Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Activities: What Works ? Dr. Smita Joshi Director – Multiculturalism Office of

1. Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Activities:  What Works ?Dr. Smita JoshiDirector – Multiculturalism Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism

2. Context. Rationale for our approach given our context & goals. Focus on our successes: Sharing sample projects that work. Presentation Outline

3. Our Context Being small can be a blessing and a curse!

4. Small numbers of Immigrants; a little over 8500; Around 1.5% of the total population. Yet, over 100 countries / 70 languages spoken. Home to 2000 people with French heritage. 19,000 people with aboriginal ancestry. 10,000 who also speak “non-official” languages. (Source Census, 2006) Demographics - Diversity represented in the province

5. Works best in smaller setting Actions at Macro level Actions at Micro level Building Social Capital Networks

6. Implementation of the provincial Policy on Multiculturalism. A total of 13 focus group meetings held in 10 locations across the province ; included 217 participants. Newfoundland and Labrador’s Youth Retention and Attraction Strategy. The Canadian Policy Research Networks (CPRN) facilitated 13 sessions of 11 deliberative dialogue sessions with 484 youths aged 18 to 30 attended in September and October 2008. Public Consultations

7. Diversity & Multiculturalism viewed positively. Recognize importance of Education; that fear of the unknown/ lack of exposure can cause people to be less open to immigrants. Conversely, in rural NL, immigrants are more likely to be welcomed with open arms as they are often the precious and valued health care providers, entrepreneurs that fulfill major need in the community.  Close-knit communities and cultures can result in isolation of newcomers from other parts of the province as well as from other parts of the world. How is diversity viewed in our province? Results of our consultations

8. Our Challenge: To be proactive and change where necessary, what we think, how we feel and act. Approach: Through government and community partnerships, take a holistic approach, support the local champions to build welcoming communities. Rationale for our Approach

9. Education & Public awareness Programs & Services based on Equality Cultural inclusiveness Strategic Partnerships

10. Assistant Deputy Ministers Committee Interdepartmental Working group Public Service Commission : Provincial Diversity committee Coordinating Committee on Newcomer Integration-Federal, provincial, municipal, community partners International Student Labour Market Integration Project Committee. The employers’ guide to hiring international students and graduates. Strategic partnerships with Municipalities, Teachers Association, School Board Association, Eastern Health, Royal Constabulary etc. Smaller Centre Strategies – “Toolbox of Ideas for Smaller Centres” - pilot has been conducted in selected areas of the province. Actions Undertaken

11. Economic Development Boards Labrador Straits Development Corporation Mariner Resource Opportunities Network Capital Coast Development Alliance Community Groups Association for New Canadians Sharing Our Cultures Multicultural Women’s Association of Newfoundland and Labrador African Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Friends of India Japanese Association of Newfoundland and Labrador Multicultural Women in Corner Brook Media as “partners” Our 26 Partners during March Celebrations!

12. Municipal/Provincial/Federal Education Innovation, Trade and Rural Development Justice Women’s Policy Office Tourism, Culture and Recreation Human Rights Commission Royal Newfoundland Constabulary City of St. John’s Citizenship and Immigration Canada Eastern health Care Educational Institutions Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association Eastern School Board Conseil Scolaire Francophone School Board College of the North Atlantic-St. John’s and Stephenville Campus Memorial University of Newfoundland Partners

13. Since 2007, our office has funded 54 community partnerships projects to enhance settlement, inclusion and integration services.

14. Multiculturalism Milestone Celebrating Successes! Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism June 24, 2009

15. Since the launch of the Policy in June 2008…

16. We conducted 13 Focus Group Meetings in 10 locations

17. Receivedwidespread support for the policy across the Province

18. Citizens highlighted the importance of public education to strengthen diversity.

19. …and the need for culturally sensitive services too!

21. With supporting partners…

22. In March 2009, together we lit up our Province

23. Thanks to the provincial proclamation!

24. We light up our homes, our hearts our community with multicolored lights as a symbol of being a welcoming community

25. Supported by a proclamation from the City too!

26. Together We Rocked !

27. Welcoming newcomers!

28. Organizing culturally sensitive Public Seminars in French on Islam.

29. We worked with our students

30. with specialized classroom activities developed by department of Education

31. Students learned about each others cultures

32. And International students learned about life in rural communities

33. They celebrated World Day… Bell Island Style!

35. And learnedabout the importance of different languages.

36. Teachers promotedrespect for all.

37. With service partners working to meet family needs…

38. Acknowledging importance of Inclusive citizenship for all…

39. ….The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary helped to provide culturally sensitive services

40. We celebrated Sharing Our Cultures…

42. Everybody has a purpose here….

47. Memorial University International Students Bazaar

48. Multicultural Women’s Food and Craft Fair…a win -win for all!

49. Thank you to all our partners for celebrating diversity as our strength!

50. So let us continue to build on our Successes!