Timmins is becoming more ethnically diverse every day, but many feel the city still has to work to do in ending racism within the city.
A press conference was held Thursday morning in the lobby of the Timmins Public Library to announce the first annual International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
March 21 is a date recognized by the United Nations, to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre.
On that date in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 peaceful anti-apartheid protestors in Sharpeville, South Africa.
Since the United Nations made the proclamation in 1966, many cities around the world have celebrated the efforts of those who have fought for racial equality. This will mark of the beginning of Timmins’ participation.
Don Curry (shown above at podium) is the Executive Director of the North Bay & District Multicultural Centre as well as the Timmins Multicultural Centre. He feels that it’s long overdue.
“North Bay has been successfully running the event for 26 years and we’re looking to replicate it here in Timmins. It is a superb annual event that helps create a welcoming community. Media coverage is extensive, and helps spread the word to the public. For the school boards and students involved, it is a very positive experience” said Curry.
According to Curry’s 2004 study, ‘Debwewin: Three City Anti-Racism Initiative in Northeastern Ontario’, the prevalence of racism in northern communities is high, particularly towards aboriginal peoples.
Information contained in that report revealed that sixty percent of aboriginals said they were discriminated against because of their race in Timmins in the past year.
Ward 5 councillor Andrew Marks (shown above at podium), who is also the Community Relations Officer for the Northeast Catholic District School Board, says this initiative will bring nothing but positives.
“One of the fastest growing populations in Timmins is the aboriginal community and we really have to open our arms and work this program into our schools, into our business community and everywhere else in our city. Sometimes there is a lack of understanding culturally, and sometimes this can lead to a problem. When we can support an organization that’s going to help us eliminate racial discrimination, Timmins is going to be a better place for everybody to live” said Marks.
“We’re starting off at the very young school age with a poster contest and we’re adding a human rights wall of fame for adults. It’s really to bring awareness to the situation, so we can have a conversation as a community and make sure Timmins is a wonderful city for everyone.”
Marks raised the idea of the Human Rights Wall of Fame at Monday’s city council meeting.
He made it clear that the city’s only direct involvement would be for the creation of a plaque which would hang in the lobby of the Timmins Public Library.
“This is one the components that we’ve learned has been very successful in North Bay. We figured with all of the partners and all of the school boards, and the colleges and universities, we wanted to find a neutral location and we decided here in the front foyer of the library. It is a place that is accessible to everyone in the community” said Marks.
He says the recipients will have a photo hung in the lobby as well and hopes they hear some inspiring stories.
“We’re accepting nominations now for Human Rights Wall of Fame. It’s an adult category. It’s for adults in Timmins who have demonstrated anti-racism behavior, have helped out with third world projects, have been leaders in their field and criteria will officially go out to the media shortly. We’re accepting nominations now through February 27. At which point, the committee will make a decision and the winners will be inducted into the Human Rights Wall of Fame on March 25” said Marks.
The official criteria will be released through the media shortly after Christmas according to Marks. In the meantime, nomination suggestions can be made to the Timmins & District Multicultural Centre.
The full results of Don Curry’s study can be viewed at www.debwewin.ca/finalreporttimmins.doc
