadership, informing national policies and public conversation, and acting as a resource and facilitator.

SOURCE Canadian Race Relations Foundation

Anita Bromberg, Executive Director, CRRF, [email protected], 1-800-240-4936