Edmonton Interfaith Centre took part in the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2018, at Edmonton City Hall as pictured above. The event started with opening words and welcome, indigenous prayer, greetings, speeches, prayers, entertainment and inspiration.
“I think we should welcome everyone without being mean”. A young boy from Balwin School in Edmonton shared his views of what should be done to tackle racism at an event as Edmonton celebrates international day for the elimination of racial discrimination as pictured below. March 21, 2018 was a busy day with activities in different parts of Edmonton to commemorate international day for the elimination of racial discrimination. Balwin School and Edmonton Interfaith Centre organized events at Balwin School and City Hall respectively.
On March 21, 2018, with the support of MLA Chris Nielsen, Balwin School organized an event to educate students on racism. Speakers were invited to speak at the school on different topics. “…Grade 5, 6, and 7 students were picked because they are at the age that they want to make the most impact. They want to make a difference. The event has been better than expected. Students engaged. Wonderful speakers…,” Sarah Ferrante, Grade 1 teacher, Balwin School told Diversity Magazine.
“Everyone has a role to make sure that our schools are welcoming,” Edmonton Public Schools Ward B Trustee, Michelle Draper, shared with Diversity Magazine after her inspiring and educative presentation. MLA David Shepherd presented on the importance of visibility to show that minorities in top positions are capable as everyone else. Bashir Mohammed presented on the history of first people of African descent to come to Edmonton, while MLA Rod Loyola shared with the students how laws are made with fairness of everyone in mind.
MLA Nielsen helped with organizing the event. He requested if Balwin School wanted to host the event and they accepted and want to make it a yearly event. He spent the entire day at the school engaging with event organizers, students, and presenters. He had this to share with Diversity Magazine, “…Balwin is part of my riding…Canada is the beacon of the world in terms of diversity. I think our future leaders should know about the challenges…The population in Balwin is diverse. Everybody is welcome. It is a replica of Canada…”.
Balwin School had some legacy projects that were going on simultaneously with the event, where students painted artistic messages to produce a mural, to celebrate their differences and show how they can work together to make something beautiful.
