Harmony Helps Fight Racism

Action and words will help to eliminate racism in Nova Scotia, said speakers and presenters at the Fourth Annual Harmony Brunch held today in East Preston.

"Today, we reflect upon what we can all do together to confront racism and to challenge prejudice by doing what we can to seek a fairer society for all Nova Scotians," said Robbie Harrison, the minister responsible for the administration of the province's Human Rights Act.

March 21 is commemorated annually as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. After peaceful demonstrators protesting apartheid were killed in South Africa on March 21, 1960, the United Nations declared the day should be set aside to remember the harmful impact of racism. Canada was one of the first countries to show its support and declared that respect, equality and diversity are fundamental Canadian values supporting March 21.

"The government of Canada is committed to providing Canadians with the tools they need to eliminate racism and will continue to work toward this goal until it is achieved," Hedy Fry, Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Status of Women, said at the official launch of the 11th March 21 campaign last September in Toronto.

In Nova Scotia, a tradition has grown to host harmony breakfasts or brunches March 21 to help raise awareness and understanding. Similar events are now held in Charlottetown, Calgary and Winnipeg.

The East Preston event involves more partners and participants each year. Today's brunch included performances by the St. Thomas United Baptist Church Junior Choir, Noah's Ark, a dramatic dance presentation by the Unity Dancers, and a closing prayer by Stephen Michael, a Mi'kmaq elder and RCMP constable.

Willie O'Ree, the first black National Hockey League player, delivered the keynote address. He spoke of his experiences and what the elimination of racism means to him. Mr. O'Ree, born in Fredericton, is now director of youth development for the NHL/USA Hockey Diversity Task Force, a not-for-profit program designed to introduce children of diverse ethnic backgrounds to the game.

"Discrimination, ignorance, bigotry and prejudice have prevented people from accepting others for who they really are," said Mr. O'Ree. "This is what my work with the Hockey Diversity Task Force is all about. Encouraging children, especially children of colour, to work hard to achieve their dreams regardless of barriers they may face."

Rev. Dr. Donald Skeir of East Preston was presented with an award in recognition of the International Year of Older Persons during the program. The presentation was made by Howard Green, regional director general, Human Resources Development Canada, in celebration of Rev. Skeir's lifelong commitment to youth in the community.

"To the youth: Stay in school, get your education and learn all you can about black history," said Rev. Skeir.

Also during the program, the student editors of The Cava-Chronicle newspaper received a human rights award sponsored by the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. The award recognized the contribution of the Cole Harbour District High School newspaper as a positive communication tool for students and members of the community.

"The Cava-Chronicle has served as a vehicle to generate a genuine understanding of diversity and how it adds strength to our community," said Reo Matthews, vice-principal at Cole Harbour District High.

Three new bookmarks designed by elementary school students who participated in the Make Your Mark Against Racism campaign were also unveiled at the brunch. In the campaign, children from schools in Halifax Regional Municipality were asked to create bookmarks boldly depicting an anti-racism message. Three bookmarks were selected from dozens of entries. The creators of the bookmarks are:

• Sori Han, Grade 4, Duc d'Anville Elementary School, Halifax
• Rosyn Atuanya, Grade 6, Ross Road School, Dartmouth
• Stephanie L. Rogers, Grade 5, Duc d'Anville Elementary School, Halifax

Human Resources Development Canada, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Halcraft Printers sponsored the bookmark campaign.

The Fourth Annual Harmony Brunch is organized by Partners Against Racism. Members include the Atlantic Jewish Council, the Baha'i community, the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Cole Harbour District High School, Human Resources Development Canada, the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, Scotiabank and the RCMP.