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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 10, 1996 MINUTES A meeting of the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations and Equity was held in the Pickering Civic Complex on Tuesday, December 10, 1996, at 7:00 p.m. Present: Councillor Dave Ryan(Co-Chair) Roland Rutland, Social Development(Co-Chair) Jane Kiyonaga, Durham Separate School Board Ian Weber, Community Appointee Donna Bovolaneas, Community Appointee Olivia Rose, St. Mary High School Dr. Phebe-Jane Poole, Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade Abou Nabe, Community Appointee Angie Littlefield, Member at Large Fred Gibson, Community Appointee Roger Beckett, Community Appointee Stephen Reynolds, Town of Pickering Lynn Winterstein, Town of Pickering Margaret Donaldson, Recording Secretary Regrets: Jack Gardner, Durham Board of Education Staff Sergeant Gord McKechnie, Durham Regional Police Victoria George, Pickering High School 1. Welcome Mr. Reynolds welcomed all in attendance and advised that Councillor Ryan, Roland Rutland and Donna Bovolaneas would be joining the meeting later. Mr. Reynolds made reference that today, December 10, was International Human Rights Day. 2. Approve Minutes of Last Meeting MOTION: Moved by Dr. Phebe-Jane Poole Seconded by Mr. Fred Gibson That the minutes of the, November 19, 1996, meeting be approved as presented. Carried • 2 3. 1997 Event-International Day For The Elimination of Racial Discrimination Olivia Rose advised that the Youth Group (comprised of students from Dunbarton, Pine Ridge and St. Mary) have had two meetings. They have contacted Art Departments at their respective schools and there is a meeting on Thursday to choose the artists that will be working on the Mural. The Mural would be unveiled at the March event (scheduled for March 26, 1997). She stated that her Art Teacher asked if they required an adviser for the project. Ms. Littlefield described a project on which the art students at Pine Ridge were working. She suggested that maybe the Youth Group could make the Mural using 4 panels that when hinged together would make the Mural portable. She also advised that the Durham Board of Education was donating $500 for supplies for this Youth project. Dr. Poole advised that the Ajax/Pickering Board of Trade would donate $200 to assist this project. Mr. Reynolds thanked Ms. Littlefield and Dr. Poole for their assistance in obtaining these generous donations. Ms. Rose advised that the Youth Group had discussed the event names presented at the previous meeting and they thought that "THROUGH OUR EYES"was an excellent suggestion. Ms. Kiyonaga talked to the Board Superintendent and the Principal of her school and the Mural project is getting a lot of support from both areas. They are poised to get into the act in January. The Separate School Board has various concerns with regard to the proposed "Student March" taking place at this time of the year due to weather conditions. Also a comment was made that it is "Holy Week" and there will be student activities taking place at this time. Some concern has been expressed the March may bring out other groups (i.e., White Supremacist). Ms. Kiyonaga stated that she feels that it may be difficult for Grades 7 & 8 students to participate in the March. Ms. Littlefield stated that this is a very symbolic day and she feels that it is manageable to have the"Student March"but she is also concerned with regard to Grades 7 & 8 students. 3 Mr. Weber stated that his reasoning for suggesting Grades 7 & 8 students participate was to make the younger students more aware of what is happening. Ms. Littlefield stated that to keep the size manageable, representation from each school should limited. Ms. Kiyonaga stated that possibly one class per school (approximately 30 students). Mr. Weber asked what would be the cost of a bus. Ms Littlefield stated that it was approximately $70-80 per bus. Mr. Reynolds stated that we could possibly work with both Boards and Pickering Transit to arrange transportation. He also spoke to Inspector Pugh and his suggestion was that we limit it to no more than 50 students per school participating. The Police (25 Division) are very willing to assist. Ms. Littlefield asked if St. John Ambulance would be in attendance. Also the Art presentation met with a lot of support and it could be integrated into the curriculum. She also stated that the Youth Group are meeting on a regular basis and she would like them to take the initiative and contact Art Teachers, etc. to make this project happen. Mr. Reynolds stated that Mr. Gardner had expressed his support with regard to the "Student March", Mural and Art Show. Ms. Winterstein stated that she had met with Pine Ridge Arts Council and asked them to give some consideration to assisting with the project. At the present time they are just in an infancy stage and could not commit man hours to assist. She explained that art is displayed throughout the Civic Complex and advised that she was holding a time period for the art to be on display starting March 24th until April 18th. Ms. Littlefield asked what size they should use for the Mural. Ms Winterstein stated that 4 X 8 Plywood hinged so that they can be assembled when they are delivered. Mr. Reynolds advised that Councillor Ryan had contacted Nancy Howell, a local artist,who was willing to assist. Mr. Reynolds asked where the painting would be done. Ms. Littlefield asked Dr. Poole if she could contact the Board of Trade to see if they could find any empty space. 4 Ms. Bovolaneas advised that she had identified two individuals, Aisha T. Umar and Jason Humphries, whom she felt would be excellent Youth speakers for the event (evening program). She distributed information with regard to their backgrounds, and also suggested that maybe we could contact Lisa Flood, former Olympian to see if she would be interested in being our third speaker. Ms. Bovolaneas was given approval from the Committee to firm up these requests. Ms. Littlefield asked who would be responsible for promoting this event. Mr. Reynolds stated that the Department of Culture & Recreation will work with the committee to promote the event Mr. Rutland advised that he had spoken to the Drama Teachers at Pine Ridge and St. Mary Schools and they are very interested in our concept. After various discussions on themes for skits it was suggested that possibly someone should be responsible for co-ordinating this just in case we end up with similar skits. Ms. Kiyonaga suggested that if we set parameters we will not get carbon copies. Councillor Ryan stated that we should be relying on the Youth Group. They should come up with skits then advise the committee what they require. Ms. Winterstein stated that the Civic Complex location does have limitations and the performers should visit as early as possible. Dr. Poole asked when would the space be needed and for how long will the material be on site. Ms. Rose felt daytime and evening hours would be required. Ms. Rose felt there was a lot to be taken back to the Youth Group to discuss. Councillor Ryan stated that he had reviewed the concept of the event with the Mayor and it was well received and he has given a lot of moral support. Ms. Kiyonaga suggested that the Youth Group make contact at their respective schools to get support and a time line. Ms. Winterstein stated that she felt there should be a staff adviser with regard to limitations of the location. Can we do the Mural, Art Show and drama performances in the Council Chambers. ° 5 Mr. Reynolds advised that the whole building plus possibly the Library could be used. Mr. Reynolds asked if the Committee was in agreement of having 3 speakers and 3 skits for the evening event. Everyone agreed on the concept of the Mural. It was suggested that instead of having a Juried Art Show,just having an Art Exhibit. All Committee Members agreed. School Art Teachers will be responsible for selecting of work to be exhibited. It was suggested that the Art Exhibit could be moved to the Recreation Complex. Mr. Reynolds asked how the Committee felt about the "Student March". Ms. Kiyonaga again advised that the Board was very supportive but did have a concern regarding safety (e.g., weather) and the timing (religious calendar). She suggested the March could be postponed until better weather. Ms. Rose stated that the Youth are interested in hosting the "Student March" in May. Mr. Reynolds advised that a Town of Pickering Youth Week has been planned for May. Further discussions continued with regard to the "Student March" being symbolic and awareness raising. Councillor Ryan stated that the initiative should come from the Youth and we have alternatives for the March event. Ms. Rose advised that maybe we could hold an International Cafe. Students dress up and serve desserts from different countries. Ms. Winterstein suggested a literary concept. Produce a small brochure (could be printed at the Town). Ms. Bovolaneas stated that given the other concerns it is important to commemorate what is March 21st. How about an Assembly being held in each school during that week. Ms. Kiyonaga advised that these Assemblies are happening now. Maybe the media should be made aware when they are taking place. Mr. Reynolds asked what is happening in schools in March. Ms. Kiyonaga suggested we get an inventory from each school. 6 Mr. Rutland suggested that we could develop this further. He suggested creating a Race Relations Award (Mayor's Award), recognizing outstanding school participation in the area of race relations. This could be an annual award. Mr. Nabe thought that Ms. Kiyonaga's idea was good (get an inventory) then we can plug into their events. He appreciated Mr. Rutland's comments - good suggestion,maybe it could be put into place for 1998. Mr. Reynolds asked who should be contacted in schools to get information. Ms. Kiyonaga advised each school would have to be contacted. Maybe the information could be part of media package on what is happening in Pickering to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Mr. Nabe stated that it would be appropriate for the Heritage Ministry to have a listing of all Youth activities. The position on Youth is very important as we are having a Youth Forum. Mr. Rutland asked would it be possible to invite the Co-ordinator of Race Relations from the Durham Public and Separate Boards to attend the meeting in January. Ms. Kiyonaga will invite the Co-ordinator from the Separate Board and Mr. Rutland will contact the Durham Board. 4. Next Meeting January 14, 1997 - 7:00 p.m. Ms. Bovolaneas suggested postponing discussing the Database update until the April meeting. crec\rrmin9\cr1000