As part of its annual anti-racism campaign, the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan (MCoS), City of Yorkton, Yorkton Film Festival, East Central Newcomer Welcome Center Inc., Community Development Packs and Recreation, are collaborating to host a free screening of the film n卯pawistam芒sowin: WE WILL STAND UP on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at SIGN.
Rhonda Rosenberg, Executive Director, Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan, explains鈥渢he racial tension we witness and hear of today is a result of decades of racially marginalizing Indigenous and minority groups. Government must pay more than just a shallow interest in righting the wrongs of many centuries. This could mean a total overhaul of certain structures, engagement with leaders from communities that are marginalized and oppressed to examine policies, programs, processes, and plans. We need to build systems that genuinely work for everyone. This is the only way reconciliation can make meaning to people鈥�.
A fundamental way MCoS promotes the Racism: Recognize it. Reject it! campaignis through engagement with communities. According to its partner Randy Goulden, Executive Director, Yorkton Film Inc., 鈥渢hetitle of this film is very apt and summarises desired action we want to see. We cannot afford to be by-standers or passive. Collectively, we can determine to listen to a variety of perspectives, learn about experiences from reading, talking, sharing鈥�.
There are two screenings scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Doors will be opened 30 mins earlier to allow for COVID-19 screening. Chief George Cote, Cote First Nation and Doug Cuthand renowned journalist and film-maker are some expected guests at the community forum. 聽
The MCoS聽public education and engagement campaign includes community activities in La Ronge, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, North Battleford and Swift Current. Another teaching opportunity is the Youth Workshops聽designed for high school students to engage with peers as they work together in interactive activities to explore identity, power, privilege, colonialism and its legacies, reconciliation, racism and discrimination. engagement kits聽are available for download.
