Lethbridge Action On Racism Circle

Hate Crime in Lethbridge Alberta

2010-06-14T09:56:00.001-07:00

The victim of this hate crime is gay.

Anti Hate Crime Week Event May 10

2010-05-06T12:10:00.001-07:00

There will be an Anti Hate Crime Week observance at Lethbridge Immigrant Services, 701 2 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB on Monday May 10 from 11 to 2 pm. The event is hosted by Lethbridge Regional Police Services, Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge, City of Lethbridge Community Services and Immigrant Services.

Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle will have anti-discrimination posters to distribute at this event.

We encourage you to attend and enjoy a burger or hot dog and a soft drink.

Show Your Face Campaign

2010-04-16T08:53:00.001-07:00

The Show Your Face campaign is a joint initiative of Amnesty International Lethbridge and the Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle.

It is an opportunity for ordinary people to stand up and speak out about racism and discrimination in their home town.

A poster launch will take place in May, 2010. It features faces of southern Albertans with the tag line “I live in southern Alberta, and I am standing up against racism and discrimination. Show your face – speak out!”

A Facebook and Twitter campaign has already been launched.

YOU can participate on Facebook! Type this into your profile update I am standing up to discrimination in my hometown. Show your face, speak out!

YOU can participate on Twitter! Tweet this: I am standing up to discrimination in my hometown. #Showyourface

Some comments on racism from a Canadian

2010-04-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

The points I would like to make are mainly regarding the exposure of Aboriginal peoples in the Media. I literally have never seen a Native person in a commercial or in movies playing a generic role that anyone could play. I would like to see if we could get an action going to bring this about. We would have to brainstorm our thoughts to bring ideas of how this could be done.

My other point is to find ways to reward or encourage successful Aboriginals. Perhaps a mention on the weekly news or a write up in the newspaper.

Thirdly, I understand that the Chretien government brought in a bill which limits the First Persons' freedom while on their reserves. We need to look into this more and find out how this bill and any other bill is preventing the success of the young.

Lynn

Listen to audio from Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle Presentation to the Community on April 13, 2010

2010-04-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

Visit the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs website to hear the presentation: http://www.sacpa.ca/sessionquery.php?sessionid=386

Racism and discrimination: What needs to be done?

2010-03-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

A presentation by the Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle

(Sponsored by Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs)

April 13, 7:00 pm

Theatre Gallery, Lethbridge Public Library

Panellists: Dr. Jo-Anne Fiske, Dr. Trudy Govier, Pastor Ruth Preston Schilk, Pastor Jason Anderson, Sarah Sweet Grass, Kayress Dela Cruz, Mary Kosta, Mike Frank

The Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle has undertaken several initiatives to address racism and discrimination in Lethbridge. Their work has been informed by dialogue with over 100 community members at potluck meetings. Through this process, varied and creative recommendations for action at several levels were gathered and published in two reports that have been widely disseminated.

A screening of a special series on racism by CTV’s Dory Rossiter will precede the panel presentation. The panel will then highlight key recommendations from its reports, and share stories of personal experiences of racism and discrimination. An opportunity will be provided for questions and answers and further dialogue following the presentation.

Workshop on Racism and Oppression

2010-03-09T16:33:00.001-08:00

The Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG) would like to offer
you a free workshop on power and oppression.

The workshop, titled Racism and Oppression in Canada: What Can be Done?
will be held on Tuesday, March 16 at 4:00pm in room TH241.

Do you want to become more informed about the history of racism and other
forms of oppression in Canada? This interactive workshop will explore and
deepen our understanding of oppression in Canada, and the discussion will
focus on what can be done. The workshop includes a puzzle activity,
discussion, and opportunities to take action.

Space is limited, so registration is encouraged.
To register, contact LPIRG at pirg@uleth.ca or 403-332-5243 or stop by our
office in Galileo's in the Students' Union Building.

Dialogue on Racism and Discrimination: Breaking Bread

2010-02-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

The second report from the Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle has been released. Entitled Dialogue on Racism and Discrimination: Breaking Bread, this report is a compilation of positive ideas for action from community members in Lethbridge, Alberta.

The report draws together ideas from two potlucks held in 2009, attended by over 100 community members.

A link to the report is on the right hand tab of this blog.

CTV Lethbridge Special on Racism and Discrimination

2010-01-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

Please watch the special that Dory Rossiter has produced on racism and discrimination. It features an interview with Pastor Jason Anderson of the Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle.

It will air on Thursday, February 11th during the 5 o’clock news on CTV.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

2010-01-21T09:47:00.001-08:00

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21 March. On that day, in 1960, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws". Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (resolution 2142 (XXI)).

ANTI-RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION POSTER CAMPAIGN PHOTO SHOOT

2010-01-18T14:02:00.000-08:00

The photo shoot is now scheduled. If you are willing to have your photo taken for our poster campaign, please come to:

Christ Trinity Lutheran Church

416 12 Street South

Monday, January 25, 2010

12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

OR

2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

to have your photo taken. Please go in the main door of the church and then down the stairs to the lower level (basement).

Poverty of Justice Film Screening and Launch of Dignity Campaign in Southern Alberta

2010-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Amnesty members in Lethbridge, Alberta, invite you to join them on January 28 to launch Amnesty's Demand Dignity campaign in Southern Alberta.

Free refreshments will be available at the event, and you'll be able to meet members of local anti-poverty organizations.

There will be a screening of Poverty of Justice, the Demand Dignity campaign film. The documentary was made with three communities who tell their own stories of the human rights abuses that keep them in poverty.

The stories are from Kenya (forced evictions in slums), Peru (maternal mortality in Indigenous communities), and the Lubicon Lake Cree of northern Alberta where massive oil and gas development has almost wiped out the traditional economy and way of life of the Lubicon.

Event details
Date: Thursday January 28, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Theatre Gallery, Lethbridge Public Library (810 5 Ave S)

If you'd like to join Amnesty's Lethbridge group, please email admin@ailethbridge.com or visit the group's website.

Background on the Demand Dignity campaign
Amnesty International’s new Demand Dignity campaign aims to end global poverty by working to strengthen recognition and protection of the rights of the poor. The campaign will bring to light and address the discrimination, exploitation, neglect, marginalization and human rights violations that cause poverty.

Poster Campaign - We need volunteers for photo shoot

2010-01-12T19:32:00.001-08:00

Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle is looking for people willing to have their photos on anti-racism and discrimination posters. If you're interested in being in the photo shoot, please email us at lethbridgearc@gmail.com

Steering Committee
Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle

International Peace Pow Wow 2010

2010-01-12T18:11:00.000-08:00

Enmax Centre
2510 Scenic Drive S
Lethbridge, AB

February 27 & 28, 2010

Grand Entry 1:00 pm

Even More Photos from Dialogue on Racism Potluck - November 2009

2010-01-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

More Photos from Dialogue on Racism Potluck, November 2009

2010-01-08T19:06:00.001-08:00

Immigrant Achievement Awards

2009-12-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

Lethbridge Family Services would like to invite nominations for the 1st Immigrant Achievement Awards, which will be celebrated on March 20, 2010.

This event, one of the first of its kind in Southern Alberta, will celebrate the success of First Generation Canadians and their contributions to our community. It will also recognize organizations that strive to make diversity and inclusion a priority in their workplace.Nominations are open to outstanding immigrants in the following fields:

• Arts and Culture
• Business
• Community Services
• Distinguished Professional
• Outstanding Youth
• Sports
• Organization that promotes diversity in the workplace.

For more information or to request a nomination package please contact Aurora Bello, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Lethbridge Family Services– Immigrant Services at 403-320-1589 or by email: abello@lfsimmigrantservices.ca

The deadline for nominations is January 31, 2010.

Amnesty International Lethbridge to Join Global Write-a-thon

2009-11-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

Lethbridge – Amnesty International Lethbridge will host a community event on International Human Rights Day, encouraging people to come out and write letters to promote human rights. Highlights of the event include local musicians, a raffle, delicious refreshments, and Christmas gifts for sale. They will be joining people from 30 countries around the world who will host their own events.

Amnesty International's write-a-thon is catching the spirit of people everywhere. Last year, thousands of Canadians wrote over 36,000 letters at nearly 1,000 events in schools, community centres, faith institutions, cafes, and living rooms across the country. Participation is free and open to everyone.

Amnesty International's Write-a-thon offers our community a unique opportunity to make a difference in upholding human rights. Members of the media are invited to report on the Write-a-thon.

WHO: Amnesty International Lethbridge

WHAT: Amnesty International Lethbridge hosts write-a-thon

WHEN: Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 pm

WHERE: The Round Street Cafe

For more information, or to schedule an interview, contact Amnesty International Lethbridge at 403-327-8196.

Find out more at www.amnesty.ca/Write-a-thon.

Photos from Dialogue on Racism Potluck - November 2009

2009-11-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

News from Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle

2009-11-25T15:09:00.000-08:00

Dialogue on Racism Potluck - November 23, 2009

Thank you to everyone who attended the potluck on Monday. We had 45 dinner guests, including Mayor Bob Tarleck and Chief of Police Tom McKenzie. We will be publishing the recommendations in a second report, which you should receive in the coming weeks.

We will be presenting recommendations from both potlucks to the Public School Board in January.

Upcoming events of interest:

FNMI Days: Celebrating our Pride, History and Knowledge
Thursday, November 26 at Lethbridge College

10:00 am: Drum protocol
11:30 am: Taste of culture: Berry soup and fry bread
11:30 am: Mini powwow
Noon: Naming ceremony
2:00 pm: First Nations connection to the land

Heritage Through My Hands at Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump
Saturday, November 28
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

A full day of activities where local artisans, crafters and entertainers gather to kick start the festive season. Includes aboriginal art and craft fair, sweet grass ceremony, hoop dancer, silent auction and door prize draws.

Dialogue on Racism and Discrimination Potluck - November 23, 2009

2009-11-06T13:10:00.000-08:00

This is an open invitation to the second DIALOGUE ON RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION sponsored by the Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle.

The Dialogue on Racism and Discrimination is a potluck at which you have the chance to meet new people and share a meal, and make recommendations for positive action on the issues of racism and discrimination in our community. Children are welcome to attend with their parents.

The potluck will be held on:

Monday, November 23 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

at:

Lethbridge Mennonite Church (4303 3rd Avenue South)

IF YOU CAN ATTEND, please RSVP to Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle (lethbridgearc@gmail.com)

This is the second potluck we have held. The recommendations from people who attended our first potluck were published in a report which has been presented to City Council, the Holy Spirit School Board, and the City of Lethbridge Community and Social Development Committee. The report has also been widely distributed across Canada.

This is your opportunity to effect positive change in our community. Your recommendations and ideas will be presented to decision making bodies such as the University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge School Division, Lethbridge College, and other institutions in the coming year.

Sisters in Spirit Vigil 2009

2009-09-14T13:31:00.001-07:00

The 2009 Sisters in Spirit Vigil will be held in Lethbridge, Alberta on MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 at 7:00 pm at GALT GARDENS.

Please come out and help us remember missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada, and stop this racialized violence.

FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL 2009 - Friday, August 14

2009-08-08T23:32:00.000-07:00

Amnesty International & Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge Presents:

FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL 2009

"Bringing Community Together"

Friday, August 14, 2009

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Galt Gardens

Performances by: Floyd Sillito with West Wind; Miss Blackfoot Canada Meghan Shouting; Trevor Kiitokii; Richard Doerksen; Lance Tailfeathers; Pow Navarro; Russell Red Crow; Ammena Dance Compay; and Planet Telex.

Also: Facepainting, Henna Art, Ethnic and Western Food.

Everyone welcome - free public event!

Lethbridge City Council Motion - June 1, 2009

2009-06-10T18:01:00.000-07:00

At the regular meeting of City Council held on Monday, June 1, 2009 the following resolution was passed:

"BE IT RESOLVED THAT the communication from Jacinda Weiss, Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge, Ruth Preston Schilk, Lethbridge Mennonite Church, Sara Sweet Grass and Mary Kosta, Amnesty International Lethbridge, requesting to present the "Dialogue on Racism" booklet and the plan for action by the Lethbridge Action Circle on Racism addressing issues of racism and discrimination in our community, be received as information and filed

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT they be encouraged to present their report to the Standing Committee on Community and Social Development

AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that Mary Kosta and Ruth Preston Schilk be thanked for their presentation."

First Annual Urban Aboriginal Awards 2009

2009-06-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

Wednesday June 17, 2009

Lethbridge Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre

6:00 pm

A celebration of Aboriginal people presented by:

The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge

Nominate Your Role Model

Do you know an Aboriginal person who deserves to be recognized for their contribution to the community? If you do, you could nominate him or her for an Urban Aboriginal Award.

You are invited to nominate Aboriginal Elders, adults, and youth who you think make Lethbridge better for Aboriginal people. They are role models, exceptional leaders, and excel at what they do while maintaining their values and beliefs. Most important, they inspire. These people make us proud to be Aboriginal.

On June 17, 2009 at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre, the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge will honour seven of these deserving community leaders as well as one Lifetime Achievement recipient at the First Annual Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge Urban Aboriginal Awards Celebration.

Nominations are open to any Aboriginal person residing in the City of Lethbridge.

NOMINATION FORMS
• Available at the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge Office – 305-5th Street South.
• You may also request the forms by email to a.scout@acleth.ca

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS BY: JUNE 12, 2009 to
The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge
305-5th Street South
Lethbridge, AB
T1J-2B4
Fax: 403317-7716
Or Email: j.weiss@acleth.ca

AWARD CATEGORIES

Community Leadership – 2 Awards

Making a positive difference in the Aboriginal Community is top priority to this individual. This person has demonstrated commitment to promoting health, culture and/or economic realities within the Urban Aboriginal Community.

Knowledge Keepers – 2 Awards

This person actively participates in upholding Aboriginal Cultural Practices. He or she promotes the need to maintain Aboriginal Language(s), Aboriginal protocols, ceremonies and traditions and shares them.

Youth – 2 Awards

It is amazing what this young person has done to create a sense of community. This young person is a well-balanced individual who exhibits good cultural values and beliefs, leads a healthy life, is a great role model to other youth and may excel in sports. Nominees must be individuals 30 years or younger as of June 17, 2009.

Community Organization Award

This community organization has been a leader in the development of services to Urban Aboriginal Citizens of the City of Lethbridge. They have shown leadership in Community Development and Building Positive Relationships both within the Aboriginal Community and the City of Lethbridge.

Lifetime Achievement Award

A special award recognizing Lifetime Achievement will be awarded by the committee.

NOMINATION CRITERIA – WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

The person you nominate must:
• Be of Aboriginal, Inuit or Metis Heritage
• Be a resident of the City of Lethbridge
• Be inspirational, a consistent role model
• Be a contributor the Urban Aboriginal Community
• Consent in writing to the nomination

WHO CAN NOMINATE?

Anyone who knows of a worthy candidate can nominate. You do not have to live in Lethbridge. Nominate as many people as you like.

HOW IS A NOMINATION MADE?

1) Ensure the person you plan to nominate agrees to the nomination.

2) You may select more than one category for the nomination.

3) Attach a story of 250 to 1000 words telling why you feel this person is an excellent candidate and describe their accomplishments. You may attach additional information to the nomination – such as a biography and profile of the individual, news stories, letters of support. This is not required, but it can help the selection committee with the decision.

4) List two referrals providing their name and telephone number.

5) Have the nominee sign the form. The Nominee’s signature authorizes the Selection Committee to review the nomination. It also provides for photo and publication consent if the nominee is selected.

6) Submit the nomination before the deadline – send it by fax, email or mail, and ensure the original is delivered to the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge Office.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE NOMINATIONS?

The Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge will contact the successful nominees to let them know they were selected. Successful nominees will receive their award at the award celebration banquet on June 17, 2009. Award recipients can be nominated for additional awards in different categories 5 years after receiving their award. Past award recipients cannot be nominated to the same category.

Nominees not selected for an award are held for three consecutive years from the date of the first submission. Each year, the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge Awards Committee will contact the nominator to confirm that the nomination is valid for that year. Following the nominators approval, the nominee will be contacted to confirm their interest in allowing their name to stand.

Any materials submitted to the Urban Aboriginal Awards become the property of the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge and will not be returned. Please submit copies if possible. Emails can be sent as text files or as MSWord documents.

Racism in Lethbridge

2009-05-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

As one of the moderators for this Blog, I just want to see some feedback on the issue of Racism. Does anyone have any stories they would like to share? Does anyone have any issues they want to explore through this blog? Please give some feedback on anything that you would like to see or have addressed. This is the perfect place to allow your voice to be heard! Hope to hear from you soon. Take Care

Lethbridge Action on Racism Circle

Dialogue on Racism Potluck Supper March 5, 2009

2009-04-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

Amnesty International Lethbridge, the Lethbridge Mennonite Church, and the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge co-organized the Dialogue on Racism potluck dinner on March 5, 2009. We invited religious organizations, civic society groups, First Nations organizations, Lethbridge City Council, the Lethbridge City police, and extended an open invitation via the Lethbridge Herald to members of the public.

We gave each attendee a number when they arrived, so that people would be sitting with people they did not already know. We wanted everyone to meet new people and break out of their familiar circles. Each table had a facilitator who helped their fellow dinner guests answer the set of three questions which were posed. We had simple ground rules: everyone's ideas were equally important, everyone must show respect, and everyone was worthy. We began to eat at 6:00 pm, and at 7:30 pm the facilitator from each table presented the results of their discussions to the whole room. Notes were taken on flip chart paper, and posted around the room as we progressed. By 8:00 pm, we had enough ideas for a booklet!

This booklet, Dialogue on Racism - Sharing Salt: A Grassroots Gathering, is available by e-mailing LARC at lethbridgearc@gmail.com.

New Blog for Lethbridge ARC

2009-04-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Brand new Blog - more information to come.