HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 10, 1998 MINUTES
A meeting of the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations and Equity was
held in the Pickering Civic Complex on Tuesday, February 10, 1998 at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Councillor David Ryan
Ted Dionne, Durham Regional Police Service
Philip Matsushita, Pine Ridge Secondary School
Roland Rutland,Ajax/Pickering Social Development Council
Mobeen Khaja, Muslim Educational Cultural Association
Jane Kiyonaga, Durham Separate School Board
Jacqui Steer, William Dunbar Public School
Fred Gibson, Pickering Carib Canadian Cultural Association
Alice Carlson, Dunbarton High School
Jill Foster, Pickering Library Board
Stephen Reynolds, Director of Culture&Recreation
Lynn Winterstein, Department of Culture& Recreation
Margaret Donaldson, Recording Secretary
Regrets:
Dr. Phebe-Jane Poole,Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
Norm Powers, Durham Board of Education
Ian Weber, Community Appointee
Monika Jensen, Community Appointee
1. Welcome
Mr. Reynolds welcomed all in attendance and advised that various members
had sent regrets.
2. Approve Minutes of Last Meeting Tuesday,January 20, 1998
MOTION:
Moved by: Mr. M. Khaja
Seconded by: Mr. T. Dionne
That the minutes of the January 20, 1998 meeting be accepted with the
following addition.
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That Ms. Kiyonaga had stated that a representative from the Separate School
Board would be a guest speaker on the Panel
Carried
3. Business Arising from Minutes
Black History Month Update
Ms. Carlson advised that Dunbarton will be hosting two presentations for Ms.
Speaks, she extended an invitation to Committee Members if they wished to
attend.
Mr. Matsushita advised the Pine Ridge's opening ceremonies will be held on
February 12, 1998. There will be a video segment, step dancers and St.
Jacob's under ground railroad, the closing ceremonies will be held on
February 27, 1998 a steel band will perform for 350 -400 students.
4. 1998 Race Relations Forum
Mr. Matsushita stated that Traci Melchor will arrive for second segment only.
Pine Ridge English Department is producing the"booklet".
The Panel discussion was originally scheduled for one hour this will be
shortened and the break will be 15 - 20 minutes in duration.
Ms. Foster joined the meeting and Mr. Reynolds introduced her to Committee
Members as a new member joining the Committee representing the Pickering
Library Board.
Mr. Rutland advised that Ms. Bovolaneas had not yet heard from Traci
Melchor, Keynote Speaker.
Ms. Kiyonaga advised that a dance group from St. Mary would be
participating.
Ms. Carlson stated that the Jazz Choir from Dunbarton consisting of 4 - 8
members would be participating.
Ms. Kiyonaga advised that the Committee would like to have some of the
students read their poetry.
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Mr. Matsushita advised that there would be two Master of Ceremonies one
from Dunbarton the other Pine Ridge.
Ms. Kiyonaga stated that part of the Grant Funds we receive will be to offset
costs for gifts to Speakers (participants).
Ms. Foster asked if copies of the"Booklet" could be made available to have at
the Library.
Mr. Matsushita discussed the scenarios that Pine Ridge had come up with and
asked if Committee Members had other suggestions to fax him at Pine Ridge.
Various Committee Members expressed their thoughts on the scenarios.
Ms. Winterstein discussed promotions for the Forum, Ms. Kiyonaga asked if a
clean copy of the flyer could be made available for copy, so she can get the
flyers distributed to schools.
Ms. Winterstein stated that a script had to be prepared, Ms. Foster and Mr.
Rutland offered to work on this.
Concerning the gift for the Keynote Speaker, Ms. Foster suggested that
because we have so much artistic talent in the area why not purchase a piece
of art from a local artist. Ms. Winterstein supported this and offered to call
Nancy Howell Sheridan to see if we can purchase from her.
5. Appointment of Co-Chair
MOTION:
Moved by: Mr. M. Khaji
Seconded by: Mr. T.Dionne
That Ms. Foster be the Co-Chair for the next term of three years.
Carried
Mr. Ryan thanked Mr. Rutland for all his assistance during his term as Co-
Chair.
Mr. Rutland advised that Mr. Ted Dionne had been appointed to the
Ajax/Pickering Social Development Council and their meetings are on the
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same nights as Race Relations and Equity Meeting. He asked the Committee
to consider changing the evening for the meetings starting in April.
Committee Members were asked to advise the Recording Secretary on their
thoughts.
Ms. Steer gave a brief overview of her trip to the NABSI conference in
Nevada, U.S.A.
Mr. Khaja gave an overview of the Special Dinner that was hosted at the
House of Commons in Ottawa and who attended, he also advised that on
April 20, 1998 another dinner will take place in Queens Park and Mr. Dan
McTeague will be a guest speaker.
6. Meeting Adjourned
MOTION:
Moved by: Mr. R. Rutland
Seconded by: Mr. P. Matsushita
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
Carried