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Community forum on multiculturalism coming up

The Fraser Basin Council is set to a one-day forum in Williams Lake on diversity, multiculturalism and anti-racism.

The Fraser Basin Council is set to host Embracing Our Diversity, a one-day forum in Williams Lake on diversity, multiculturalism and anti-racism.

The interactive forum on Tuesday, March 12 will utilize an arts-based process to explore community issues and experiences around multi-culuturalism and inclusion.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Cariboo Chilcotin Branch (CMHA CCB) is working with FBC to co-ordinate the forum.

“My position allows me to be part of some very unique and innovative projects that help to build community and bring people of many different cultural backgrounds togehter,” says Bettina Schoen, manager for the Multiculturalism Program at CMHA CCB.

Other project partners include the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society and the City of Williams Lake with Anne Burrill, manager of social development, and Coun. Laurie Walters participating,

PeerNetBC’s executive director Iris Yong will also be an active participant in the forum. Yong  was in Williams Lake last year to provide facilitation training to the City of Williams Lake Junior Council.

This forum is the first in a series of activities that are part of a larger project that will roll out over the spring and summer.

The culmination of the project will see an outdoor painted mural designed and installed at Jubilee Place with participation of community members of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.

Well-known local artist Dwayne Davis, whose mural work can be seen all round Williams Lake, will be co-ordinating the mural installation.

Participation in community art projects builds bonds between all ages, backgrounds and ethnicities.

A community whose members are engaged with each other is more likely to be safer, healthier, more environmentally sustainable and economically stronger.

The Embracing our Diversity Forum takes place Tuesday, March 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Central Cariboo Arts Centre next to city hall, with lunch provided.

The event is open to everyone and free of charge.

Pre-registration is require to plan for the event and catering the lunch.

To register for the Embracing Our Diversity forum, contact Gail Lucier at 250-392-1400 or glacier@fraserbasin.bc.ca .

For more information on the WL diversity Mural Project, contact Maureen at the same number, or mlebourdais@fraserbasin.bc.ca

Funding for this initiative provided by the BC Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training; EmbraceBC Arts Engagement Program.