HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 3, 2008
Cil1J o~ Minutes
Pickering Advisory Committee
On Race Relations & Equity
April 3, 2008
7:00 pm
Main Committee Room
Attendees: Sethu Madhavan, Community Appointee
Marisa Carpino, City of Pickering, Vice-Chair
Margaret Lazarus, Valley Farm Public School
Siobhan Saravanamutto, Dunbarton High School
Sharon Singh, Pine Ridge Secondary School
Linda Roberts (Recording Secretary)
Absent Councillor David Pickles, Chair
Kirk Mark, Community Appointee
Tanya Malika Foster, Community Appointee
Fred Gibson, Pickering Carib Canadian Cultural Association
Cathy Grant, Pickering Public Library
Mariyah Gonzales, Dunbarton High School
Ishu Vij, Dunbarton High School
Philip Howard, Durham District School Board
Joanne Guindon, Durham Catholic District School Board
Also PresentTiera Dookhie, J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate
Emily Honsberger, Dunbarton High School
Erin Kann, Journalism Student, Guelph/Humber University
Item /
Ref
#
1.0
Details & Discussion & Conclusion
(summary of discussion)
Welcome
Action Items I Status
(include deadline as
appropriate)
2.0
All
Marisa reviewed the action items from the previous
minutes. Siobhan indicated she did not have
anything further to report on the multi-cultural event
bein held at Valle view Public School at this time.
A roval of Minutes
3.0
All
Minutes of the March 6, 2008 meeting of Race
Relations were approved.
Page 1
4.0 Events
4.1 Tapestry
Marisa provided an overview on the Tapestry event
to be held on June yth. She explained that we
partner with the Pickering Museum on this event.
There are 6 or 7 groups confirmed to attend. There
is also a Ribfest event happening here this year on
the same weekend. This will be held at the City
Complex on June 6, 7 and 8. This could provide
possible promotion opportunities for the Tapestry
event.
4.2
Diversity Workshop - Review
Siobhan provided an update on the workshop which
was held over the March break.
. Good size group - 20 students registered
. Participants were from grades 6 - 8
. Participants were enthusiastic about events
and were actively involved in activities
. Lots of positive feedback from students as
well as parents
. Suggested extending it next year
. Parents suggested a summer camp
Marisa thanked everyone and commended
[YOU]nity and the Library for their involvement and
support in this event. She requested pictures of the
event be forwarded to her. Siobhan noted that
Emily may head up this event next year with the help
of Tiera.
4.3
Discussion ensued with respect to any possible
changes for next year. Siobhan noted they will be
having a follow-up up meeting next week.
Forum - Review
Marisa informed the Committee that the writing
contest was a great event this year and provided an
explanation of the forum for the guests In
attendance.
. This year's statement was "Imagining my
Siobhan to provide
Marisa with photos
Page 2
Diverse Community in the year 2025".
· Over 100 entries this year, 700 in total to date
. Event is normally held in conjunction with
"International Day for the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination", which is held on March 21st.
Marisa circulated the program from the event,
photos, and the News Advertiser article, which ran a
story on the event.
5.0 2008 Annual Workplan & 2007 Annual Report
Presentation
Marisa informed the Committee that the revised date
for presentation to Council IS May 20th. She
requested the Committee start to think about our
2008 initiatives. She reviewed the 2007 work plan
items.
A brief discussion ensued with the following
suggestions being made;
. [YOU]nity to hold a Fall event - possibly
sometime In November - coffee house -
being a celebration of culture, open to
everyone with youth performers participating.
Marisa suggested use of our internal
resources for promotion
. Outreach - have more cultural community
organizations become involved and attend
meetings
. Website - link [YOU]nity to Pickering Activity
Council (PAC) for teens
. Community Survey - continue with this and
strive for further success in 2008
. Hold an event similar to the writing contest,
being in visual artforms - use art as a form of
expression - student could submit a piece of
artwork that relates to their
religion/background
Marisa noted that Councillor Pickles would like to Marisa to follow up with
expand on the cultural calendar by noting all the Councillor Pickles
significant dates.
Marisa advised the Committee that May's agenda
will have the writing contest listed and advised that
she will have a draft at the next meeting. She
All
Page 3
-- -~
requested everyone to think of a statement for the
writing contest for 2009.
Marisa informed the Committee that she had not
received any revisions to the 2008 annual report,
and that it will be presented to Council on May 20th
beginning at 7:30 p.m. She welcomed all members
to attend the Council meeting that evening.
6.0 Other Business
Marisa stated that Philip Howard had requested that Marisa to action, will
she forward a summary of the forum to him. also forward photos
8.0 Next Meeting
Thursday, May 1,2008 at 7:00 pm in the Main
Committee Room
Meeting Adjourned: 7:40 pm
Copy: City Clerk
Page 4