Yukon becoming more inclusive, but still more to be done
WHITEHORSE – A year after launching Yukon Cultures Connect (YCC), coordinator Mitch Miyagawa believes the Yukon College project is helping to create a more honest conversation about cultural diversity in Yukon.
“It has been very rewarding to see the barriers come down. As well as seeing stronger connections between the diverse groups represented on our steering committee, I am seeing a shift in that intangible story people tell about Whitehorse,” said Miyagawa.
“People are more open and willing to learn about each other’s backgrounds and beliefs which is creating greater pride in the cultural diversity of our community.”
YCC activities include a strong emphasis on fun, creativity and artistic expression. Individuals and families have come together to celebrate their differences at public events as well as what connects them, while engaging in digital story-telling projects, flag making, self-portraits, multi-cultural crafts, creating culture cards, and making sandwiches using a mix of ethnic foods.
Despite the success so far, Miyagawa believes there is more to be done.
“There are always little ruptures that reveal biases and prejudices under the surface. Like the negative reaction of some people to the numbers of Filipino workers at local businesses or the Idle No More movement,” added Miyagawa.
This is why Yukon Cultures Connect is partnering with the City of Whitehorse, Yukon Human Rights Commission, Family Literacy Centre and the United Church to present a day of free activities this Thursday.
March 21st is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and YCC and its partners aim to bring attention to this important day and encourage Yukoners to stand up for their beliefs in respect and the value of diversity.
From 12-2 p.m. at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre, Circle of Promises is an interactive talk that will cover topics such as: What are aboriginal rights? What’s Idle No More about? And as Canadians, what are our promises, through our constitution, historic and modern agreements, and international law?
From 4-6 p.m. at the Canada Games Centre, celebrate the cultural diversity of our community through family activities such as aboriginal sport demos, multicultural story tent, art tables, and more, as Whitehorse Celebrates Diversity. At 5:15 p.m., learn more about Mayor and Council's commitment to addressing racism and discrimination.
From 7-9 p.m. at the United Church, there will be a screening of the documentary, A Sorry State, followed by a panel discussion and Q+A. Filmmaker Mitch Miyagawa’s family has received 3 government apologies for past racist injustices. What do these apologies mean, if anything? What do they say about our country?
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For more information, contact:
Michael Vernon
Communications Coordinator
College Relations
Yukon College
867.668.8786
867.332.4722
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca
Jacqueline Bedard
Director
College Relations
Yukon College
867.456.8619
jbedard@yukoncollege.yk.ca