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9/11 sparks interest in education on differences Marshall Elliott, former executive director of the New Canadians' Centre, says his reasons stem primarily from the events of September 11, 2001. "What I witnessed, having worked in the multicultural centre, was the potential backlash to people of colour, or people who were different, and not just those from the Arab or Muslim communities," says Marshall. He says he views the upcoming forum as an opportunity
to raise sensitivity to people who are different, particularly people
who are visibly different. "My sense [during my work as executive director] was that if people are not comfortable in the community because they feel they are different, they are less likely to be engaging themselves in the community. And that, unfortunately, just raises suspicion and more anxiety about these people," says Marshall. Marshall hopes to see an education plan come out of the forum so that any issues of potential conflict, particularly with people with racial, ethnic and cultural differences, can be modified and also understood within the larger picture. Marshall explains his view of that larger picture, "These individuals are no different from you and I, and have no different needs than you and I. We have to meet them where we find them." Marshall is also hoping to see some sort of network
of individuals emerge from the forum that any individual or agency could
access with concerns in the area of conflict or tension. The Peaceful Communities forum is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24, during the Week Without Violence. |
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