Despite Timmins often priding itself on its multiculturalism discrimination still exists in the city.
Several events are leading up to Thursday’s International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Wednesday at the main branch of the public library, schoolchildren will be read a book called “The Day You Begin”, dealing with acceptance of everyone. Then on Thursday at Collège Boréal, a symposium on dismantling racist systems and barriers in the workplace.
Local immigration partnership coordinator Ifeoma Kasimwanwuna says several studies prove overt and covert discrimination in Timmins.
“Whether it’s anti-indigenous discrimination or even to other members of minority groups. So we see it,” she states. “We might pride ourselves, but we cannot run away from the fact that people experience racism.”
She also notes that “The Day You Begin” exposes children to the issues.
“How they start well, laying the foundation for welcoming each other, accepting each other the way they are, so hat they can know that in our differences, we are all still the same.”