The workshop in Regina on Feb. 15, 2017. Photo by Manfred Joehnck.
The Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan’s anti-racism youth leadership workshop in Regina is aiming to give lessons in tolerance and diversity.
About 100 students and educators are attending the conference to share experiences and learn about the damage racism can do.
The diverse group including black, Muslim and First Nations students are exploring intercultural relationships, discrimination, and their own identities.
The Council’s executive director Rhonda Rosenberg says the goal is to recognize and reject racism.
Part of the exercise is learning about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s reports.
“Doing this kind of activity is an opportunity for people to start to pay attention to the TRC’s call to action,” she said.
“They are an invitation to everybody to say, ‘oh, what is it I can do, how can I learn more, how can I make a difference?’”
One of the students taking part is Abdul Ikweir, a Muslim boy from Libya. Ekweiri was born in Canada, but lived in Libya for about 10 years.
He came to Regina couple of years ago and says it has been a great experience. He says he is attending the conference so others can have the same kind of great experience.
“It’s been great, it’s a hell of a ride,” he said.
“I fit in really well with my peers, I was introduced to my buddies and peers in my homeroom classes, I started out really slow but gradually moved my way up.”
The workshop is in preparation for the International Day for the Elimination of Racism March 21.