Cultural sensitivity has been a hot topic in Timmins for the past few months.
The topic of racism within Timmins was brought to the community’s attention when theĀ Ontario Chief Human Rights Commissioner released a report saying it was normalized within the city (click here for the article). The Timmins Learning Centre hosted a workshop in partnership with the Timmins Native Friendship Centre and NAN Legal Services to educate local businesses and organizations on the indigenous culture including music, dance, and spirituality.
President of the Multicultural Society Helen Yaschyshyn says this was a great opportunity to learn about the culture, as well as what is and isnāt appropriate when addressing indigenous culture.
Yaschyshyn says she will be bringing back all the information on ceremonies, health practices and label definitions back to the society. She says some of these definitions include the differences between using the words aboriginal, indigenous and native.
Timmins Native Friendship Centre Cultural Resource Coordinator Jennifer Wabano says some of these terms are more offensive than others. Wabano says the term aboriginal mean “away from original” which is offensive to most indigenous people. She says using the terms native or aboriginal is much more acceptable.Ā Ā
Councillor and BIA Executive Director Noella Rinaldo says she is always trying to learn more about other cultures in both of her roles, and this is a great start.
Rinaldo says some of the information presented on cultural sensitivity will be things that the newly approved First Nations Committee will be addressing (click here for that story).Ā She adds that this is something she would like to do again for more of the BIA members.
TLC Executive Director Michelle Goulet says this is a topic that has sparked a lot of interest and it may be a workshop she holds again.Ā