Advanced Education and Skills
March 8, 2016
Celebrating Diversity in Newfoundland and Labrador
Minister Byrne Encourages Residents to Participate in Multiculturalism Week
The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, is encouraging residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in activities to celebrate Multiculturalism Week, March 20-26.
“Cultural diversity demonstrates strength and the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism is actively working to build awareness of the benefits of immigration, including celebrating multiculturalism in order to promote inclusive citizenship and ensure cultural diversity of all people is valued, supported and enhanced. I invite everyone to join in and participate in Multiculturalism Week activities, and display multi-coloured lights outside their homes and businesses as symbols for the support of a dynamic and diverse province.”
- The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills
Multiculturalism Week activities include:
- All schools in the province are encouraged to participate in a multicultural art project that depicts their vision of multiculturalism throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Schools can post a photograph of the project and their classmates to the Department of Advanced Education and Skills Twitter account @AES_GovNL using the hashtag #MCWNL.
- The Association for New Canadians is organizing a Resettlement Experience poster series. Designs will include a portrait-style image of a recent immigrant accompanied by an explanation of their resettlement experience. Participants can post their design on Twitter using the hashtag #WelcomeHomeNL.
- Sharing Our Cultures will take place March 20-23 at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s. The public is encouraged to attend the opening ceremonies March 20 at 1:00 p.m. Sharing Our Cultures promotes the values of multiculturalism and intercultural relations. This year’s theme is Arts Around the World.
“Sharing Our Cultures was established on the premise that if school children and youth learn to respect and accept each other, and develop friendships, they are more likely to embrace cultural and racial diversity. Since 1999, this program has offered culturally diverse youth a sense of place and belonging in this province. As we continue to encourage social cohesion, we are delighted to participate in the province’s celebration of Multiculturalism Week.”
- Dr. Lloydetta Quaicoe, Founder and CEO, Sharing our Cultures
Multiculturalism Week coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21. The week celebrates the cultural diversity of all residents and provides opportunities for individuals to engage in activities and events to increase cultural inclusion.
QUICK FACTS
- Minister Byrne encourages the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to participate in activities during Multiculturalism Week, March 20-26. People can extend a welcome to newcomers to the province by placing multi-coloured lights outside their homes.
- Schools in the province are encouraged to post a photograph depicting their vision of multiculturalism to the Department of Advanced Education and Skills Twitter account @AESGovNL using the #MCWNL.
- Multiculturalism Week began in 2009 to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.
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Media contacts:
|
John Tompkins Director of Communications Department of Advanced Education and Skills 709-729-0753, 728-7762 jtompkins@gov.nl.ca |
Lloydetta Quaicoe Founder and CEO Sharing Our Cultures, Inc. 709-726-1504, 727-2372 lloydetta@sharingourcultures.com |
2016 03 08 10:05 a.m.