Dozens attend March Out Racism Rally in downtown Moose Jaw

A few dozen people marched up and down Main Street Tuesday in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The event was organized by Moose Jaw Residents Against Discrimination and Racism (MJ RADAR).

"The group's been together since about 2020. We are just excited to have this first opportunity to do something active in the community," said MJ RADAR co-chair Dalise Hector. "We are here to stand in solidarity with anybody who is experiencing racism or discrimination and we also want to promote anti-racism within the community. This event, on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, was a perfect opportunity for us to get together and have a rally with all of our partners and friends and all of those who stand in solidarity with us to share this message with our community."

The goal of the March Out Racism Rally was to show that any type of racism and discrimination is not welcome in Moose Jaw.

"It's not tolerated and we're here to support those who might be experiencing it and also to ask others to open their minds and to change their views. [To] make some space in their lives for people who they might perceive to be different from them so that we can together overcome the marginalization that happens through racism," continued Hector.

MJ RADAR co-chair Dalise Hector says any type of racism and discrimination is not welcome in Moose Jaw

MJ RADAR is a working group of Prairie Skies Integration Network, which Hector is the project manager for. The organization helps to orientate and welcome newcomers into the community.

"I think racism can happen in many different ways. Sometimes it's very overt, but sometimes it's subtle. It's often systemic. It's built into systems, where if you're different from the norm, services may not be as accessible to you," added Hector.

Laura Butt was one of many who took time out of their day to attend the rally.

"I feel like newcomers are very important to our community. I teach English to the newcomers and I am constantly surprised and delighted by the things I learn from them, from many different places, many cultures. It's really wonderful to be welcoming newcomers," she said. 

Butt carried a poster which read, "Yes to peace! No to racism!"

"Racism is often started by a lack of understanding," she added. "We have gifts to share with one another and if we build relationships, it's for everybody's benefit."

The march, which was led by drumming group Iron Whistle, started at the Mae Wilson Theatre travelling up and down Main Street, ending back at the theatre.

Lori Deets delivered the land acknowledgement prior to the event.

Guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination recognizes that injustices and prejudices fueled by racial discrimination take place every day. Observed annually on March 21, it commemorates the day police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960.

The rally was held in conjunction with the John Howard Society, the Moose Jaw Multicultural Council and the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre. Funding was provided by the Government of Canada and the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan.