YORKTON - March 21 is designated by the United Nations (UN) as the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination, explained Darlene Stakiw, on behalf of the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.
Stakiw said it is “a day observed all around the world to focus attention on the problems of racism and the need to promote racial harmony. The UN made this designation in 1966 to mark a tragic event that took place in 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa when 69 people lost their lives and 180 others were injured when the police fired on a crowd of peaceful demonstrators who were challenging laws that restricted black South Africans’ movements under apartheid.”
Canada was one of the first countries to support the UN initiative and launched its first annual campaign against racial discrimination in 1989.
“In Saskatchewan, this remains the day when we join with nations around the world to promote a society which is free from all forms of racism,” said Stakiw.
Stakiw said it is important we realize we need to be accepting of others.
“We are one human family. These words occur in both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code. There is much diversity in this family and from that diversity we draw great strength. Every member of this family deserves equal consideration. The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan is coordinating efforts throughout the province to recognize and reject racism,” she said.
Locally the Multicultural Council is offering an educational opportunity using the book “Hanna’s Suitcase” by Karen Levine, as two “Book Clubs in a Bag” are available at Yorkton Public Library.
Through the book, readers “learn of Hanna's loving parents and older brother, George, and discover how the family's happy life in a small town was turned upside down by the invasion of the Nazis. Based on an award-winning CBC documentary, Hana's Suitcase takes the reader on an incredible journey full of mystery and memories,” notes secondstorypress.ca
On Thursday, March 24, we are hosting an event with Yorkton Film Festival who has been a great partner and supporter for many years. There will be a film screening of “Inside Hanna’s Suitcase” followed by facilitated small group discussions.
Even if you haven’t read the book, you are most welcome to attend the film screening and discussion, said Stakiw.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. It is a free event and are asking people to register at EventBrite.ca to ensure we have refreshments.
