Lethbridge sets fight against racism, discrimination as priority

The city of Lethbridge has adopted an action plan to battle racism and discrimination.

In a vote of 5-2, and one abstention, on Jan. 24, Lethbridge City Council gave the nod to a plan put together by the Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination.

CMARD is a UNESCO-driven initiative. Cities, such as Lethbridge, recognize racism and discrimination exist in their communities and dedicate resources to building a safe and inclusive community for everyone.

The Lethbridge committee consists of members from an array of service organization within the city. The Aboriginal population is represented by the Aboriginal Council of Lethbridge and Blood Tribe administration.
The action plan was created from a Human Rights community conference held in October 2010, with over 100 community members participating in breakout sessions, dialogues and events.

Pam Blood, project coordinator of the Blood Tribe Cultural Awareness Program and CMARD committee member, said, “The action plan is positive in that it recognizes from an Aboriginal perspective the problems that are associated with racism and discrimination. It combats the issue of Aboriginal people normalizing discrimination and accepting it, rather it provides an opportunity to appreciate the talent and skills of the Aboriginal population in the city.”

Actions suggested in the plan include increased vigilance against systemic and individual racism and discrimination; monitor racism and discrimination in the community more broadly as well as municipal actions taken to address racism and discrimination; inform and support individuals who experience racism and discrimination; support policing services in their efforts to be exemplary institutions in combating racism and discrimination; provide equal opportunities as a municipal employer, service provider and contractor; support measures to provide equity in the labour market; support measures to challenge racism and discrimination and promote diversity and equal opportunity in housing; involve citizens by giving them a voice in anti-racism initiatives and decision-making; support measures to challenge racism and discrimination and promote diversity and equal opportunity in the education sector and in other forms of learning; and to promote respect, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity and the inclusion of Aboriginal and new Canadians into the cultural fabric of the municipality.

The action plan is both ambitious and aggressive with a 10-year commitment through to 2021. But Blood and CMARD members are committed to meeting and exceeding the expectations of the plan.

“This is an opportunity to begin creating education and awareness at the city level, not only for Aboriginal people, but for everyone.  At the moment, this is ambitious and is just a piece of paper, but only time will tell how this document will be utilized to strengthen our community and alleviate discrimination. It is important that the City of Lethbridge determined this was a priority,” said Blood.