By Angela Brown

March Out Racism walk sees strong support

Mar 21, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Carrying bright banners and posters, supporters took to the streets of North Battleford Wednesday afternoon for the March Out Racism walk.

The event started outside City Hall when North Battleford Deputy Mayor Len Taylor introduced the proclamation establishing March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

“On this day we reaffirm our commitment to building safe and inclusive societies, and remind people of the ongoing importance of combating racial discrimination that occurs in thoughts, words, and actions,” Taylor said.

“In a diverse city like North Battleford, equality and equity are fundamental values that we uphold,” Taylor added. “Today is a day to remember that racism is still a part of our workplace and our society.”

Taylor said the proclamation will be formally passed at council’s Monday night meeting.

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The March Out Racism event was organized by the Battlefords Immigration Resource Centre (BIRC). Executive Director Annette McGovern said raising awareness was the organization’s main goal with the March Out Racism walk.

“Everybody has biases; everybody has a little racism in them and they need to look inside and realize what they are doing, and be accountable for their words and actions, and just try to love everybody,” she said. “That’s our message.” 

Lori Nicotine, of Poundmaker Cree Nation, also took part in the walk and echoed McGovern’s sentiments. Nicotine said all people have issues regarding racism they need to work on.

“Racism, it stems from hate,” she said. “Everybody, as an individual, needs to look within themselves to find out where that basis is coming from.” 

Moosomin First Nation School students and a number of area residents also participated in the walk, which made its way through downtown North Battleford and wrapped up at the BIRC site.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow