Diversity and inclusivity will be in the spotlight at an upcoming event in Okotoks.
A celebration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination will take place at the Viking Rentals Centre on Friday, March 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., with the free event offering cultural exhibits, performances, food and family-friendly activities.
Open to all, the event is a collaboration between the Foothills Community Immigrant Services (FCIS), Okotoks Bahá'í Faith Community and Town of Okotoks.
"The overarching goal would be to support community members in gaining a better understanding of the impacts of racial discrimination and ideally to move forward toward deliberate and coordinated efforts to foster safe spaces, where frank dialogue will drive meaningful change," explained Lisa Degenstein, rural settlement program manager with FCIS.
The event aims to inspire attendees to consider what the Foothills might look like without racism, she continued.
As part of that message, a youth art contest called the End Racism Art Contest will take place, with work by local young artists on display with the goal of spreading the message of anti-racism.
"We invite different cultural groups to come and display artifacts and memorabilia that they may have collected or brought with them from their home countries, basically to help build awareness of the many different cultures that make up our Foothills communities," said Degenstein.
In addition to free food and activities, High River's Ireri-Mexican, Latino & Cross Cultural Society will take the stage for a performance.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed worldwide on March 21. It commemorates the killing of 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid in Sharpville, South Africa on March 21, 1960.
March 21 was officially proclaimed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by the Town of Okotoks in 2021.
