MOOSE JAW — The Moose Jaw Multicultural Council (MJMC) hosted an event at A.E. Peacock Collegiate on Thursday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, bringing together speakers and students to promote inclusion and challenge racism.
Recognized annually in March, the day serves as a reminder to combat racism, discrimination, and intolerance globally.
Rhonda Rosenberg, executive director of the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, emphasized the importance of acknowledging how identities intersect with power and privilege.
“We all want to shine as beautiful, multifaceted jewels, and feel welcome to express all of those aspects of our identity and be appreciated for them,” she said.
Rosenberg urged attendees to work towards creating balance in social dynamics. “The work of anti-racism is to try to draw that (dynamic) back to a balance,” she said. “Everybody’s able… to get great things happening in our communities.”
Jide Kassim, assistant project manager with Prairie Skies Integration Network, addressed the audience and broke down different forms of racism, including daily, systemic, and cultural racism.
“Racism is a very serious issue, but understanding it is the very first step in change,” Kassim said. He then provided examples, including workplace discrimination and harmful stereotypes perpetuated through social media.
“So, what do we do? The first thing I like to say is to speak up. If you see something happening, don’t just ignore it — stand up.”
Kassim encouraged attendees to educate themselves and challenge harmful assumptions. “Don’t assume things about people based on race,” he said. “We need to take it upon ourselves to learn about other people and their culture.”
Nik Cochrane, a settlement worker with MJMC, reflected on refugee families adjusting to life in Canada.
“I can’t begin to imagine what it’s like to wake up one day and learn that you must leave your community, your home, your country,” Cochrane said. “Our team helps them settle and get connected to a variety of supports in our city.”
Cochrane highlighted some of the council’s efforts, including World Refugee Day, which celebrates the resilience of refugees through cultural exhibits, performances, and traditional foods.
The city’s Indigenous liaison and communications manager, Hayley Hart-Rushinko, discussed her role in strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities. During her presentation, Hart-Rushinko highlighted the development of a Cultural Action Plan, , and the introduction of an official land acknowledgement by the city in 2023.
Hart-Rushinko pointed out that , .
“This is something very exciting for the city, and something I never thought I’d see in my lifetime,” she said.
Next, Laura Butt addressed common myths and misconceptions about refugees and immigrants.
“The first myth is that Canada is making a sacrifice by letting in refugees. Not true,” she said. “Canada’s population is not replacing itself by the number of (immigrants being brought in). If you are willing to grow the economy, we need people.”
Butt also challenged stereotypes linking refugees to criminality. “A criminal doesn’t want to be fingerprinted, photographed, and have all their details recorded and examined,” she said, stating that government-sponsored refugees undergo rigorous screening.
She called on attendees to confront biases and promote inclusivity in their daily lives.
“You don’t have to be very important or uniquely powerful in order to help,” she said. “Each one of us has a daily choice and opportunity to be mindful of our biases, and to step outside our comfort zone.”
The event ended on a hopeful note, calling for a more inclusive Moose Jaw as stated by the MJMC.
“Let’s stand together against prejudice, promote respect for all people, and continue working toward a future where everyone is treated with dignity and fairness, regardless of their race or background.”
