Although Canadian Multi-culturalism Day wasn’t officially until Monday, June 27, celebrations in Prince Rupert came early when on Sunday, June 26, the North Coast Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society hosted Diversity Day at the Rupert Square Mall to help raise awareness.
At Diversity Day, members of the community were encouraged to come down and listen to special guest speakers Saša Loggin from the Skeena Diversity Society, and Jane Dickson from the Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC, who both traveled from Terrace to attend.
Loggin spoke about what the Skeena Diversity Society has been doing over the past few years including opening a downtown office, painting a building with spray paint graffiti, hosting dinners and coffee gatherings and other various events that bring people with different backgrounds together.
“We are creating opportunities together for people who usually wouldn’t have them and breaking barriers,” explained Loggin.
Additionally, a number of representatives from different cultural groups and associations, such as AFFNO, Sons and Daughters of Norway, Indo-Canadian Association, Prince Rupert Chinese Association, and more spoke to people in attendance about what their groups do. A majority of the representatives made it known that they were excited about coming together and what that could mean for the community.
The North Coast Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society is a non-profit organization that came together in October and are on a mission to partner with the community to celebrate the multicultural richness in the region and community as well as provide access to services for immigrants.
There previously was a similar multicultural group, however due to lack of support it did not survive.
Local Louisa Sanchez has been a major force behind both groups, and is happy to look forward to the organizations future.
“What we are looking forward to is to provide service and support to new Canadians that come to Prince Rupert,” said Sanchez.
“We are working towards full integration to the community and also to promote public awareness and appreciation of the diversity we have in Prince Rupert.”