MCoS initiatives reducing racism, promoting intercultural understanding

By Miranda Hanus

For Leader Post Creative Services

Published in the Leader Post March 21, 2006

The International Day for the Elimination of Racism is in its 40^th year.

How far have we come towards eliminating racism and discrimination?

We have come a considerable distance, particularly in Saskatchewan, said Reginald Newkirk, an affiliate member of the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS).

Reggie Newkirk is well recognized in Saskatchewan for his work to promote diversity and the protection of human rights. He has served in a variety of capacities in this field with the federal, provincial and territorial Human Rights Commissions.  In addition to being a strategic thinker, skilled trainer and group facilitator, he has had considerable experience working in board governance. Most recently, he served as a Diversity Ambassador for the 2005 Canada Summer Games, helping create a human legacy of encouragement and belonging.

He currently runs his own consulting company, Parity Consulting, from his home in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, through which he offers a wide range of training and workshop programs.

MCoS has found innovative ways to reduce discrimination, said Newkirk.

Established in 1975, MCoS has taken a lead role in generating programs that promote building a positive community. It also works in accordance with the Provincial Multicultural Act to develop sustained anti-racism initiatives.

MCoS receives significant resources and support from Saskatchewan Lotteries, SaskCulture, Canadian Heritage and Saskatchewan Culture Youth and Recreation for a variety of campaigns over the years.

In February of 2001, MCoS sponsored a conference that was held in Waskesui, Saskatchewan to prepare presentations for the World Conference Against Racism. The WCAR was held in South Africa in September of that year.

Another initiative of MCoS that year was post-911 meetings held with representatives of the business community, educators, and the Chamber of Commerce. This forum was set to address issues that arose from an increase in discrimination and racism after the attacks in New York.

Working and Playing Together was a program that started ten years ago to eliminate racism through sport and recreation.

Valuable lessons were learned through this initiative. The purpose of the program was to find common ground in the community to get people to work, live and play together, said Newkirk.

Courageous conversations ensued, which involved respectful ways of talking with each other. Saskatchewan is the only place it is operating and we plan to expand to other provinces, said Newkirk.

This model was used for the 11 diversity ambassadors that were involved in the 2005 Summer Games. They participated in events throughout the games from opening ceremonies to the Tipi Village and the closing ceremonies.

There was a WLPT workshop with the host committee for the upcoming Canada Games 2007 in Whitehorse, Yukon in January, 2006. This was part of a Share it Forward campaign of the Regina 2005 Canada Summer Games Diversity in Sport Initiative.

It is vital to emphasize leadership and inclusion to bring people together.

Saskatchewan youth are developing many anti racism and anti discrimination initiatives as well. For example, a poster campaign was held at F.W. Johnson Collegiate last year in honour of March 21^st.

The poster created by students stated, Only laundry should be separated by color. The school is planning to expand the project this year at a diversity day where students will use laundry to hang up their stereotypes.

Anti-racism initiatives need to be carried throughout the year, and our campaigns must continue, said Newkirk.

In the words of the United Nations, there is one race, the human race.